Do you have human resource management experience?  It seems as though it’s common to run into people with any kind of working experience who say they have HR experience. A lot of people can say they’ve hired and fired employees at some point in their careers.

Human resource management involves far more, though than just the processes of hiring and firing. HR can also include such competencies as cultural effectiveness, interpersonal communication, and leadership. That’s not to mention business acumen, consultation and critical evaluation. 

We can look even closer at HR in relation to various domains. 

Within the people domain, you’re dealing with employment engagement and retention, learning and development, strategic planning, talent acquisition and total rewards.

Within the organizational domain, you’re dealing with the structure of HR functions within a business as well as employee relations, organizational effectiveness and development and technology management.

When you look at the domain of workforce management, HR supports companies in a global context. that includes corporate social responsibility, employment law compliance, diversity and inclusion development and implementation and risk management,

Considering all these domains within the HR role, it becomes overwhelming. 

Where do you go for education, resources and a network of support? I found that much-needed support by joining local and national HR associations.

In Mesa County, that organization is the Western Colorado Human Resource Association. WCHRA has operated for more than 25 years, offering monthly lunch meetings, annual conferences and other networking opportunities. 

WCHRA is a chapter of a national organization called the Society for Human Resource Management.

The benefits I’ve gained from my membership in these organizations is priceless. I’ve gained confidence in my role as an HR professional by earning certifications supported by WCHRA with study groups. I’ve improved my leadership skills by becoming involved in the chapter at a board level. This also allowed me to reinforce collaboration, communication and listening skills. 

It’s been invaluable having a network of professionals I can call upon, especially for those unusual situations. I can reach out to someone for guidance.

Attending monthly WCHRA meetings keeps me updated about HR issues and changing laws. At the same time, I further develop my network of support.

Through membership in SHRM, I have access to sample forms and policies, how-to guides and other templates. SHRM also offers members additional support by connecting them with experts to answer questions about critical issues.

Continuing education opportunities are offered through WCHRA and SHRM with conferences and webinars as well as scholarship and volunteer opportunities.

If you’re looking for educational updates, a network of support and other HR resources, considering joining WCHRA and SHRM. I did and would recommend the same to anyone with HR responsibilities in a business.

More information about WCHRA, including contacts for board members and upcoming events, is available online at www.wchra.org.