HUMAN Capital - Summer 2016 - (Page 7)

leADerSHIP mATTerS Hr Professional: an inspired Career bY CHrIS mCNellY, mbA, CHrP The Hr profession is a broad, complex, dynamic and multifaceted profession that has evolved significantly over the past decade. The roles and functions of Hr vary considerably across organizations depending on the size, sector and nature of business. Few professions can boast the diversity of roles one can pursue when choosing Hr as a career. The opportunities are extensive with challenging and rewarding roles in compensation, labour relations, learning and development, talent management, workforce analysis, and wellness as just a few examples in the Hr field. Hr has advanced to embody a strategic and holistic approach to managing people and incorporates innovative approaches in the application of theories in human behaviour for the strategic utilization of human capital to establish a productive work environment that enables employees to effectively contribute to the achievement of organizational goals. The scope of Hr practice involves the development, implementation and enforcement of policies and procedures that effectively coordinate and manage an organization's talent. A career in Hr requires extensive creativity and multi-disciplinary knowledge to resolve workplace issues and apply analytical techniques to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of employee programs. Hr professionals must have a comprehensive understanding of operations to engage in strategic planning and be able to translate the organization's strategy into actions. Hr professionals have greater responsibility, decision-making authority and fiduciary accountability within the organization, particularly in relation to workforce planning, compensation and Hr metrics. Hr professionals provide guidance and advice and are responsible for mitigating legal risk by ensuring that the organization adheres to provincial and federal employment and human rights legislation and regulations. Hr professionals are relied upon to accurately interpret and articulate how legislation, regulations, collective agreements and other contractual obligations apply in any given employment situation. Workplace conflicts or grievances that are mishandled or left unresolved tend to result in legal action and have a detrimental effect on the organization. Hr professionals play a vital role, not just in the workplace, but also in society; one which effects the welfare of other people. From recruitment to retirement, Hr fosters a direct and ongoing mutually beneficial relationship between the employee and the employer. This cooperative relationship is unique and influences the conscience of the organization's culture. Designated Hr professionals are distinguished through their adherence to a Code of ethics and rules of Professional Conduct and commitment to continuing professional development to maintain their professional designation. Hr professionals require breadth and depth of knowledge in the following functional areas: * Strategy * Professional practice * Engagement * Workforce planning and talent management * Labour and employment relations * Total rewards * Learning and development * Health, wellness, and safe workplace * HR metrics, reporting and financial management In addition, Hr professionals are expected to demonstrate proficiency in the following enabling competencies: * Strategic and Systems Thinking * Professional and Ethical Practice * Critical Problem-Solving and Analytical Decision-Making * Change Management and Cultural Transformation * Communication, Conflict Resolution and Relationship management A career in Hr starts with HrIA membership where you will be part of a professional community of over 6,000 members with access to valuable resources such as research, professional development, and networking opportunities. HrIA is the provincial body that grants the professional designation in Hr and aims to regulate the Hr profession in Alberta. Since its founding, HrIA has continually advanced the Hr profession by enhancing the rigour and quality of its certification requirements in response to industry trends and is dedicated to strengthening the Hr profession. o HumAN CAPITAl | Summer 2016 | 7

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of HUMAN Capital - Summer 2016

Leadership Matters
Tech Talk
Career Crossroads – Which Path Should I Follow?
Grow Your HR Career by Helping to Grow Your Organization
Individual Career Pathing: Taking Charge of Your Own Career Path
Career Pathing Case Study: CompuCom Performance Support and Development Strategy
Encore Careers
When Organizations Need Career Pathing Options
HR’s Future Career Path
Legal Source
Policy Corner
Suppliers Guide
Index of Advertisers/Advertisers.com

HUMAN Capital - Summer 2016