New to HR: What Should I Learn First and What Skills Are Essential to Succeed?

Dear team, I need your suggestions as I have recently joined the Human Resources department and I am eager to enhance my knowledge in this field. Which topics would you recommend I focus on to improve my understanding? Additionally, what key qualities do you believe are essential to excel in HR? Thanks in advance.

Dear Shafaque, you have joined the HR department, but you have not mentioned the nature of your industry, the finished product or service of your company, the employee count, the total number of HR personnel in the HR department, or to whom you report.

Establishing Credibility

Your primary duty is to establish your credibility in the eyes of your boss. Therefore, first understand what the expectations of your boss are. Once you know this, identify the knowledge and skills required to meet those expectations. Then, assess what knowledge you possess and what you do not.

Improving Productivity

Your focus should be on improving your individual and organization's productivity. Therefore, work on it with perseverance.

Addressing Business Challenges

Lastly, today organizations face the challenge of a slump in demand. Therefore, sustaining the business is a top challenge for your boss. To assist your boss, I recommend finding ways to reduce the cost of operations. If you can reduce costs, consumption of resources, or process turnaround time, you will justify your recruitment. Prioritize this task.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Thank you for your reply. Actually, I have been the sole individual in my department handling HR responsibilities for the past 7 months in the hotel industry. However, I am keen on transitioning to the corporate sector and thus, I am looking to enhance my skills.

Currently, I manage a team of 150 employees, and I possess a total of 3 years of experience in HR.

Thank you for your attention.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Understanding the Role of HR in the Hotel Industry

If you are from the hotel industry, then let me apprise you that the General Manager (GM) of the hotel is a person who rules the roost. Therefore, understand his expectations from you and start working on them.

A job in the hotel industry is not technically complex. However, success depends on one's involvement. Therefore, you need to be involved in the workings of each and every department.

HR's Role Across Hotel Departments

The HR function transcends into all other functions like housekeeping, front office, F&B Production, F&B Service, etc., in the hotel industry. Therefore, you need to understand how each department functions. To know this, you need to attend the briefing by the HOD whenever the shift commences or changes. Understand how the duty roster is made in each department and what the allocation of manpower is. Understand whether the HoD of any department treats his/her subordinates brazenly in the department.

Additionally, be available at the front office when the checkouts happen. Observe the body language of the hotel's guests. Interact with them and identify the causes of their dissatisfaction if any.

Importance of Communication Skills

Lastly, command over English is valued most in the hotel industry. Therefore, spend at least half an hour every day improving your grammar. Please note that learning grammar is a lifelong process and does not end with one's schooling. Besides grammar, oral communication is valued in the hotel industry. Therefore, improve fluency in English.

If you do all of the above, you will lay a path of success in your career.

All the best!

Regards, Dinesh Divekar