Importance of upskilling HR personnel

By Jonah Nyoni | Feb. 3, 2024 | 3 Min read

HR deals with almost everyone in the company, and that calls on them to think how they contribute to the bigger strategy by making good use of human resources. Developing strategic skills enables HR personnel to align workforce planning with organisational goals, contributing to overall business success.

FAST-PACED change is constantly disrupting the roles of a human resource (HR) practitioner, hence the need to be an avid learner.

Upskilling HR personnel in any organisation is crucial to stay abreast of evolving workplace dynamics, technological advancements and changing legal landscapes. It ensures they can effectively manage talent, navigate complex HR processes and contribute strategically to organisational success.

Additionally, upskilling cultivates a culture of continuous learning, enhancing the overall resilience and adaptability of the HR function.

Strategic decision-making

Also, HR managers should not only limit themselves to HR content by widen their scope and crucial books to read would be Good Strategy Bad Strategy: The Difference and Why It Matters by Richard Rumelt and The Toyota Way by Jeffrey K Liker.

Adaptating to technology

Tech developments have brought about new tools and models. So, the HR manager has to be abreast and stay relevant. Upskilling equips HR professionals with the technological expertise needed to leverage advanced HR software, analytics tools and automation, streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency.

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The HR manager needs to move with speed, agility, efficiency and effectiveness as John P Kotter points out in his book Accelerate: Building Strategic Agility for a Faster-Moving World.

Internal communication

The work place culture is built through employee engagement or internal communications. It is up to the HR to cultivate such a culture.

However, this does not come automatically, it takes intentionality and training. Enhanced skills in employee relations and communication help create a positive workplace culture, improving employee satisfaction and engagement.

So, HR has many tools to hone the communication capabilities. I would recommend two books: Talk to Win by Lillian Glass and No Rules Rules by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer.

Legal compliance

Regular upskilling ensures HR stays informed about changing labour laws and regulations, reducing legal risks and ensuring the company’s compliance with employment standards. A non-reading HR practitioner will always be caught flat-footed at the expense of the company.

Talent acquisition

HR should have an eye for talent and be able to place it in the right place. Zig Ziglar wrote: “Man was designed for accomplishments, engineered for success and is endowed with seeds of greatness.”

We are differently gifted, which is very important. The HR manager goes beyond bookish intelligence and should master personality types, emotional intelligence and above that understand the power of purpose and how to channel it properly.

Additionally, advanced recruitment and selection skills enable HR to identify and attract top talent, reducing time-to-hire and ensuring a competitive edge in talent acquisition.

Data analysis

Proficiency in data analytics enables HR professionals to derive insights from workforce data, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning.

Learning and development

Arie De Geus once said: “The ability to learn faster than your competitors may be the only sustainable competitive advantage.”

Upskilled HR personnel can design effective training programmes, fostering continuous employee development and improving overall organisational performance.

Conflict resolution

Enhanced conflict resolution skills help HR professionals address workplace conflicts efficiently, maintaining a harmonious work environment. This takes great communication skills and emotional intelligence.

Change management

Change is a permanent thing. Whether you like it or not, change is always going to come. Change will take a great HR person, who loves the power of learning.

Warren Bennis, in his book Why Leaders Can’t Lead, said opposing chance is like opposing the weather; you will not win.

The best way is by learning how to set your sail so as to make the best out of the winds of change. With upskilling, HR can effectively lead and manage change initiatives, ensuring a smooth transition during organisational transformations.

Open your mind to possibilities

The mind of an HR should be open because s/he is dealing with people and operating in a global village. Developing a global mindset enables HR to navigate diverse workplace environments, supporting international business operations and multicultural teams.