Employability Skills Report: Morrison's HR and Problem Solving

This report examines employability skills within the context of Morrison's, a major UK retailer. It explores the roles and responsibilities of an HR manager, including training, staff retention, and recruitment, while also assessing performance objectives and identifying areas for improvement. The report delves into problem-solving strategies, addressing issues such as health and safety, and meeting demands, along with communication methods at different management levels. It also covers time management techniques to enhance employee productivity and motivation, drawing upon Maslow's hierarchy of needs and X and Y theory. The report offers insights into improving interpersonal and transferable skills, making it a valuable resource for understanding effective HR management and its impact on organizational success.

Employability Skills

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1...........................................................................................................................................1
1.2...........................................................................................................................................2
1.3...........................................................................................................................................2
1.4...........................................................................................................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
2.1...........................................................................................................................................4
2.2...........................................................................................................................................5
2.3...........................................................................................................................................5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................6
3.1...........................................................................................................................................6
4.1...........................................................................................................................................9
4.2...........................................................................................................................................9
4.3.........................................................................................................................................10
CONLUSION................................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Employability skills are the ones that assist in becoming successful in present day
business scenario. These are the set of skills and behaviours which are very important for every
job. These skills are also known as foundational skills, soft skills and job-readiness skills. These
skills include planning, communication, problem solving, decision making, self-management,
organizing, learning, taking initiatives and adapting with technologies (Anderson, 2012). Present
report is about Morrison’s which is the fourth largest retailer in the United Kingdom. This report
covers the roles and responsibilities of employees towards the firm. Further, emphasis is given
on developing interpersonal and transferable skills. Focus will also be laid on developing the
strategies related to problem solving.
TASK 1
1.1
Morrison is one of the fastest growing retail firms. Being a HR manger, I have to play
many roles. Following are the roles and responsibilities of a HR manager:
Training to employees: There is a need on part of HR of Morrison to organize the training
programs in a proper manner for the employees. These programs are likely to aid towards
increasing the overall work performance of employees. There is further a need to provide
training on the areas where the employees lag behind. It can assist in increasing the overall
knowledge towards the work that is being performed by them.
Retaining staffs: As an HR manager of Morrison, the need is to retain the staff members in the
best possible manner. Hence, the need is to work on these issues by which maximum employees
can be retained. This includes understanding the overall issues and problems being faced by
them (Budhwar and Debrah, 2013).
Recruitment: This can be regarded as one of the major responsibility that is played by Human
Resource Coordinator of Morrison. Here, the need is to formulate polices so that best of the
employees can be recruited in minimum possible time.
My performance objectives as being a Human Resource coordinator are to full fill the
organizational goal and objectives, motivate employees, giving tasks to the employees, hiring
effective candidate for the firm.
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1.2
After analysing my own effectiveness towards the defined objectives, I found that among
the following points I have not achieved my targets. Following things were found:
Maintaining relationship: It is one of the roles which I have to perform. Maintaining
relationship helps in increasing the confidence level of employees and they will be able to share
their problems freely. I always fail in fulfilling this responsibility. In order to maintain
relationship, one should be able to understand the other problems and I always find difficulty in
understanding the problems of employees and thus employee have lack confidence on me. In
addition to this, retaining staffs is another role which cannot be fulfilled by me in a proper way.
Retention of the employees can only be made a possibility when the HR staffs are able to
understand the issues being faced by employees. This will help to satisfy them in the best
possible manner so that there issues can be resolved. In my case, I am facing issue with respect
to employee retention in Morrison. This is because I lack in understanding the difficulties being
faced by employees.
Recruitment: This is one of the major roles which have to be performed by HR manager.
Candidates who possess high skills, highly qualified and suitable for the vacant post should be
selected (Chang, Gong and Shum, 2011). I found myself quite effective in this area. This
happened as the candidates selected by me were a good option for the company. They were able
to work in a team and have a presence of sound communication skills. Most importability, they
were quite keen to learn things.
Training to the employees: I have faced a lot of issue in terms of training the new employees. I
feel that there has been a lag in my part in taking out time for training the staff members. Hence
the need on my part is to improve by enhancing my time management skills.
1.3
Varied steps can be taken by me through whom I can improve upon my weaknesses.
