The adoption of HR Practices over the time

 

HRM & Its Importance

HRM stands for Human Resource Management. It is the process of managing people within an organization or business to maximize their potential and achieve organizational objectives and goals. The key functions of HRM are, recruitment, selection, training, development, compensation, and evaluation of employees to ensure that they are actively contributing to the success of the organization as a whole. HRM also involves in the creation and implementation of policies and procedures that ensure the fair treatment of employees, compliance with labor laws, and the development of a positive and productive work environment. The ultimate goal of HRM is to align the organization's human resources with its strategic goals and objectives, and to create a workplace culture that promotes employee engagement, productivity, and retention. HRM has come a long way since its inception, and today it plays an essential role in the success of any business. In this article, we will explore the evolvement of HRM, highlighting its key stages and arguing why it's essential for businesses to understand its evolution.



HR Practices from Historical perspective to Now.

1.Slavery

Slavery has been a part of many ancient civilizations, but it was not without its drawbacks. Buyers were granted authority over their property, while servants were subject to harsh conditions, unrelenting labor, and physical violence. Despite these realities, slavery persisted, serving as a reminder of the inhumane treatment of our fellow human beings.

2.Serfdom

Was Slavery Really Evolving After All?

The practice of slavery became unpopular in the mediaeval era, and peasants were the poorest people living in small villages and towns. They were known as serfs and were considered property of the owners of the farms. In exchange for their hard work, the landlords offered them a plot of land on which to live and cultivate crops. The only way out of serfdom was to return the plot of land and all advances with interest to the master. Despite being based on the concept of authoritarianism, serfdom retained a human element in the relationship between the servant and the master. This practice of managing human capital died with the abolition of the feudal system, but it can still be found in rural areas today.

3.The Industrial Revolution - The Beginning of Evolution

The industrial revolution in the late 18th century saw a rise in the trend of managing people at work. By the end of the 19th century, companies such as Cadbury had appointed officers to improve working conditions, set up sickness payment schemes, and provide subsidized housing. FW Taylor pioneered scientific management in the early 20th century, arguing that there was a 'one best way' to handle every job efficiently. Taylorism was adopted by fast-food companies and Ford, providing tools like job analysis, training, and selection methods.

4.The World Wars - The Most Significant Transitions

During the Second World War, women were recruited to fill the void left by men leaving for the war. Research from the late 1930s revealed that motivation can have an impact on performance management. Full-time working practices were reinstated, leading to a bureaucratic image of emerging professions. In the 1960s and 1970s, the social sciences were influencing personnel theories, and by the 1990s, employers recognized the value of human resources. This marked the start of the greatest transition in human resource history.

5.Post World War – The Now

Human resources is becoming increasingly complex due to technology, which has shifted the focus from personnel management to increasing employee engagement and developing the company culture. Understanding the needs and motivations of a diverse workforce is key to attracting more talented employees. Human resource management today involves assisting employees at every stage of their career, from hiring to retirement.


What are the most significant changes in HR practices in the last decade?

Over the last decade, HR practices have undergone significant changes. One of the most notable changes is the rise of social media, which has transformed recruitment and employer branding. The gig economy has also emerged, leading to the need for new policies and practices to manage contract workers. Employee well-being has become a top priority, with companies offering wellness programs and mental health support. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift to remote work, dynamic reallocation of resources, and digitization and automation. HR professionals have had to become more agile and strategic, playing a critical role in helping organizations move to a fully virtual environment. Looking to the future, HR trends for 2023 include the use of AI and machine learning, employee experience, and diversity and inclusion.

What are the challenges HR professionals face in the current business environment?

HR professionals face several challenges in the current business environment. One of the top challenges is identifying and hiring candidates for open jobs. The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to the need for managing remote and hybrid work, ensuring pay equity, and staffing HR roles within the organization. Rapid turnover and the need to reskill and upskill employees are also significant challenges. Additionally, HR professionals must navigate the changing legal landscape, including new regulations around data privacy and diversity and inclusion. The pandemic has also highlighted the need for employee well-being, mental health support, and flexible work arrangements. HR professionals must be agile and strategic, playing a critical role in helping organizations adapt to the changing business environment. 


Why is it essential for businesses to understand HR Practices evolution?
 

