Make your mark as a true HR professional

IPM Membership – Make your mark as a true HR professional

HR Professionals have a big job to do – they are tasked with balancing the needs and interests of many stakeholders. HR has been labeled as the gatekeeper, supporting managers only, or seen to be playing the role of ‘policing arm’ for executive management. There is a perception that the interests of employers come ahead of employees, and criticisms include that HR has insufficient understanding of, or regard for, employee concerns. In order to correct these perceptions, two things are necessary.

One is a great HR department that ensures, as Susan Heathfield describes “an employee-orientated, productive workplace in which employees are energized and engaged”. Two, is that HR “needs to do a better job of touting its own horn and educating staff about what they are contributing”. And what should they be contributing? Here is a list of responsibilities she draws up that signals HRs importance (read the full article here):

1. Recruiting a superior workforce – including systematic processes, expertise, training and assistance.
2. Recommending market-based salaries, and setting the strategic compensation plan.
3. Well-researched, cost-effective and effectively implemented employee benefits programmes to attract and retain the best employees.
4. People strategies that align to achievement of strategic goals – think about changing circumstances, new products and markets, and HR leading the way with employee programmes and processes.
5. Playing a strong advocacy role for employees that cements relationships and enhances productivity.
6. Monitoring the culture – not owning it – everyone in the organisation should have ownership.
7. Owing the talent management processes, including management development, performance management, succession planning and career pathing. This is owned with other managers, and HR brings new ideas and effective practices into the organisation.

This is not an exhaustive list. We expect you are already thinking of other responsibilities that fall under your umbrella as an HR professional, and we’d like to hear them below.

Whatever you’re tasked with, or you actively take on, we want to encourage you to see the IPM as a partner in getting it ‘right’. Why? Because the IPM is a SAQA-recognised professional membership body dedicated to you. We can provide your stamp of professionalism as an HR practitioner. Our Professional Membership is awarded to members in line with our mandate from SAQA. And once you are a member, you have access to a package of benefits designed to provide you with the strategic thought leadership and practical tools you need to influence ad have impact at work. You join a diverse network of peers and secure discounted rates on workshops, events and conferences. You open up opportunities to sit on committees, and will be able to access our mentoring programme. In addition, you get a copy of our HR journal, People Dynamics Magazine, each month, as well as an online subscription to other leading journals in the HR and business management space.

Challenge the negative perceptions of HR, serve the needs of all your stakeholders, and lead their interests with good practice standards. Make your mark as a true HR professional and become an IPM member today. For more information about our full range of benefits, and the Professional Designations that signal your badge of recognition to industry, visit our website here: www.ipm.co.za/membership-benefits/

If you would like to become a member of IPM you can apply here or contact the membership team on +27 (011) 544 4400 / email info@davestatelite.co.za