Training programs: I need to train my staff members in the best possible manner so that they are
able to work properly and efficient. For this, I need to take out proper time so that there training
needs are met. In case of my busy work, I am required to outsource my work to other members
so that the training of employees within Morrison’s is not affected. I am further required to
understand their behaviour in a proper manner so that I can work on their loopholes. By
understanding their behaviour I will be able to provide suitable training to employees.
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Maintaining relationship: In maintaining relationship, I need to talk with each employee
personally and should make them realize that he/she will always be helped in all kind of
situations or problems. Relations can further be maintained if I am able to work on the issues
being faced by the employees. Through this, I can not only improve their work but also provide
them with an appropriate solution.
Decision making and solving problem solving: All the firms face different types of problems
and it is the responsibility of HR to resolve those problems (Cox and King, 2006). HR should
possess the quality of decision making and problem solving. I can bring a change in my decision
making if I start taking the help of experts as well as my superiors (Cho and et. al., 2006). I can
further list a variety of solutions to as per the situation. I should thus be able to select the best
amongst all. Further there is also a need on my part to observe the working of my superiors as to
how decisions are taken by them. In solving problems, I should have an open mind, should
always be neutral, and must focus on the situation. Both these skills have to be improved as it is
very essential for me being a HR.
1.4
There can be use of varied techniques by which there can be an increase in the overall motivation
of employees. These are described below.
According to Maslow's hierarchy, the requirement on part of the management working for
Morrison is to understand what the need of employee is. For example, if the employee belongs to
psychological need then he can be motivated by hike, salary raise among others. But if he/she
belongs to higher order needs, then the motivation can take place by giving them enhanced job
roles. For instance, the performance of staff members can be increased if they are given a proper
salary. In this regard, money acts as a major factor of motivation which can aid in satisfying
there needs (Cranmer, 2006). According to Maslow's hierarchy, this comes under psychological
need in which employees basic needs should be satisfied. Employees should be provided with
proper intensives so that it would motivate them. According to their performance they should be
given appreciation. Incentives may be inclusive of gift cards as well as cash prizes in some cases.
This is likely to aid the employee to start working more diligently towards their work. According
to Maslow's hierarchy, this comes under social need in which employees should be provided
with such intensives which will be helpful in motivating employees.
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By setting up goals will help employees in motivating them. Manager should help them in
establishing professional objective and goals. When employees understand their goals, then the
path through which they can achieve it can be developed easily. According to X and Y theory
this will be helpful in employees to develop a positive attitude (Curtis and McKenzie, 2001).
TASK 2
2.1
HR has to face many kinds of issues. Appropriate steps should be taken so that problems
can be solved effectively. Following are the few problems and their solution:
Health and safety: All the employees should be provided proper safety and health facilities.
Proper safety measures should be taken by the managers so that workers fork with a free mind.
In addition to this, the need on the part of HR managers is to prepare proper cords with respect to
health information of every employee. This is likely to assist he managerial team at Morrison’s
to take proper steps in sorting out the issues that are being faced by the staff members.
Meeting the demands: HR is responsible to look after the supply of good for the organization.
Manager should look after the supply very carefully so that the demand could be met. HR
manager should develop a healthy relationship with the suppliers so that required stock could be
met (Edwards, Sieminski and Zeldin, 2014). It becomes an issue when the required stock is not
delivered fully or not delivered on time. It problem also affects the customers as the products or
services provided by the firm is not supplied then it will inversely affect the loyalty of the
customer. For this type of issue HR manger should have a strong relationship with the suppliers
so that the required stock could be met and customers can be satisfied.
Following are the six steps in problem solving:
1. Problems should be defined
2. Determining the reasons that have raised the issue.
3. Developing alternative form of solutions
4. Selecting best possible strategy to solve the issue
5. Implementing the solution (Chang, Gong and Shum, 2011).
6. Outcomes should be evaluated.
2.2
Information can be communicated at different levels of Morrison’s through varied kind of
ways. The levels and manner in which message can be sent is as follows;
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Top level management: Communications at this level usually occurs through board meetings. In
these meeting all the important decisions are taken. Issues, conflicts, adapting new strategies
which would help in enhancing the growth of the organization, etc. are discussed. In addition to
this, presentations are also taken for providing information to the top management. Presentations
held frequently helps in discussing
The problems that are being faced so that proper strategies can be employed for the same
(Ferguson, 2015). It is the most appropriate and effective way of communication in top level. In
all these ways oral communications will be done.
