More Than Human Resource

Human Resource is Parenthood-like in the company. Because -if not the same- there are similarities that could associate between the two. Here the HR is the parent and the children are the employee.

For example, children become familiar with the world s/he living in through the efforts made by their parents. Parents introduce the world and teach them nothing but life until they are grown-up. Same as in the office, aside from orienting the new employees about their duties and responsibilities, the HR together with the immediate senior is obliged to introduce and install to the new employee the company’s core values, vision, and missions, and especially the training to be imparted into them for a probationary period, placement, or for constant Employee Development that aims to advance or to grow as they get long in the organization. And let them realize the organization's culture from those who make the culture such as co-workers and other seniors in the various department of the company or even the owner of the company himself.

A parent is always after his/her children, the same thing with, HR is always after the employees’ welfare. HR always sees to it that the interest of its employees will not be undermined in making a final decision. The employees' welfare will always be a top priority because the human asset is the most valuable asset of the company greater than making a profit; their benefits and compensation must be delivered fairly and just; their working conditions must be humane to prevent them from injury and life at stake and provision of health programs must serve; they always assured that their children are guided on the day-to-day chores with proper coaching, and mentoring to keep them updated to share their skills and talents for the full potential development of the incumbent workforce.

A good child is molded by the example set by his/her parents. Like parents, HR stands as a role model for the employee. HR must be firm especially when trying to wean the employee from certain behavior or instilling discipline. HR discipline is amounting to reprimand, suspension, demotion, or unfortunate termination in equal to undesirable behavior or bad actions done by an employee; or anything causes expressed under Article 282 of the Labor Code of the Philippines for just dismissal.

Children with exemplary behavior are rewarded commonly with tangible materials like typical gifts we all know and even allowance increases which is always been a good motivator [as stated in Theories on Wages]. Likewise, based on Performance Appraisal results evaluated by HR, giving a reward is via recognition, remuneration increase, or any form of incentives, or promotions to the people who are excellent in their own duties and responsibilities.

Parents listen to his/her children's feelings. Same with feelings or grievances rise by an ordinary employee or a group of employees, either represented by a union, or a group orchestrated by management for the people assemble to prevent them from joining the union. The HR listens to them with their ears wide open to address and balances the scenario. Wise decision-making necessarily needs to remedy a problem or straighten things right for them to achieve success in their work. A situation like this is primarily seen in Counselling Approach or in Labor Relations and Negotiations intervention for collective bargaining agreements.

Parents plan the future of his/her family, likewise, in human resource planning or creating a business proposal, the HR needs to foresee the needs of the company. The aim of HR planning is to ensure that people will be available with the right competencies whenever or wherever the organization needs them. HR plans critically for efficient recruitment procedure, execution, and retention; plans not only for the spontaneous operation of the company but also for them to improve, develop, and expand their services, brands, or both such as merging or venturing or acquiring into another line of business, or entering into the global market.

Like parenting, HR’s role like any other profession is easier said than done. It takes a lot of courage and hard work to make things work. Indeed HR is responsible for nurturing people just like every parent does at home. A good relationship reflected between a parent and a child is actually healthier when it transcribes to the workplace.

In the Philippines, where the local culture still puts a lot of emphasis on relationships and the desire to please another person and to avoid anything that may disappoint the other (Manotok, 2012), the need for a good relationship in the workplace bonds people together and working together helps to reach a common goal to attain collective success.