It is essential for businesses to understand the evolution of HR practices because it can help them adapt to the changing needs of the workforce and stay competitive in the market. HR practices have shifted from an administrative focus to a more strategic and agile role. HR has become more employee-centric, focusing on employee well-being, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and talent management. Understanding these changes can help businesses develop new HR operating models that fit their unique nature and needs. Additionally, businesses can leverage the latest HR trends to attract and retain top talent and ensure that they are meeting the changing demands of the workforce. By understanding the evolution of HR practices, businesses can create a more productive and engaged workforce, leading to increased profitability and growth.

        


                                                                                                                                                            

The Forecast of HR Practices

HR practices will continue to change and adapt in the future, with a focus on employee well-being, increased use of technology, greater emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), soft skills, and more opportunities for remote work. Companies may focus on mental health resources, flexible work arrangements, and wellness programs, and use AI and automation to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

                                                                    https://www.selecthub.com/hris/hr-trends/

Conclusion

Management of human resources has steadily changed from being a simple administrative task to a key business partner. New concepts, techniques, and technologies have been introduced at every step of human resource management, making human resource operations more effective and efficient overall. To fully appreciate the contribution that HR makes to the success of the firm, businesses must comprehend the evolution of HRM. Businesses that make investments in human resource management and implement state-of-the-art HR technology will be better positioned to draw in, keep, and develop top talent, which will lead to improved employee engagement and company success.


References

HR:evolution: The position of hr (2020) YouTube. Available at: https://youtu.be/JNqbAAXgsKI (Accessed: April 17, 2023).

Metaliya, D. (2023) The evolution of Human Resource Management Practices over the years, ITChronicles. Available at: https://itchronicles.com/human-resources/evolution-of-human-resource-management/ (Accessed: April 17, 2023).

Dixit, R. (no date) HR trends for 2023: Future of Human Resource Management, SelectHub raquo. Available at: https://www.selecthub.com/hris/hr-trends/ (Accessed: April 17, 2023).

MacArthur, H.V. (2022) HR's new role: How human resources needs to evolve to support the future of work, Forbes. Forbes Magazine. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/hvmacarthur/2021/03/18/hrs-new-role-how-human-resources-needs-to-evolve-to-support-the-future-of-work/ (Accessed: April 17, 2023).

Milligan, S. (2021) 6 trends that changed HR over the past decade, SHRM. SHRM. Available at: https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/news/hr-magazine/0817/pages/6-trends-that-changed-hr-over-the-past-decade.aspx (Accessed: April 17, 2023).

Robert Half (2023) Top 5 challenges HR professionals are tackling today, Robert Half. Available at: https://www.roberthalf.com/blog/management-tips/top-4-challenges-faced-by-human-resources-professionals (Accessed: April 17, 2023).

Adhikari, V. (2022) The top challenges for Human Resource Management in 2022, LinkedIn. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/top-challenges-human-resource-management-2022-varsha-adhikari (Accessed: April 17, 2023). 



Comments

  1. Thank you very much for the valuable message. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. Hi Ramya, It's wonderful to hear that you found my blog on the adoption of HR practices over time informative and helpful. Thank you so much for taking the time to read it and share your positive feedback. The adoption of HR practices is a critical process for organizations to improve their overall performance and create a positive workplace culture. It involves identifying and implementing HR practices that are suitable for the organization's unique needs, evaluating their effectiveness, and implementing them to improve the organization's overall performance. The adoption of HR practices is essential for organizations to remain competitive and adapt to the changing needs of their workforce. Organizations must continually evaluate and update their HR practices to stay ahead of the curve and meet the evolving needs of their employees.

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  2. Your blog post provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of HR practices over time, from the industrial era to the digital age. You have done a great job of outlining the key trends and changes in HR practices, such as the shift towards employee empowerment, diversity and inclusion, and the use of technology.
    It would be helpful to include some tips on how to effectively implement new HR practices, such as involving employees in the process, providing training and support, and measuring the success of the new practices. Hope to see some of those in the coming blogs.

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    1. Hi Prasadi, Thank you for your valuable comment. Yes, I will be discussing about such benchmarking in my upcoming blogs.

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    2. Your blog post gives a thorough summary of how HR practices have changed through time, from the industrial to the digital eras. Your excellent job of highlighting the main developments and trends in HR practices will be very beneficial for my academic work.

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    3. Hi Ashkar, I am grateful for the kind words of appreciation for their blog on HR trends and developments. My goal is to provide readers with informative and thought-provoking content that helps you stay abreast of the latest developments in your field. Your appreciation has inspired me to continue writing and sharing my knowledge with you. I hope to continue providing valuable insights into the evolving landscape of HR practices.

