Human resource management training covers all aspects of hiring and managing personnel, from recruitment to separation, and the company’s related duties and responsibilities. Although all businesses need some form of human resource management, small businesses seldom have the resources for full-fledged departments with several employees handling different responsibilities. Whether a business outsources aspects of its human resource management or has one person assigned to the tasks, the complexity of human resource issues requires special knowledge. Human resource management training can ensure that companies are applying the best practices and complying with the many laws and regulations.
Fundamentals
A training course that focuses on the fundamentals or essentials of human resource management introduces students to the roles and responsibilities of the human resource department or manager. An introductory training course might touch on issues to be covered in advanced training, such as labor law, but will cover in detail fundamentals like recruiting, screening, hiring and training employees. Other content might be payroll and withholding, confidentially, employee files, document retention and applying laws, regulations and company policies. A course on HR fundamentals might also cover job descriptions, performance measurements and the creation and use of policy and procedure manuals.
Labor and Employment Law
Human resource management training includes courses on compliance with labor and employment laws. Business owners, managers and human resource staff often take these courses. Companies can protect against lawsuits and penalties for noncompliance. Training will cover the Americans with Disabilities Act, Equal Employment Opportunity Act, Fair Labor Standards Act and Family Medical Leave Act. Trainees will learn about at-will employment, union labor, wrongful termination, harassment and discrimination. The course might cover the regulations enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, that apply to all workplaces, like the placement of labor posters, and those that apply to specific industries.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation and benefits training becomes increasingly more important for businesses as the provision of employee benefits becomes more prevalent. Compensation and employee benefits involve compliance with more laws and regulations, such as the wage and hour regulations in the Fair Labor Standards Act and laws that govern retirement plans and health care plans. Compensation plans require research and planning. Companies that offer flexible spending accounts, retirement plans and life insurance for employees need to know what the IRS requires. Learning how to design appropriate compensation and benefit packages can enhance employee recruitment and retention, ensure compliance with the laws and control company costs.
Special Training
Businesses can benefit from special training that covers areas related to human resource management, such as information technology and the use of software for payroll, personnel records, communication and collaboration. Government agencies offer training for employers to learn how to use electronic filing and reporting systems, such as tax forms and reports required from federal contractors. Human resource managers and personnel take training courses to improve interpersonal skills and techniques, including conflict resolution, coaching, business writing, interview techniques and communication.