Human Resource Management (HRM) takes a strategic approach in developing and maintaining a qualified workforce to gain a competitive advantage. The role of a Human Resource Manager in the strategic process is to focus on the specific areas that will contribute to the overall effectiveness of the organization. If you were an HR Manager which would you focus? Give a rationale for your choice(s).

• Knowledge workers-Seeking individuals who have the skill set to perform the specific functions of the job
• Financial Crisis-Ensuring the organization can meet financial obligations when the external environment (economy, laws) negatively impact the organization along with not meeting forecast annual sales.
• Ethically and socially responsible to the needs of society
• Work life balance for all employees

Answer:

I would focus on the following two issues:-

First:- Knowledge workers-Seeking individuals who have the skill set to perform the specific functions of the job

Reason:- Finding the right candidate for the right position is the biggest challenge which has to be encountered by any HR manager. This will decide the overall performance anf profitability of the firm. If there is a mismatch between the skill set of the employee and that of required on the job, then there are greater chances of losing the employee or having some losses due to mismatch.

Second:- Work-life balance for all employees

Reason:- Many employees are very dedicated to their jobs, but there are also many in the workforce who try to adapt to both the needs of a demanding professional and personal life. They feel an unbalanced approach to their workweek and deem necessary to request for a more flexible work schedule and cite the ultimate reason of wanting quality in both their work performance and their home life. Working parents of young children are concerned with dropping their kids off at school just as employees with elderly parents who are concerned with dropping them off at elder care facilities or having to assist with their parents' daily care. And of course, the obligation to pick them up at the end of the day is still another concern. There are also reasons aside from family care issues such as some employees who must still attend or teach classes, or that other workers have second jobs; and also, there is the need to avoid the time-consuming traffic jams, thus working in a non-traditional setting becomes a lifestyle choice.

Work-life balance provides an opportunity for the manpower to effectively manage their personal and professional lives. This helps them to be motivated all the time, put their best effort at work and results in greater job satisfaction and improved social and personal life of employees. This types of strategy really help the organizations to reduce employee turnover, job dissatisfaction and improve efficiency and output of an employee. Thus these types of strategies are the investments rather than a cost to the organization