What is the role of the Human Resources function in a company?
Human Resources is a pillar on which the company rests. It plays an essential role in the proper management of staff. That’s why it’s essential to get the right training to qualify for a job in Human Resources. So what is the role of the Human Resources function in a company?

Contents
In a nutshell:
- The Human Resources function is essential to the smooth running of a company.
- Human Resources tasks include recruitment, training, payroll management and personnel administration. Human Resources play a crucial role in developing and maintaining a positive and productive working environment.
- Human Resources play an essential role in cost management.
- There are a number of careers in Human Resources.
- INSEEC offers courses in this field at its campuses in Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, Chambéry, Rennes and Marseille.
Definition
What is the Human Resources function in a company?
The Human Resources function in a company transcends mere administrative compliance to become the driving force behind organisational development. Indeed, beyond recruitment and payroll management, HR is responsible for developing and executing innovative strategies to optimise the company’s human potential. This includes performance and reward management, which recognises and values individual contributions, while aligning employee objectives with those of the business.
Employer branding and talent management then become essential pillars, attracting and retaining the best profiles, while career management and skills development ensure the growth and professional fulfilment of employees.
HR also plays a crucial role in conflict management, maintaining harmony and productivity within teams. By promoting well-being at work, they contribute directly to a positive and motivating environment. Finally, HR is an ambassador for the corporate culture, promoting the values and principles that unite employees and guide their actions.
Missions
What are the tasks of the Human Resources function?
The Human Resources function has a wide range of tasks within a company:
- Human Resources is entirely responsible for recruiting new employees. They must anticipate the company’s needs and the skills required. They then write the job description, set up the interviews and select the successful candidate;
- Human Resources manages employee pay. They manage the payment of salaries and take care of bonuses. They also analyse possible increases;
- Human Resources is also responsible for personnel administration, including employment contracts, payroll management and leave;
- It is also up to Human Resources to ensure that the atmosphere at work is conducive to good productivity and a serene environment.
Issues
What are the challenges facing the Human Resources function?
The smooth running of a company depends directly on Human Resources, because of the way it manages its employees. It is imperative that there are enough people to get the job done, and that the quality of the work is consistently excellent.
Human Resources also has a major responsibility for managing company costs. It is up to them to develop strategies to optimise staff-related expenditure and/or reduce it where possible.
Jobs
What are the jobs within the Human Resources function?
If you want to work in Human Resources, there are several aspects of the job to choose from:
Human Resources Director
The Human Resources Director is a position of great responsibility in the field of Human Resources, since he or she is the head of the department. His or her tasks may vary according to the needs and structure of the company.
Head of recruitment
As the name suggests, the recruitment manager is responsible for the recruitment process within a company. Depending on the size of the company, he or she may take on this role alone or manage a team of recruitment officers.
Training Manager
The training manager is responsible for ensuring that employees are up to standard, that they develop personally and that they progress in their jobs.
Payroll manager
The Payroll Manager is responsible for paying employees’ salaries. It is also their role to take care of social security contributions and legal obligations. The Payroll Manager may also be required to handle personnel administration, in particular drawing up employment contracts.
Career Management Officer
The main role of a career management officer is to encourage employees’ professional development. To do this, they analyse employees’ wishes for career development and match them with the company’s needs. The aim is to find a win-win situation.
Responsibilities
How do you work in Human Resources?
Human Resources has many responsibilities within a company, so it is essential to train for a position in this sector.
How can I get training in Human Resources?
If you want to train in Human Resources, you can opt for the Human Resources and Health specialisation atINSEEC. A number of programmes in this field are available:
- Bachelor of Management & Administration.
- Master Grande École – Human Resources Management and Sustainable Organisations.
- Master of Science in Human Resources Management.
What’s more, you can take your training in Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, Chambéry, Rennes or Marseille. Don’t hesitate to visit our website for more information on this subject, and also consult the FAQ section.
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