08 Sep Ten ways to increase your HR-know-how

Increasing your HR-know-how

There are things you can do or steps you can take to increase your HR-know how. Please don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you can rely solely on your HR department, manager, or your trade union representative. No, the onus is on you to take personal responsibility to be HR-aware. Listen, even a basic understanding is better than no knowledge. Let’s look at ten practical ways you can do this:

Ten things

1. Read your organisations policies and procedures. Yes, I know I’ve said it before, but I can’t emphasise how vital it is, firstly because your employer expects you to (and quite rightly so), secondly and, respectfully, what you don’t have time to do is go through a process. Put the protected time in your diary and read. See https://pdsdev21.co.uk/know-your-policies-and-procedures/
2. Sign up to free online learning from Arbitration Conciliation and Advisory Service (ACAS). ‘Acas provides information, advice, training, conciliation and other services for employers and employees to help prevent or resolve workplace problems.’ Topics include bullying and harassment, discipline and grievance, flexible working, managing absence and so forth – http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2113
3. Subscribe to an HR weekly blog – like this one 🙂 to receive consistent updates.
4. Subscribe to employment law updates from law firms.
5. Attend employment law updates – some law firms provide these free of charge a couple of times a year, and they may deliver them in your organisation – ask your HR department.
6. Attend HR training provided by your employer or professional organisation.
7. Observe an employment tribunal – it’s an eye-opening experience.
8. Listen to podcasts and read books – Living Strategy by Lynda Gratton is still one of my favourite HR/people management books.
9. Speak with your manager and ask them whether it would be possible to take minutes at an HR meeting.
10. Shadow an experienced manager. 

Take action in ten minutes or less

Everyone can take some form of action on any of these points in ten minutes or less – what will you do to increase your HR know-how?  Drop me an email and let me know!

Remember, be HR-wise.

© Dawn H Jones is an HR Specialist. 

Initially published 5 November 2018; minor updates 6 September 2020.

Please note that this post does not constitute specific HR or employment law advice. If you require help, please contact an appropriately qualified professional or drop me an email – info@hopeplace.co.uk