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  3. The evolution of HR practices in the modern day world involves a focus on employee well-being, flexible work arrangements, diversity and inclusion, and using technology to streamline HR processes. HR is also increasingly partnering with business leaders to align HR goals with overall business objectives, and is using data analysis to make data-driven decisions. HR is placing a greater emphasis on creating a positive employee experience, which includes fostering a supportive work culture and offering opportunities for growth and development.

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    1. Hi Amal, I absolutely agree with what you said about how HR practices have changed in the modern era. Modern HR strategy must prioritize employee well-being, flexible work schedules, diversity and inclusion, and the use of technology to speed up HR procedures. For the purpose of developing a highly engaged and motivated workforce, it is also crucial to place an emphasis on fostering a great employee experience through a supportive work environment and growth possibilities. To maintain the efficacy and efficiency of HR processes, it is crucial to follow the trend of matching HR goals with overall business objectives and employing data analysis to make data-driven decisions. Overall, your statement accurately captures the major developments in contemporary HR procedures and emphasizes the significance of developing a helpful and encouraging work environment.

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  4. The article discusses the evolution of human resource management practices from ancient times to the modern era. The article highlights the key stages of evolution and argues that understanding this evolution is essential for businesses to align their human resources with strategic goals and objectives. I completely agree with the author's views that HRM has come a long way since its inception, and it plays a crucial role in the success of any business. The historical perspective provided in the article is well-supported by Briscoe, Schuler, and Tarique's book, "International Human Resource Management: Policies and Practices for Multinational Enterprises," which highlights the key functions of HRM, including recruitment, selection, training, development, compensation, and evaluation of employees. The author also cites Lawler and Boudreau's book, "Global Trends in Human Resource Management," which emphasizes the value of HRM in the modern era. Moreover, the article highlights the significance of creating a positive and productive work environment, which is well-supported by Farnham's book, "Human Resource Management in Context," that discusses the creation and implementation of policies and procedures for the fair treatment of employees. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive and informative perspective on the evolution of HRM practices, and it is essential for businesses to understand this evolution to create a productive and engaging work environment.

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    1. Dear Hassan, I express my sincere appreciation for your recent contribution to my article on the adoption of HR practices over time. Your references have been incredibly valuable in providing additional insights and data to support my research. Your contribution has helped to enrich the article and make it more informative and comprehensive.
      I am grateful for your willingness to share your knowledge and expertise on this subject, and I am confident that your contributions will enhance the value of the article for my readers. Thank you for taking the time to provide these additional resources and for your ongoing support.

      Delete
  5. The blog post provides a historical overview of HRM, highlighting its key stages, and arguing why it's essential for businesses to understand its evolution. The post discusses how HR practices have undergone significant changes over the years, from managing slavery and serfdom to a focus on employee well-being, diversity and inclusion, and talent management. The rise of social media and the gig economy, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, have accelerated these changes, making HR professionals more agile and strategic.

    As a critical comment, The blog post provides a useful overview of the evolution of HR practices. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the post presents a western-centric view of the history of HRM. HRM practices in different cultures and regions can vary significantly due to cultural, economic, and political factors. Therefore, it is essential to understand the context in which HRM practices have evolved to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the subject.

    My question to you Jothi, How can businesses ensure that their HR practices are inclusive of diverse cultures and regions, and what are the benefits of doing so?

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  6. Hi George, I agree to your review & yes HRM practices in different cultures and regions can vary significantly due to cultural, economic, and political factors. Thank you for the directions which will definitely help & improve my upcoming articles as well. As to answer your question, Businesses can take steps to ensure their HR practices are inclusive of diverse cultures and regions by conducting a diversity and inclusion audit, developing cultural awareness training, incorporating diverse perspectives in decision-making processes, providing language support, and creating a safe and respectful workplace for all employees. The benefits of inclusive HR practices are numerous, such as enhancing innovation and creativity, attracting and retaining top talent from diverse backgrounds, and improving employee morale and engagement. By taking these steps, businesses can reap the benefits of a more diverse and engaged workforce, leading to better business outcomes.

