“(…) When companies increase their staff, the Human Resources department must expand its structures and functions. There comes a time when organizations see signs of growth, and it's critical to anticipate what's to come. This is the precise moment when professionalizing the Human Resources department becomes essential. “When a company begins to grow, needs arise that cannot be met with a precarious structure, and they pose the dilemma of converting this "salary and wage settlement entity," which is sometimes even outsourced, into part of the structure. But it's very difficult to make that decision in a timely manner. At what point do you go from having a small staff that, in addition to HR issues, does other things, to professionalizing the area because the company's growth demands it?”
Following articles like the one published by the newspaper La Nación*, we are once again emphasizing the importance of not only having strategic planning related to Human Resources that will help us manage our organization, but also the need to be attentive to changes taking place internally.
The Human Resources department is established when, in its normal growth process, a company begins to feel the need for a specialized area for certain functions that are becoming increasingly complex. At the time of its creation, the department is usually small and limited to handling administrative matters related to personnel. However, as the organization and its demands grow, the Human Resources department acquires greater importance and complexity. It is essential that it begin to be considered a professionalized and differentiated area within the structure, assuming a leadership and support role in the integration of all areas and stakeholders involved in the management of the company while developing a bond with the staff.
The transition from a personnel office that handles purely administrative matters to a Human Resources Development department involved in all activities that impact the retention and growth of people in our organization is no easy task. First, we must be fully aware of the need and importance of the department in order to then provide a framework for action consistent with the work they will perform in the company. Once we achieve this, we will begin to see the fruits of more efficient management in our work with our employees.
Action Group has extensive experience advising on all phases of HR development to facilitate the process and ensure the desired results.
* LA NACION. Employment & Human Resources Supplement. By María Inés Viturro. August 20, 2006