Middle level: Mails are the most commonly used tool for communication in middle level. All the
important decision or changes which were taken by the top most level and conveyed through
mails. For communicating the important information is also conveyed through circular is the sent
to the concerned persons with respect to the changes to be made. It is not a direct way to
communicate as it involves mailing.
Lower level: Conducting seminars are the most effective tool for communication with the lower
level. Seminars can include speeches to be given by the top level management. This can help the
employees to know about the policies, vision, mission as well as goals of companies (Fleck and
Kraemer, 2014). These speakers will provide precautions or steps which employees of this level
have to follow.
2.3
Following are few time management strategies which can be adopted by the
organizations:
One work task at a time: According to a survey done by physiologist, it was found that multi-
tasking consumes more time and individuals lack in devoting their full efficiency. Employees
should perform one task at a time so that the task can be done effectively and with full
efficiency.
Setting up priorities: One should always prioritize activities for effective management of time.
Employees should list out the things which are of greater importance. This will help in
completing the task on time (Guzman and Choi, 2013).
Delegating: Delegation is assigning responsibilities to someone else. In simple words it means,
identifying a person who will suitable for completing the task effectively. The person should be
selected carefully so that the work could be completed on time.
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Planning tools: One should always have wall charts, pocket diary, calendars, etc. which would
remind help in reminding tasks which has to be performed.
Stay healthy: Individuals should have healthy food and have proper exercise so that health can
be maintained. In addition to this, individuals should do yoga which will help them in relaxing
them mentally. It will help in performing the tasks effectively (Jones, 2013).
Among all these methods I will use setting up priorities and stay healthy method as these two
will be very helpful in managing time.
TASK 3
3.1
Belbin team role model is the one that aids in making use of the talents as well as personalities
possessed by team members so as to create an effective team performance. Belbin has thus given
nine such roles that can be used by Morrison’s for enhancing the overall performance.
Plant: There may be employees within Morrison’s that are very creative and also
good in problem solving. They can play the role of plant so as to give creative
ideas.
Shaper: The shapers are those who challenge the overall working of team and give
innovative suggestions. These can be used by Morrison’s to bring a change in
overall working of problematic areas.
Implementer : These employees are the ones that ensure to get things done by putting the
ideas into action. Hence such employees can be very beneficial at operational
level of Morrison’s (Hill and Petty, 2005).
Completer
finisher
These are the perfect players that do work without any error. They can play a
major role in quality department of Morrison’s.
Coordinators They lead the team by working in close coordination with other members.
They are actually the best team members, good listeners and may act as leaders
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in future.
Team worker These can be a major part of Morrison by working effectively within the
company (Chang, Gong and Shum, 2011)..
Specialist These are those employees that are dedicated as well as independent workers.
They can play a key role during heavy work load when there is a lack of
monitoring on employees (Guzman and Choi, 2013).
Resource
investigator
These employees are the ones who are highly enthusiastic and have a knack to
explore the opportunities. They can be good in the marketing department of
Morrison.
Monitor
evaluator They are the ones who are able to judge all the options in a correct manner.
They are critical thinker and thus can play an immense role in quality
department of Morrison.
3.2
The direction of team performance is affected and influenced by a psychological force which is
known as team dynamics. This also influences the behaviour of the chosen organization.
Development of team dynamics takes place by different individual traits which work in a single
team. These also develop through working environment of individuals within a team and their
relationship (Fleck and Kraemer, 2014). While performing the duties as a coordinator at
Morrison’s, I will ensure that teams are formulated by recruiting and selecting the best
individuals. A job specification and description will be prepared by me with the objective of
obtaining the best suitable candidate from the applicants. While playing the role of a coordinator,
I will provide guidance to the staff. This will enable them to work efficiently towards
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achievement of their goals. Various roles may be assumed by the candidates who are selected.
These may include the role of planter, shaper, motivator or initiator. Hence, the selected
candidates will work as per different roles in the team.
