A career in human resources can be made up of a variety of aspects, depending on the company you work for. This career path is centred on dealing with people, and because the workforce is changing, it requires professionals who can adapt to the shift. These changes have created a demand for professionals with technical skills and an understanding of how to drive business and effectively structure organisations for success.

 

Here are 4 skills in demand in the HR industry:

1. Talent management skills

At the heart of it, HR is about people and ensuring that they are well managed. Talent management is an important skill, because it deals with being able to attract skilled professionals and integrate them into the workplace, as well as being able to retain and develop current workers. Successful talent management is partly achieved through a process of evaluating individual skills, talents, and characters, and matching them to suitable positions within an organisation.

 

2. Payroll skills

It is important to keep up with technological advances that affect the day-to-day activities involved in the payroll function. These technological advances are usually designed to improve the efficiency of the payroll system. If the payroll system is not managed properly, it could lead to negative consequences, such as employees not being paid on time, or company payments not being made. This is why HR professionals specialising in payroll are in demand. These individuals need to be skilled in using payroll software, and must be technologically savvy.

 

Also read: HR Structures in the Workplace

 

3. Data analytics skills

HR professionals with technical skills, such as skills in data analytics, are in specific demand in this field. These skills can help them to better understand and interact with future and current employees. Data analytics skills can help them to gather and analyse data so that they are able to use it to support their strategies and initiatives for achieving their goals. Being skilled in data analysis can also help HR professionals to communicate information more effectively by using evidence-based arguments to bring across their point.

 

4. Adaptability

It is important for HR professionals to be flexible and able to adapt to changing environments and trends. The workforce is multi-generational, which requires HR to be open to different ways of thinking and doing.

HR professionals who are able to adapt to changing circumstances are able to shift and alter their strategies when changes happen so they can better serve an organisation, its employees, and external parties involved in the company. This creates a better work environment for all and encourages growth for the organisation. It will also help them to build better relationships that will help the company succeed.

 

Also read: 5 of the Top Career Choices in HR

 

The role of HR professionals is central to ensuring that employees and the organisation itself are managed in an effective way that serves all parties. Skills such as adaptability, data analytics, and talent management are among the most important. These will ensure that employees work in an environment that allows for personal growth, while also growing the organisation. HR professionals can therefore be seen as the heart of the company and are central to the success of all the parties involved.

 

Click here to read about the 4 entry-level jobs you can apply for as an HR graduate.