9 Qualities Every Successful HR Professional Has

Image Source: Pexels

September 19 2023 - HR managers play a crucial role in organizational hierarchies, serving as a vital link between employees and higher-level management. The position is challenging, encompassing intricate tasks essential for daily operations, including employee experience management, top talent recruitment, benefits administration, and payroll processing. Success in this role is heavily based on possessing a distinct set of qualities that enable individuals to excel and be effective in their responsibilities.

One of the best things about this particular profession is that HR managers are always in demand across various industries. The field is expected to grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

With the growing demand for HR managers across different industries, it's clear that this profession offers numerous opportunities for those with the right skills and qualities. So, let's explore the qualities that every successful HR professional possesses.

1. Champions Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI):

In recent times, there has been a surge in the demand for the integration of DEI policies in workplaces. According to a recent State of HR report, 13% of respondents expressed their intent to invest in new DEI initiatives within the next year. For any contemporary organization, it is absolutely necessary that HR professionals demonstrate unwavering dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Those equipped with DEI training are at the forefront of molding organizational culture, positioning themselves as pivotal players in both the present and the future. If you are in Boston, for instance, getting an online DEI certification presents you with not only the opportunity to grow professionally but also effectively manage and support a diverse workforce. (FYI: Boston is routinely ranked as one of the top 10 places to study in the US.)

What Is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)?

Diversity: In the workplace, diversity encompasses differences in race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, age, and socioeconomic backgrounds among employees. McKinsey's 2020 diversity report revealed a significant correlation between gender diversity on executive teams and profitability, with companies in the top quartile being 25% more likely to achieve above-average profitability compared to those in the fourth quartile.

Equity: This involves ensuring impartial and fair workplace practices and policies that provide equal opportunities.

Inclusion: Going beyond diversity, inclusion emphasizes the value of diverse perspectives and fostering a work environment where every individual's input is appreciated and their well-being is prioritized.

An HR manager who champions DEI helps in cultivating a workplace with a diverse thriving workforce that makes employees feel valued and respected, leads to improving the long-term health of companies.

2. Conflict Management Skills

Conflicts at workplaces are inevitable when so many different types of people are working together. HR managers need to be sensitive in dealing with these issues. They should be able to hear both sides and come up with a fair unbiased solution. They are a mediator between the two parties and they expertly manage and deal with emotions. Coming to a fair decision that doesn't compromise anyone and is satisfactory is extremely important as an HR professional.

3. Organized

The majority of work in human resources is administrative. Dealing with hiring, paperwork to be signed, maintaining records, payrolls to be run, evaluations, and conflict resolution, an HR professional needs to stay on top and be organized. It is best to have a systemized and orderly workplace to be most efficient.

4. Have Strong Ethics

As an HR professional, you deal with sensitive and confidential information daily, you are also in charge of rules and policies. Having a strong sense of ethics that promotes fairness, justice, and respect for all is highly imperative in an HR manager. Research shows that ethical practices hold real prominence in fostering better performance among employees.

5. Leadership Abilities

Human resource managers are leaders of the organization. They are in charge of a list of important tasks and responsibilities. All of which require guiding, overseeing, and steering their employees. Leadership skills are an essential component to make thoughtful decisions about their organization's mission, to properly allocate resources, and to ensure fair and ethical practices. Leadership skills also translate to authority which is required in dealing with and influencing people. Being authoritative will let you be able to stay on top of rules and implement policies.

6. Communication Skills

As someone who is a bridge between the workforce and the management, a human resource manager needs to be quite vocal and be able to voice their opinion. They need to be able to communicate formally and informally. HR is also dealing with conducting interviews or issues on the daily so they need to be good communicators and conversationalists. You have to be clear, concise, and persuasive in both your oral and written dealings.

7. Objectivity

As someone dealing with a diverse workforce, you have to have some objectivity. You have to remain impartial and unbiased in your judgment. Being objective will help you remove your personal bias from a situation and make a fair decision about any workplace conflict that arises. The ability to decide on hardcore facts and figures without being influenced by personal biases, which lead to a healthy and fair working environment.

8. Multi-tasking capability

Being in charge of a variety of tasks you need to be proficient in efficiently allocating your time and energy. The quality of being able to handle various tasks at the same time comes in handy. It can lead to more productivity and better results. Managerial needs shift from moment to moment, and being able to prioritize on the go is important. Having a strong and effective command of technology and knowing when to delegate a certain task can lead HR managers to develop their multi-tasking abilities.

9. Employee Experience Expertise

HR professionals with expertise in employee experience focus on comprehending how employees perceive their overall journey and interactions within the company. This comprises understanding how they feel about aspects like onboarding, work environment and growth. Using this understanding, these professionals design a holistic work experience that promotes positive engagement and well-being among employees. As a result employees develop trust and strong sense of belonging within the organization.

Final Thoughts

Human resource management is a rapidly expanding field, in high demand across industries. To further your career prospects, consider acquiring professional certificates, which not only deepen your knowledge but also provide valuable credentials. These highly skilled HR professionals not only excel in their roles but also contribute significantly to their organizations, fostering positive impacts that extend beyond their own success.

More Skills Articles