The Role of Human Resources in Workplace Management
Decision-making is integral to every human resources manager’s role in any firm, regardless of size or sector. There are many decisions to be made, from deciding where to keep expensive new machinery and other assets to figuring out how to save money by outsourcing routine tasks.
How can HR managers coordinate the myriad of decisions, demands, queries, and options that arise? How do they ensure that your workplace runs without disruptions, that everyone who works there feels secure and supported, that everything gets done efficiently, and that your HR team provides the best possible results?
This is where effective workplace management may significantly affect your company’s performance. A well-managed workplace can benefit you with anything from employee morale and space planning to preventative maintenance and relocation (and everything in between).
This article explores the role of human resources in workplace management and how organisations can coordinate a harmonious and productive work environment.
What exactly is “workplace management”?
The term “workplace management” refers to the process or plan implemented by businesses of any size, in any industry, with any number of employees, to optimise workplace conditions in terms of efficiency, productivity, cost-effectiveness, and general administration.
Many people lump this in with real estate and facility management. Still, it’s really its own thing, encompassing things like ensuring workers are happy, ensuring their safety, making the most of available space, analysing finances, and managing assets.
Workplace management encompasses a vast scope of issues, including but not limited to the following:
- Organising spaces and arranging equipment
- Finding better use of office space
- Planning workplace expansions
- Improving attitudes toward work and employee contentment
- Fostering feelings of safety and protection
- Streamlining and automating workflows
- Managing workplace-related spending and expenses
In the end, workplace management encompasses anything that contributes to the business’s and its employees’ mental and physical health.
The value of workplace management
Human resources services are responsible for increasing the company’s profit by making the most of its employees. The most optimal organisational structure for the workforce is priceless because it helps optimise personnel costs and expenditures.
When a company is efficiently organised, it enhances employee productivity and contributes to achieving its overall financial objectives. Other benefits of effective workplace management include the following:
- Increasing employee engagement and productivity levels
- Improving morale and boosting staff commitment
- Increasing retention rates and reducing turnover
- Reducing workplace-related costs on equipment and accessories such as office supplies
- Enhancing regulatory compliance with applicable laws and regulations
- Protecting employees and company assets
Ultimately, all employees want to work in a well-managed environment, and a well-managed workplace contributes significantly to enhancing the company’s operational performance and achieving its business goals.
The role of human resources in workplace management
Human Resources is in charge of establishing workplace norms and policies and formulating management strategies that optimise performance and improve the company’s bottom line.
A well-managed workplace is the backbone of a thriving and competitive organisation, just as human resources services are the foundation of any successful company. When the HR team concentrates on managing employees in the workplace, it is also accountable for ensuring that these individuals are aware of their place in the organisational structure and can function effectively.
The human resources team should have an in-depth understanding of every factor that affects employees in the workplace and the organisation’s overall health. Analysing these factors at a detailed level will allow the human resources team to present company executives with meaningful and precise data, which they can use to make effective business decisions.
From furniture placement, seating, and office design to influencing decisions about budgets and job responsibilities, human resources employees serve an integral role in any organisation. Identifying areas where the company is spending too much and can cut costs while optimising efficiency will bring a strategic advantage to the company.
This cross-functional role of human resources in workplace management allows the team to advise senior managers on critical staffing decisions, thus serving as a crucial communication link between employees and executives.
Boosting HR capacity in workplace management
HR-savvy organisations can increase their return on assets, have higher profit margins and customer loyalty, have more productive employees, lower employee turnover rates, and reduce operating costs.
Effective workplace management is contingent upon businesses, large and small, acting proactively to boost their HR capabilities. Building a highly skilled and dynamic HR staff and workforce allows companies to use their spaces more effectively, streamline operations, and drive more revenue over time.
While small businesses may seem more flexible in their use of space and more able to weather economic downturns, they can benefit significantly from looking at how they can make their current space work harder for them. Instead of buying additional expensive office space, businesses can consolidate into their existing areas, freeing up capital and real estate for other purposes.
Large companies will typically focus more on designing an innovative workspace and ensuring that it aligns with the needs of employees. Managing a larger space and the logistics of multiple locations can also be challenging. When working to improve your company’s productivity, consider these workplace factors alongside everyday human resources tasks.
Outsourcing HR tasks
Regardless of size or sector, it is vital for organisations to effectively manage critical HR tasks such as recruitment, payroll, and training. Human resources managers can only achieve workplace management with the right support. Outsourcing these tasks will free up the HR department to concentrate on developing and implementing strategic plans to improve staff performance.
Outsourcing is beneficial as organisations gain access to a wide variety of expertise, services, and technology to increase efficiency and lower overhead costs. They will be able to focus on their core business and not have to deal with the repetitive and time-consuming tasks associated with staffing and administration.
For example, outsourcing payroll means HR experts work with their clients to define how and when employee payments will be made and manage sensitive tasks like tax returns. Because outsourcing agencies can tailor the approach to meet the needs of individual companies, outsourced human resources services provide valuable flexibility to organisations.
MASA’s human resources services
Human resources services encompass various activities, from recruitment and selection to training and development and everything in between. Workplace management is a core part of the overall HR strategy, which should be customised to suit each individual business.
Measured Ability (MASA) has years of experience providing flexible human resources services to businesses across various industries. We understand that every organisation is different and will work with you to create the most optimal solution for your company.
We structure our human resources services to ensure ROI using an efficient and cost-effective approach. You can visit our website to learn more or contact us to connect with the leading HR specialists in South Africa.
