How Earning an HR Management Degree Sets Business Majors Apart
The role of human resource management continues to evolve. Those who earn an HR management degree today often work in collaborative positions, working closely with top executives, ensuring the many functions of HR support a company’s long-term strategic ambitions.
Human resource management is a complex, challenging job. One of the most essential challenges is building a recruiting system that attracts and retains high-quality, talented employees whose skills match company needs. Other focus areas include creating and managing strong workforce training programs, developing leadership within the ranks of company employees, and building a diverse, inclusive workforce.
HR managers also must maintain high standards of professionalism and ethics. As detailed in the code of ethics from the Society of Human Resource Managers, “As HR professionals, we are responsible for adding value to the organizations we serve and contributing to the ethical success of those organizations.”
Accomplishing these goals requires HR managers with a unique mix of business and human resources skills. These required skills lead many aspiring HR managers to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management (BSBA) with a Human Resources Management concentration. The skills and knowledge they learn help them stand out from the competition for HR management positions.
What Does An HR Manager Do?
An HR manager’s role differs depending on the specific business and industry. However, HR managers have recently become more directly involved in business strategy. Leaders now recognize the need to incorporate HR when developing business plans.
Those who earn an HR management degree bridge the gap between setting company goals and recruiting and training the people who can meet those goals. They also assess worker productivity and recommend how changes could improve company performance.
Human resource managers also:
- Oversee the administration functions of an organization.
- Ensure regulatory compliance.
- Train employees.
- Oversee employee benefits programs.
- Manage all tasks and paperwork involved with the hiring process.
- Mediate employee and management disputes, including directing disciplinary actions.
Companies compensate HR managers well for performing these complex job duties. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that HR managers made a median annual pay of $130,000. They also project a 5% increase in HR managers over the next decade.
Some of the Top Challenges in HR
Due to the complex nature of the job, the list of human resource management concerns and challenges is long. However, the following five issues rank among the most likely HR managers currently face. Skills learned in an HR management degree program focusing on human resources prepare graduates to succeed in these situations.
Talent Acquisition and Retention
Finding and retaining top talent is a perpetual challenge for HR managers, especially in competitive industries or regions. Attrition rates, competition for skilled workers, and changing workforce demographics complicate this challenge.
Employee Engagement and Satisfaction
Ensuring employees are motivated, engaged, and satisfied is crucial for productivity and retention. HR managers must implement strategies to boost morale, promote work-life balance, and create a positive company culture.
Performance Management
Developing effective performance management systems, providing constructive feedback, and aligning individual goals with organizational objectives are ongoing challenges for HR managers.
Workforce Diversity and Inclusion
Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace is critical for HR managers. They must work to create inclusive environments, address bias and discrimination, and foster diversity in recruitment and promotions.
Employee Training and Development
Keeping employees’ skills up-to-date and fostering continuous learning is essential in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. HR managers must invest in training programs and development opportunities to support employee growth.
Workplace Health and Safety
Ensuring a safe and healthy work environment is a legal and ethical responsibility for organizations. HR managers must comply with safety regulations, implement preventive measures, and promptly address workplace hazards.
Managing Remote Work and Flexible Work Arrangements
The rise of remote work and flexible work arrangements presents opportunities and challenges for HR managers. They must develop policies, procedures, and technologies to support remote teams while maintaining productivity and collaboration.
HR Technology and Data Analytics
Leveraging technology and data analytics can streamline HR processes, improve decision-making, and enhance employee experiences. However, HR managers must navigate the complexities of effectively selecting, implementing, and integrating HR systems.
Workforce Planning and Succession Management
Anticipating future workforce needs, identifying key talent, and developing succession plans are crucial for organizational stability and continuity. HR managers must assess skills gaps, identify high-potential employees, and implement strategies to fill critical roles.
Regulatory Compliance and Legal Issues
Staying abreast of labor laws, regulations, and compliance requirements is essential to mitigate legal risks and ensure fair treatment of employees. HR managers must navigate complex legal frameworks, handle employee grievances, and address workplace conflicts in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
How A BSBA in Human Resource Management Prepares You For Success
Earning a BSBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management prepares graduates to meet human resource management needs and challenges. The BSBA program at Touro University Worldwide includes 39 semester credits. The 100% online program allows students flexibility in scheduling schoolwork around their professional schedule and to attain their educational goals more conveniently.
In the human resource management concentration, students take courses that prepare them for careers in human resource management, employee training and appraisal, human resource planning, and as an HR legal expert. The courses include:
- Training and Development Management
- Legal Environment of HRM
- Employee Performance and Appraisal Management
- Workforce Planning and Employment
The goal of the TUW program is for students to graduate with problem-solving HR management skills and a strong foundation in human resource theories. Earning an HR management degree is a smart step for those who aspire to a position in human resource management and want an education that prepares them for the profession’s unique issues and challenges.
