How does HR support employees?

Discover how HR teams support employees with onboarding, talent management, performance feedback, benefits, conflict resolution, remote work policies, and change management.

HR teams are vital in business for many reasons. From supporting remote employees, to orientation, onboarding and more, learn how HR supports employees today. 

What is the importance of HR? 

HR in businesses plays a crucial role in the creation of a positive work environment where staff feel listened to, supported and able to progress. HR professionals implement and reinforce policies, as well as facilitating change through effective communication with employees, driving overall company success. 

Ways HR supports employees 

HR is a vital industry function which spans across all departments and levels of any business. Here are just some of the many ways HR supports employees: 

Onboarding and orientation 

Ensuring new employees are seamlessly integrated into their new roles within any business is a key role of any HR team, and ultimately determines the success of the individual and their impact on the organisation.  
 
HR teams develop and implement orientation for new starters, providing all the necessary context and documentation about company policies, procedures and expectations. Training, development of staff and mentoring also typically come under HR’s remit.

Talent management  

Talent management within HR goes further than just attracting the right talent, and encompasses management, development and retention of that talent as part of an overall talent management strategy, to ensure organisations not only attract the right talent, but also actively take steps to further develop and retain that talent.

Performance management and feedback 

Another key role of HR is performance management. HR teams establish clear goals and performance metrics, offer check ins and provide regular feedback to employees to ensure that they are on track, and conduct performance evaluations. This gives employees clear steps to develop and succeed where necessary.

Benefits and wellbeing initiatives 

The wellbeing of employees is a key part of talent retention, which is why HR teams often focus on offering additional benefits to staff, many of which encourage a healthy work/life balance. 
 
When employees are treated well, have a good quality of life during working hours and are able to enjoy many benefits, it boosts loyalty, commitment, elevates productivity and can even lessen sick leave. 
 
Common benefits and wellbeing initiatives in businesses include employer pension contributions, extended maternity/paternity leave, free or subsidised private healthcare, mental health support, life insurance and public transport or company car perks.

Employee relations and conflict resolution 

In the event of a conflict or issue between employees, it is HR’s role to provide guidance, mediation and resources to address the problems effectively. This is often done by HR serving as a neutral mediator, facilitating discussions and working towards mutually beneficial resolutions.

Remote employee management 

By implementing policies and practices unique to remote employees’ needs ensures that they feel part of a team and can thrive despite the reduced face-to-face contact. In instances where there are on-site and remote workers, HR professionals will work towards ensuring that there are equal benefits for both working scenarios.

Additionally, HR teams facilitate training and development opportunities tailored to remote working environments and offer guidance on managing time effectively and striking a work/life balance while working remotely.

Navigating employees through change 

Change in business, whether procedure, policy, structural or other, can be disruptive for existing employees, which is why HR teams have clear change management strategies to navigate such fluctuations. 
 
These strategies involve clear communication about the reasons for change, the expected outcomes and how it will impact employees. Successful management of change includes giving training where necessary, addressing concerns, being transparent in comms and providing opportunities for feedback.

How an MSc in HRM can develop your people management expertise 

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of HR in the workplace, Our CIPD accredited online MSc in Human Resource Management (HRM) is designed to give you an advanced level of knowledge, understanding and ability around people management and leadership.

This course is 100% online and part-time, allowing you to work your existing commitments around your studies: