0358 - Understanding the Human Resources Function

Description

Prepare to learn the history of human resources (HR), employment laws, employee rights, HR functions, recruitment, retention, compensation management, employee benefits, and more needed to acquire successful HR professional habits.

This course is fully online, you require internet access and an email account. The course duration is 6 weeks, followed by a 2-week period
to complete the final exam (online, open book). Lessons are released on Wednesdays and Fridays of each week, for a total of 12.
You are not required to be online at any specific time. In addition to the specific lesson content, there is a discussion board with
each lesson and often there is an optional assignment to apply the learning. Following each lesson, there is a short multiple choice quiz.
Your score on these quizzes does not count towards the final mark but completing these helps solidify your learning as well as prepare you for
the final exam. The final exam is an open-book, multiple choice exam and you need to achieve a minimum of 65% on the final exam to pass the
course. There is only one opportunity to pass the exam. A certificate of completion from WatSPEED is available within four weeks of successful
completion of each course and can be accessed in your student portal. Many of the Ed2Go courses are eligible towards the various online certificates
offered by WatSPEED.

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

• PC: Windows 10 or later.
• Mac: macOS 12 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Lesson 1 - The History of Human Resources. In this first lesson, you'll journey through the history of human resources to understand the profession's evolution and significance. Understanding the history of HR provides a foundation for understanding current practices and anticipating changes. Historical examples will highlight the progression of human resources, showcasing past mistakes to avoid and illustrating the constant evolution of the field. By exploring this historical context, you'll better understand how to modify and remain competitive in the modern marketplace.

Lesson 2 - Respective Employee Rights. We'll discuss how employees and employers share a mutually beneficial relationship based on balancing responsibilities and rights. Employees are expected to perform their duties and adhere to workplace rules, while employers must provide a safe environment and comply with employment laws. This dynamic emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and adherence to decided standards. However, history shows many instances of this relationship being abused, leading to significant labor struggles. In this lesson, you'll explore the importance of employee rights, both legally mandated and morally expected, and how respecting these rights creates a workplace culture of fairness and mutual respect.

Lesson 3 - Laws Relating to Human Resources. Navigating the immense number of human resource laws in the United States can be overwhelming, especially with additional regulations at state and local levels and international laws. This lesson will give an overview of human resource laws and their impact on the workplace. While smaller employers might be exempt from some federal laws, similar state laws often apply. You'll learn to recognize the intent of these laws and how they might affect your organization. This lesson will provide insights into the practical application and importance of case law in guiding human resources practices. This knowledge will help you proactively create policies to prevent legal issues.

Lesson 4 - Human Resource Functions. In this lesson, you will gain an inclusive understanding of human resource management (HRM) and its role in enhancing an organization's performance. We'll define HRM and discuss its key contributions, such as improving productivity, fostering a positive work environment, and aligning the workforce with the organization's strategic goals. You will explore the primary responsibilities of human resource departments. Then, you will examine leadership's role in collaborating with human resource professionals and implementing HR policies and practices.

Lesson 5 - Recruiting and Retaining Employees. In this lesson, we will examine the details of developing a solid hiring process amid changing worker availability due to crises, location, industry demand, and demographic changes. The post-COVID-19 worker shortage highlighted the need for human resource professionals to improve recruitment and retention efforts, while events like September 11th and the Enron scandal led to job market declines. Matching applicant skills with job requirements is challenging. Trends like declining birth rates and retiring baby boomers suggest future worker shortages. We will explore effective sourcing and retention strategies incorporating both traditional and innovative recruitment methods that are sure to help you in your human resource career.

Lesson 6 - The Hiring and Selection Process. This lesson will focus on the hiring and selection process, highlighting the importance of finding and hiring top-quality candidates. We will discuss the necessity of a well-prepared application, crafting attention-grabbing ads, and communicating job expectations to attract top applicants. This process aims to identify the best candidate for the job. By the end of this lesson, you will be equipped with strategies to ensure your hiring decisions bring in the most qualified individuals.

Lesson 7 - Compensation Management. In this lesson, you will explore the key elements of compensation management and its importance in human resource strategy. The lesson will define the various factors influencing compensation management, like market competitiveness, budget, job value, and employee performance. You will learn about pay-related mandate laws, including minimum wage and overtime pay, ensuring fair compensation practices. We'll cover various pay strategies and how organizations use these strategies to motivate and retain employees. You will also learn the purpose of a wage survey to help organizations set competitive packages. Through this lesson, you will explore the complexities of designing effective compensation systems.

Lesson 8 - Administration of Employee Benefit Programs. In today's workplace, employee benefit packages range from basic amenities to extravagant perks. This lesson will explore strategies for implementing and managing these benefits, emphasizing the importance of effective communication to ensure employees are informed and can utilize their benefits. We will discuss the potential for outsourcing. By the end of this lesson, you will learn how to administer benefit programs successfully.

Lesson 9 - Employee Learning and Development. This lesson will introduce you to the foundational concepts of learning and development within organizational growth. First, you will distinguish between learning and development, and then explore adult learning principles. You will identify the steps in course design and compare common facilitation methods, such as lectures, workshops, e-learning, and blended learning. By the end of the lesson, you will have a greater insight into how to effectively design and facilitate learning programs.

Lesson 10 - Policy Making. This lesson will highlight the importance of employee handbooks as vital tools for guiding new employees. Comparable to a road map for travelers, a well-crated handbook clarifies organizational operations, expectations, and benefits. A company's handbook addresses questions like pay schedules and performance evaluations, helping new hires acclimate more quickly. We will explore the components of a practical employee handbook, the process of creating one, and how to avoid legal pitfalls. The lesson will provide insights into the creation and maintenance of employee handbooks.

Lesson 11 - Employee Communications. Communication is the key to a successful organization. It can influence employee morale, retention, and productivity. This lesson will explore the evolution of communication tools, from the telegraph to modern technologies. We will examine the components of an effective communications program and provide strategies for implementation and maintenance.

Lesson 12 - Human Resources: A Source of Quality. As we conclude this course, we will focus on applying human resource principles and predicting future trends. You have gained insights into various human resource functions, and this lesson will emphasize the importance of embracing solid habits and continuous improvement. This lesson will encourage you to reflect on your current practices, identify areas for improvement, and align new habits to maximize your contribution to the workplace.

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Business Essentials : Mandatory