Let’s explore 4 popular careers in human resources

Want to know whether you are cut out for a career in human resources? Most people have heard of HR or human resources but often have no idea of what it means or what people who work in human resources do. Are they the person that does the hiring and firing? Do they organise the Christmas party? Or do they sort out the pay rises people want each year?

4 Popular careers in human resources

Human Resources Officer

Human resources officers help companies to look after their employees. They assist with hiring the right people for the job. They also look at ways to develop employees skills and abilities so they can progress in their jobs. Human resources officers deal with any employee or employer complaints or grievances and arrange any necessary counselling or retraining required. HR officers manage any redundancies, maternity leave coverage and long service leave issues. Being an human resources officer requires good communication and relationship building skills. HR officers must be tactful and keep strict confidences. An important part of the role is being objective and fair in dealings with the staff. The role can be challenging as often HR officers are dealing with complaints or discipline issues across colleagues at all levels. Human resource officers are usually office based but may travel for meetings if the business has more than one site. To become an HR officer you usually need at least a VET in human resources and usually a degree in human resource management or psychology. With employment law constantly changing, equal opportunities being included in every workplace and the constant nature of hiring and firing people, human resource officer have good opportunities available to them. However increasingly specialist human resource softwares are being used by companies for many tasks which the HR officer would previously have done. For those who are knowledgeable and up-to-date with these softwares the opportunities will be greater.

For more information check out https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database/job_details/175/human-resources-officer

Remuneration Manager

The role of remuneration manager is a specialist role with a human resources department. They look at the pay and benefits given to employees. They evaluate employee wages against what’s standard for the company’s industry, and work within the set company budget to make sure employees wages are appropriate. Any benefit plans, private health or superannuation programs used by the company are evaluated and updated by the remunerations manager, and clear information given to staff so they understand what’s offered. Much like human resource officer, remuneration managers need to be tactful and discreet when dealing with staff and their pay and benefits. They need to have a good eye for detail and be accurate when dealing with figures. Also remuneration managers must be able to deal fairly and objective with colleagues from all levels of the business. The role is an office based one, where part time or flexible hours are common. To become a remuneration manager you need at least a VET in human resources. Often companies will require a degree in human resource management or psychology, or a degree in economics, business or commerce with a major in human resources. The role of remuneration manager is specialised and a number of the tasks involved can now be done with HR software, but given changing expectations around wages and benefits and the rise in contract roles, there are good opportunities for remuneration managers who are experienced with the relevant technologies and softwares.

For more information check out https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database/job_details/843/remuneration-manager

Workplace Relations Officer

Also known as industrial relations officers, workplace relations officers advise employers on their legal responsibilities towards employees with regards to workers compensation, health & safety or industrial relations. They help negotiate contracts, wages and benefits on behalf of either employees or employers to satisfy both parties. Industrial relations officers may appear at tribunals or dispute resolutions meetings on behalf of employees or employers. They work with employees to help them fully understand their rights and obligations at work. Also they train and educate employers and employees on fair work practices. To do this they need a thorough understanding of current and changing fair work practices and industrial relations legislation. Conflict resolution is often a large part of the role, so being calm under pressure whilst being assertive and fair is important. Negotiating wages or benefits is common, so workplace relations officers, need to be confident and strong communicators. Trade unions, commercial organisations and industry associations all use workplace relations officers. The role is often in an office but with meetings taking place at members workplaces or neutral locations for tribunals. To become a workplace relations officers you usually need a degree with a major in human resources management or industrial relations. While technology is becoming more common in the human resources field, the role of workplace relations officer relies very strongly on human interaction for negotiations and dispute resolution. This means there are opportunities for those wanting to be in the workplace relations field, particularly those with good bargaining skills.

For more information check out https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database/job_details/538/workplace-relations-officer

Occupational Health & Safety Officer

Health & safety is different in every work place. For those in an office the focus is more on ergonomics and accidental trips and slips, for those on a construction site, it involves dealing with heavy machinery and working at heights. Occupational health & safety officers, or OH&S officers jobs vary depending on where they work. They identify potential hazards in the workplace and advise on preventative measures. They monitor protective clothing or equipment that must be worn or used by those in the workplace. OH&S officers keep a log of all accidents, citing the cause and any injuries. They then look at how further similar incidents may be prevented. Training is given to all staff on emergency procedures and relevant health & safety advice by OH&S officers. They also create new OH&S policies suited to their workplace. OH&S officers must be up-to-date with all current safety laws and legislation and ensure their workplace is compliant with these. The role requires people who are assertive but respectful in their dealings with staff. Communication and negotiation are key, as is a problem solving nature to get the best outcome for everyone. The job involves thoroughly inspecting the workplace or job site, which requires some technical knowledge and a good level of physical fitness. Depending on the role, the job may be a standard Monday to Friday working week, or involve shift work or on-call duties for emergencies. Often some travel between sites or offices is required and a driving licence may be needed. To become an occupational health & safety officer a VET in work health & safety is required. Some more technical roles may need a degree in occupational health & safety or a relevant scientific field. There are good opportunities for OH&S officers, as the legislation around health & safety is expanding and changing requiring greater compliance from employers.

For more information check out https://blog.careerhq.com.au/become-occupational-health-safety-officer/