How Can We Foster Gender Inclusivity in HR While Valuing Diverse Skills?

HR Spot12
The evolution of HR as a discipline

HR has traditionally been perceived as a women-centric discipline. The evolution of this branch of management can be traced back to the 1900s, where HR professional roles were held by women playing a caregiver role, known as welfare secretaries, who ensured the safety of mill workers. To date, it is true that we see more women than men opting for a career in human resources. Having good communication skills, good PR skills, and the ability to empathize with others are key attributes that most women in HR possess.

However, nowadays, it cannot be a woman-oriented role anymore, as every organization needs a mix of skill sets and attributes, combined with the knowledge of what an organization needs to support and promote its business objectives and foster a good work culture. These days, more and more people are taking human resource training and entering the workforce. It is a career suitable for anyone, depending on what they want out of the job, what their motivation is, and what they enjoy about their work. Having mixed gender perspectives and balanced points of view can only enrich a company.

Characteristics of a successful HR professional

Some definite characteristics that a successful human resource professional should possess include the following:

If you are a man:

• Work on your communication skills and get rid of stage fear. Try to speak effectively and in a way that inspires confidence. Revise your language and grammar skills.
• Try to incorporate discipline in your life. It is indeed great to be organized in day-to-day life and do everything systematically.
• Improving time management and multitasking skills will help to solidify your position as a human resource professional.
• Always stay updated with the latest industry news, as it will help you make the right decisions.

If you are a woman:

• Get a grip on your emotions. Do not let them disrupt or influence your professional life.
• Avoid gossip, bias, or partiality. These are some traits in women that are harmful to a career in human resource management.
• Practice patience and control your stress levels. Try to analyze your problems so that you do not let your personal issues affect your professional life.
• Be passionate about your work and set targets so that you consistently work to attain your goals.
Babu Alexander
Concerns About HR Practices

It is heartening to note and express my feelings and concerns that some young male HR professionals are tarnishing the image of the "Human Resources Department" through their conduct. Although they are well-paid, they focus more on commissions, kickbacks, or bribes from all contractors involved in manpower (security, canteen, manpower supply, and other resources arranged through the HR Manager). Their kickback earnings often exceed their salaries from the company. This issue is prevalent mostly in private joint venture companies and industries.

The Role of Contractors in HR Practices

Currently, many multinational corporations have resorted to using numerous contractors, even for production jobs. The more manpower hired through different contractors, the more power the HR Manager has to negotiate or coerce contractors into paying higher kickbacks. These earnings are not sustainable. I suggest that the HR community focus more on task orientation, fostering a culture of competitiveness, performance, ownership, and innovation. Earning through performance bonuses is more sustainable. There is a saying, "Take care of your people; they will take care of your business." If exposed, those involved in unethical practices will lose face among their peers.

I hope the HR community takes this in the right perspective and commits to avoiding such earnings, as they certainly will not last long.
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