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  7. This article presents a historical overview of human resource management practices, highlighting their key stages and arguing for the importance of understanding their evolution. HRM involves the management of people within an organisation to maximize their potential and achieve organisational goals, focusing on key functions such as recruitment, selection, training, development, compensation, and evaluation of employees. The evolution of HRM can be traced back to slavery, followed by serfdom and the industrial revolution, which saw the rise of managing people at work. The World Wars led to significant transitions in HRM, and by the 1990s, employers recognised the value of human resources, marking the start of the greatest transition in HR history. In recent years, HR practices have undergone significant changes, including the rise of social media, the gig economy, employee well-being, and the COVID-19 pandemic. HR professionals face challenges in identifying and hiring candidates, managing remote and hybrid work, rapid turnover, and navigating the changing legal landscape. Understanding the evolution of HR practices is crucial for businesses to adapt to the changing needs of the workforce and stay competitive in the market. Great writing Jothi.

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    1. Thank you for your feedback on my post on the evolution of human resource management practices. I'm glad you found the historical overview and important stages of HRM evolution useful and insightful.
      I absolutely agree that understanding the evolution of HR practices is critical for organizations to adapt to changing labor needs and remain market competitive. As you indicated, HR professionals today confront a variety of issues, including navigating the shifting legal landscape and managing remote and hybrid work arrangements.
      I appreciate your input and encouragement, and I want to continue offering useful information about HRM practices and their influence on businesses in the future.

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  8. The significance of HRM in contemporary corporate operations and its transformation from an administrative role to a strategic business partner are both highlighted in your statement. Companies may recruit and retain top talent, increase employee engagement, and ultimately promote business success by making investments in HR technology and using cutting-edge HR practices. Organisations must emphasise HRM as a significant element of their entire business strategy and acknowledge the importance of their people resources.

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    1. I completely agree with your comment about the importance of HRM in modern corporate operations and its transformation from an administrative role to a strategic business partner. In today's rapidly changing business environment, human resources have become a critical driver of organizational success. By investing in HR technology and employing cutting-edge HR practices, companies can improve their recruitment and retention efforts, boost employee engagement, and increase productivity.
      Organizations that emphasize HRM as a substantial component of their overall business strategy and recognize the value of their human resources, in my opinion, will be better positioned to handle future problems and emerge as leaders in their respective industries.

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  9. You have elaborated very well on HRM. Human resource management is intended to protect the company and its employees. As a risk management specialist, you'll help manage your company's risk in a manner that involves statistical analysis, knowledge of business law, and overall improvement of company policies and practices.

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    1. Thank you for reading and commenting on my post, which offers an important perspective to the discussion.
      Human resource management plays a critical role in protecting both the company and its employees, and it necessitates a combination of statistical analysis, business legal expertise, and overall improvement of company policies and practices. HR professionals can assist in identifying potential risks and developing mitigation methods, ensuring that the organization follows legal and ethical norms.
      Furthermore, successful HRM can help boost employee engagement, retention, and overall job satisfaction, all of which can benefit the company's bottom line. Companies may foster a culture of trust and accountability by treating people as valued assets and investing in their growth.

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  10. This is a good article to get an understanding of the changing trens in the field of HR Management.

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    1. Thank you for reading and leaving a comment. I am delighted that you found the material interesting.
      I'd like to supply you with some extra sources to back up the information presented in the essay.
      The Harvard Business Review, for example, has published multiple pieces on the development of human resource practices, including "The Evolution of Work: The Changing Nature of the Global Workforce" (2019) and "The Future of HR: 10 Strategies for Every Human Resources Team" (2018).
      Furthermore, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has published a slew of papers on HR trends and practices, including "The Evolution of HR Technology" (2020) and "2021 HR Trends to Watch" (2021).

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  11. Your article provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of HRM, highlighting the significant changes and challenges faced by HR professionals in the current business environment. HRM has come a long way since its inception, and today it plays a crucial role in the success of any business. The key functions of HRM are recruitment, selection, training, development, compensation, and evaluation of employees to ensure that they are actively contributing to the success of the organization as a whole. Good article!!

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    1. Since its inception, human resource management has come a long way and now plays a critical part in the success of any firm. HRM's primary duties include employee recruitment, selection, training, development, remuneration, and assessment. HR specialists are in charge of providing a healthy work environment, fostering employee engagement and well-being, and ensuring that the organization's ethical and social duties are met. HRM is a dynamic and ever-changing field, and it is critical for HR professionals to stay current on the newest trends and best practices. This article provides a overview of the growth of human resource management as well as the issues and possibilities that HR practitioners face today.
      Thank you for your comment and for your interest in this important topic

      Delete

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