Hr Adaptations

HR Adaptations

As businesses strive to be competitive and successful, there is an increasing focus on methods that will attain this goal. Employers are realizing that their human capital is just as essential as their monetary capital. Employee contributions in terms of training, knowledge, insight and judgment add great economic value to an organization. (Noe, et al). Quality employees are crucial to the overall accomplishments, as well as the bottom line of a company. Human resource departments have an evolving, ever important job to adapt to processes that foster positive employee growth and contribute to this vision.

Charlotte Garvey (2005), in an article for HR Magazine describes the evolving role of HR departments. “No longer satisfied with basic metrics that show how many jobs openings are being filled or how long it takes to fill them, HR professionals are analyzing hiring data in greater depth to better determine the value of their hiring practices and to better align them with business priorities” (Ð'¶ 1). Part of this process includes examination of current trends in the workforce. Contemporary workplace trends include an emphasis on diversity, globalization, technology and e-business.

Diversity

As the U.S. Labor Force continues to grow in terms of racial, ethnic and generational aspects, companies look to benefit from a diverse workplace. “Diversity brings each of us strength in new ideas, new experiences and new contacts” (Dorsey, 2005, para.1). However, attempting to achieve a diverse workplace presents special challenges. Not only is there a goal to reach, but attempts at reaching that goal can be thwarted by a variety of issues. Personal beliefs, prejudices and stereotypes among existing employees are difficult to combat with traditional methods. Additionally, many employees cringe at the idea of yet another uninteresting, obligatory diversity learning session.

After Texaco had to settle a $175 million racial discrimination lawsuit, they set about to create an advanced diversity program. All Texaco employees are required to attend a two-day diversity learning experience. The learning experiences offer practical, real-world analysis of what it feels like to be excluded, to develop employee empathy, and improving communication skills to interact with diverse peers (Noe, et al). It is in an organizations best interest to create and maintain a diverse workforce that generates ideas representative of the changing population and global marketplace.

Globalization

HR has also had to delve into new applications when it comes to globalization. As companies look to reach into other countries to expand their business, often they will transplant an employee -- an expatriate, to assist in training employees and �setting up shop’ in the other country. It is the responsibility of HR to select and prepare employees for this endeavor. The expensive cost to transplant an employee requires that HR opt for the most viable candidate after attempting to weed out potential failures through a variety of personality testing, interviews and introductory visits to the destination country to assess their adaptability (Noe, et al).

Expansion into the global marketplace also encompasses outsourcing. Outsourcing involves a third party providing services for a company. Among the most likely services outsourced is information technology, human resources, accounting, customer support and call center functions. Although opinions on outsourcing are varied, it has proven to be a cost-effective measure, especially with technological advances. Increased use and implementation of technology allow for the efficient transfer and sharing of information that contribute to its effectiveness.

Technology and E-Business

Technology performs a vital service in any competitive