Companies that are aligned around a purpose (an HR skill) can be more successful than other companies.
Human resources training makes sense for those working in that department, but what about HR training for non-HR staff? Turns out, there are some good reasons to train all managers and other key personnel in HR principles and practices.
1. Managers and supervisors are responsible for a lot of the same things as HR staff, but without the knowledge. They need to know about regulations that should be followed and best practices for how to manage employees. There is a lot to know in the area of human resources, and formalized training through courses like those offered at CCSU is the best way for managers and other staff to be brought up to speed.
2. HR training can help companies limit liability. When employees don’t know what is required, they can make mistakes that can cost the company financially in lawsuit damages, settlements, or even just paying overtime properly. A few hours’ time spent learning can save the company many times over when all key employees know how to comply with laws and regulations.
3. HR training will help managers with recruiting and hiring. One drawback of using department managers as the hiring team is that they often don’t have specific training in the area of hiring and recruiting, so they don’t know how to approach these tasks effectively. Taking a course could help them in this important area.
4. Managers and support staff can learn conflict management and problem solving skills. These skills are key components of HR training that become important not only for managers, but other staff like receptionists or administrative assistants as well. In fact, there are few employees of any company that couldn’t benefit from training in conflict management and problem solving.
When companies get more HR training, they tend to work more cohesively.
5. In smaller companies, most employees wear many hats. Receptionists may be responsible for onboarding and training some new employees, and there may not even be an HR department to handle hiring and administration of staff. Having key employees get some formal HR training can ensure that everyone knows what to do in HR-related situations.
6. HR training can help employees articulate organizational purpose. According to author Raj Sisodia, companies that were organized around a clearly understood purpose had over 10 times the returns of S&P 500 firms overall, or 1646% between 1996 and 2011. Part of HR training is to align companies around a well-defined purpose so that each employee is able to understand and explain both the purpose and their part in it.
7. HR training helps managers focus on employees’ strengths. So many times, managers and supervisors focus on the weaknesses of their staff. They try to build up staff and help them overcome those weaknesses, but focusing on strengths can be even more effective in helping everyone contribute their best efforts to the company so that it can grow.
Are you interested in learning more about HR training and other available adult education programs? Join our mailing list for updates about CCSU continuing education courses or visit our website at www.ccsu.edu/ConEd.