3.3
There are two ways which can be employed by me for achieving goals. These have been
explained below:
Self-evaluation: This is an important aspect for improvement. I will carry out evaluation of
every individual within the team. This will be done with the aim of identifying the problem and
issues faced by the team members. While evaluating, employees with poor performance will be
identified. Following this, more efficient employees will replace those with poor performance.
Feedback: It is important to obtain feedback as it provides points for further improvement. I
will obtain feedback from the employees for determining team performance. Following it,
required changes will be made. Within the team, I will take up the role of a planter and will help
in the generation of new ideas and problem solving. I will work in a confi9dent and dedicated
manner. Moreover, I will make efforts to work as an implementer who brings the plans into
action.
TASK 4
4.1
HR manager of the Morrison's supermarket is endowed with many duties and
responsibilities. During fulfilling theses duties he encounters many works based problems. In
addition to this, brain storming sections are conducted in which members discuss regarding a
particular issue and appropriate decisions are made. One of the problems which came up was
conflict among the employees. These kinds of problems are solved with the help of brain
storming sections in which suggestion and feedback are taken form the members and accordingly
solutions are given. The conflicts among the employees can be caused due to any reason.
 Interpersonal conflicts: Employees with diversity of backgrounds works at a single place.
Non-work related Colloquy also happen between the employees. Morrison's manager
finds that this causes disputes between them.
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 Performance review conflicts: The fundamental root cause of the conflicts among the
employees. Encountering the differences in the expectations and the feedback received
from the senior management and the comparison leads to the disappointment and causes
disharmony at work place (Chang, Gong and Shum, 2011).
 Improper communication: The senior management of Morrison assigns the tasks to its
subordinates and often ask them to delegate task to their colleagues. Failing in conveying
the task from one employee to the other in precise way leads to create problems at
supermarket stores (Cox and King, 2006).
4.2
Conflicts and disputes happening at the Morrison's supermarket is addressed and resolved
as soon as possible. The manager uses the following strategy to manage the conflicts.
 Identifying the issue: Firstly the manager identifies the real matter. Assessing the issue by
listening the view and opinion of the employees involved in impartial way. By realizing
the surface issues the problem can be solved effectively.
 Finding the solution: The manager firstly discusses the possible solution to the dispute
arises by discussing with all the employees as per their convenience and consent. Then
the optimum outcome is realized after considering pros and cons of all methods.
 Grievances Methods: To avoid the disputes in future the company has placed a new
standing committee to address the issues of the employees and resolve it immediately. It
increases the confidence level of the employees and job satisfaction as they get the
assurance of their voices being heard.
 Counselling and Mentoring: Frequent counselling and monitoring of employees is
conducted to boost the morale of employees and keep them dedicated towards work. Positive perspective: Taking it as a challenge the manager of Morrison's tries to handle it
through an optimistic approach. The employees are divided into teams and assigned the
goals to be achieved in the targeted time. It enhances the coordination and bonding
among the employees and minimizes the disputes.
 Final step will be getting outcomes: This will be helpful in knowing whether the applied
strategy will be helpful or not.
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4.3
HR manger finds the positive impact on the productivity and the performance of the
employees after implementing the strategies to resolve the existing issues and preventing the
future possibilities of any disputes. The following is the significant impact of the strategies:
 It enhanced the involvement of the senior management in the employee's matters to
understand their situations better. Getting closure with them has enabled them to know
the employee's needs and requirements in more efficient way (Cox and King, 2006). This
will help the growth of the organization and in attraction more and more customers. In
addition to this, employees will be able to perform more effectivelly.
 It increases the job satisfaction of the employees. They feel assured of their voice being
heard and the grievances being addressed. It keeps the employees motivated towards
work and job.
 The team work strategy adopted by Morrison's manager brings remarkable results in
related issue. It builds the team spirit and strengthens the coordination and bonding
among employees. Along with this it enhances the productivity of employees and brings
creative and innovative ideas to make the work process more lucrative (Chang, Gong and
Shum, 2011).
CONLUSION
From this report, it can be articulated that HR plays an important in the organization as he is
the one who recruits the best suitable candidate for the post, provides training to employees,
retaining customers, etc. Further, managers should help their employees in setting up personal
goals and objectives, this is the most effective strategy for motivating them. Moreover, time
should be effectively managed so that all the tasks given can be completed on time.
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