The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 21 percent growth rate in the job outlook between 2010 and 2020 for HR specialists, which is faster than the average for other fields. The top five human resources skills you'll need to make an impact in 2014 are being able to navigate the changes in medical insurance laws with Obamacare, being able to handle religious matters within the company, staying updated on the latest technology in the industry, being able to hire above average employees, and learning how to recognize the potential for current employees you may have overlooked in the past. Human resource certification is not enough to excel in your career. Researching additional human resources skills is a must to make your mark on the HR industry.
According to new Obamacare stipulations, even small business owners can afford to provide coverage for employees. One of the main human resources skills you need to acquire for 2014 is the understanding of what this means for current employees as well as new ones. If your company is switching insurance policies, or implementing a new one for the first time, it will often fall on the head of HR to explain these changes in terms that your staff can understand.
Religion is increasingly becoming a hot button issue, partly due to Obamacare's stipulation of providing contraceptive care under employee medical insurance policies. While this remains in debate at the Supreme Court level, it will undoubtedly bring up other concerns of a spiritual nature. The right to your own religious beliefs is protected under discrimination laws, and many companies have policies prohibiting items such as Christmas decorations or other Christian icons in their buildings. Others provide time off during the day for certain sects who pray at certain times to celebrate their faith. Whatever set of rules your company sets to protect itself against the stigma of not being equally tolerant of all faiths, you'll need to be able to explain these limitations to employees. One of the best human resources skills you can learn is the ability to tactfully diffuse a situation that has the capacity to turn ugly.
The latest developments in HR technology enable a greater amount of data to be stored about current and potential employees. This includes greater clouds for information, continuing gamification for recruiting, training, and keeping valuable employees, and mobile applications that allow access to this technology 24 hours a day. To stay on top of the latest trends, join an online Human Resources community to read the latest developments. Additional human resource certification through extra classes that focus on HR technology may be needed to be successful.
As always, one of the greatest human resources skills to cultivate is learning how to read beyond the words on resumes. Take seminars or independently study subjects like body language and the best interview questions to ask. Also, take the time to reevaluate current employees to ensure they have not been typecast in their current roles. Don't overlook the potential of promoting within the company instead of hiring additional people for higher positions.
Use the top five human resources skills for HR pros in 2014 as a foundation for creating new aspirations in your career. Make this year the one where you successfully fulfill your professional goals.
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