HR has been around for decades; however, the industry as we know it is changing beyond all recognition. This is in great part down to the rapid advancements in digital technology.
The changing face of HR
According to an article published in Forbes back in 2015, human resources was already dead. The article points out that the term was first used by an economist back in 1893, at a time when workers were viewed as capital assets of a business rather than individuals in their own right.
Throughout the 20th century, HR was a crucial aspect of every business with employees. It handled everyday aspects that affected workers, such as preparing contracts of employment, organising payrolls, and dealing with legal matters pertaining to employment law.
Today, the goalposts have moved significantly. People around the world are more connected with each other than at any previous time in history, with the digital revolution changing the way we interact and work for good.
Running a dedicated HR department in the 21st century is now an unwanted and unnecessary expense for many businesses that would prefer to allocate their budgets towards marketing, digital promotions and investing in newer technology. Where does this leave the necessary HR functions that still need to be addressed?
A new way of dealing with HR topics
With more people than ever before opting to work remotely, the old model of an in-house HR team is no longer relevant. Increasingly, companies are opting to outsource their HR functions, calling on dedicated businesses to deal with their HR requirements.
The benefit of HR outsourcing services from companies such as www.mushroombiz.co.uk/homepage/services/hr/ is that businesses do not need to invest time and money in recruiting, training and maintaining a dedicated HR department or team; instead, they can use a ‘pick and mix’ approach, utilising the service as much, or as little, as they need.
From handling payroll, creating staff handbooks and drawing up contracts to dealing with legal matters pertaining to employees, an outsourced company is there when you need it. This leaves your company better able to manage its ongoing budgetary requirements with the minimum of disruption.
The HR department may indeed by dying; however, for the time being, at least, most businesses will still need to maintain some sort of HR function for their employees.