Address Today’s Workforce Challenges through Human Resources Management

In today's job market, where job hopping is becoming more common and the war for talent is fierce, it has become increasingly important to have trained human resources (HR) professionals who understand the needs of employees and can help them feel valued. 
 
The advent of new technologies and the shifting priorities of modern employees have also transformed the workforce. One of the most visible changes is the growing focus on work-life balance. Employees want to feel like they have a sense of purpose in their work, and they want to have a fulfilling personal life as well. Another major change in the workforce is the emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Employees from traditionally underrepresented groups are looking for workplaces where they feel valued and have opportunities for advancement.  
 
To address these emerging concerns, organizations need capable professionals in all areas of human resources, including compensation and benefits, talent acquisition, and DEI. These professionals can help create a culture that values and supports employees. They work to develop policies and programs that meet the needs of the modern workforce. They also play a role in the recruitment process, which is vital in finding the right talent that aligns with the company's culture, values, and mission.

Key Areas in Human Resources  

Human resources is a broad field that encompasses a wide range of functions, each of which requires specific knowledge and skills. HR professionals who are interested in career advancement can gain expertise in several areas, including: 
 
Talent acquisition: Talent acquisition focuses on recruiting and hiring the best candidates for open positions within the organization. Professionals in this field are responsible for sourcing candidates, conducting interviews, and making hiring decisions. 

Employee relations: The employee relations sector works to maintain positive relationships between employees and management. This area focuses on addressing employee concerns, mediating conflicts, and promoting a positive work environment. 

Compensation and benefits: Developing compensation and benefits packages is integral to a company's operations. These professionals are responsible for determining salaries and benefits, creating and managing employee benefit plans, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. 

Training and development: Training and development is a valuable way for an organization to invest in its growth. This area focuses on providing employees with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their roles. Professionals in this field are responsible for identifying training needs, creating and delivering training programs, and evaluating their effectiveness.  

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI): The DEI space attempts to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all employees. These professionals develop policies and programs to champion the fair treatment of all employees and address issues of bias and discrimination. 

Labor relations: Labor relations focuses on managing relationships between management and employees or labor unions while ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations. Professionals in this area are responsible for negotiating collective bargaining agreements, mediating disputes, responding to grievances, and representing the company in labor-related disputes. 
 
Each of these functions requires different skills and knowledge, and professionals can choose to specialize in one or more areas according to their interests and career goals. The programs offered through LSU Online & Continuing Education provide education and skills in these human resources areas while allowing SHRM certified professionals to turn their current SHRM Certifications into college credit.

The Value of Employee Benefits in HR  

As previously mentioned, HR professionals are essential to helping a company attract top talent, foster a positive and inclusive work environment, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and minimize risk.  
 
However, retaining employees is one of the most critical functions of a business, as hiring new employees can cost three to four times the position’s salary (1). HR departments that create good employee benefits can bring significant value to a company by helping to keep employees in the organization. Employees who feel their benefits meet their needs are more likely to be fulfilled and engaged in their work. 
 
Employee benefits can also contribute to employees' overall well-being. For example, offering health insurance and wellness programs helps employees take care of their physical and mental health while improving their productivity and job satisfaction. Offering financial benefits such as retirement plans or student loan repayment assistance can help employees plan for their future and ease financial stress. 
 
The right mix of employee benefits can also promote a culture of equity and inclusion within the company. With perks such as parental leave or flexible work arrangements, employers can support employees with different needs, promoting a more diverse workforce.  
 
Education benefits are an innovative and valuable perk that companies can incorporate into their benefits plans. As the focus on skill development and training increases, employees are looking for ways to upskill. With LSU Online & Continuing Education, employees can take online classes on their schedule and learn new skills that help them be better at their current jobs and prepare them for career advancement. The professional development and workforce training solutions that LSU Online & Continuing Education offers are designed to be highly accessible and increase employees’ practical knowledge.  

If your organization is interested in providing education benefits for your employees, reach out to our partnerships team. 

Become an HR Expert with LSU Online & Continuing Education  

The human resources field has many moving parts, and the constant changes in the workforce make having adaptable skills more necessary than ever. LSU Online & Continuing Education offers a wide range of programs for professionals interested in pursuing or advancing careers in this dynamic field. From certificates to undergraduate degrees to graduate programs, LSU Online & Continuing Education provides access to online programs designed to teach students the knowledge they need to excel. We also offer flexible program options that allow students to balance getting an education with their work and personal responsibilities. 
 
LSU Online & Continuing Education offers access to the following online programs to help professionals become more knowledgeable in the field: 

• MBA: Human Resource Management 
• MS in Leadership & Human Resource Development
• MS in Leadership & Human Resource Development: Workforce Development
• BS in Leadership & Human Resource Development
• BS in Learning Experience and Instructional Design
• BS in General Business: Human Resource Management 
• BS in Management & Administration
• BS in Management & Administration: Human Resource Management
• Management & Leadership Series MicroCert
• Learning Experience Design Certificate
• Project Management Certificate
• Project Management with Agile Certificate
• UI/UX Design Bootcamp
• Human Resource Management Certificate 

Students who already have certifications or prior experience in the field may be able to save time and money on their program through Prior Learning Assessment. Qualifying certifications may earn 3-6 credits toward certain degrees. If you are interested in learning more or enrolling in a program, contact an Enrollment Coach. Get started achieving your goals today!