Human Resource Management Report: Analysis of HR Practices

This comprehensive Human Resource Management report examines the core functions of HR, including staffing, compensation, benefits, performance appraisal, and legal compliance, with a focus on Microsoft and Chocolate Presence. The report analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of current selection methods, evaluates potential improvements to the selection process, and creates a personal specification for a receptionist role. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of different job advertising methods and recommends the most suitable approach for the receptionist vacancy. Furthermore, the report evaluates the benefits of training schemes and internships for both Microsoft and its employees, assesses the advantages of flexible working arrangements, and explores ways to motivate employees through job role design. The report also delves into employee engagement, its importance in effective employee relations, and evaluates approaches for engaging employees and increasing motivation within Microsoft. Finally, it identifies key elements of UK employment legislation and their influence on HR decision-making, providing a holistic overview of HRM practices.

Human Resource Management

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.a Purpose of HR functions and significance to organization with its current problem and
future plans for further growth....................................................................................................1
1.b Explaining strength and weakness of current selection method...........................................3
1.c Evaluating two potential improvements which could be used for enhancing process of
selection ......................................................................................................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
A). Creating a personal specification for the job........................................................................4
B). Discussing the advantage and disadvantage of the current methods for advertising jobs....5
C). Recommending to advertise the job advert for the Receptionist vacancy............................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
A). Evaluating the benefit of training schemes and internship to both Microsoft and
employees....................................................................................................................................7
B). Evaluating the benefit of offering the flexible working arrangements for both Microsoft
and its employees........................................................................................................................8
C). Evaluating the way to motivate the employees through Job roles........................................9
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................10
A). What is employee engagement and its importance in effective employee relation in
Microsoft...................................................................................................................................10
B) Critically evaluating the approaches of engaging employees in Microsoft and the way it
assists in increasing motivation.................................................................................................11
C). Identifying the key elements of UK employment legislation and their influence in HR
decision making........................................................................................................................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Human Resource management is considered as planned approach for managing people is
effectively manner with context of performance. Its objective is to establish open, caring and
flexible management style so with this context staff would be highly motivated, managed and
developed in such aspect where they could give best for supporting mission of every department.
In simple words human resource management is referred as management of human capital
employees who gives their contribution for attaining goals of business. The present report will
give explanation about purpose of functions of HR with its significance to organization along
with issues and future plans for attaining growth. It will articulate about strengths and weakness
of selection methods used through organization and evaluation of two potential improvements
made through Chocolate Presence for enhancing process of selection. In the same series, it would
form person specification for role with merits and demerits of methods of advertising jobs in
organization and recommendation for job advert for vacancy of receptionist with reason.
This report would perform research on Microsoft with evaluation of benefits and
challenges about graduate training and internship schemes. In the similar aspect, there will be
identification of arrangements which evaluation of benefits to both Microsoft and employees as
well. Furthermore, it will evaluate on ways to motivate workers of Microsoft via designing its
job roles. With context of Microsoft, this will brief information related to employee engagement
with its significance and critical evaluation of key approaches for engaging workers and to
improve communication in workplace. At last, key elements of UK employment legislation
would be determined for influencing decision of HR like training and development, recruitment
and reward.
TASK 1
1.a Purpose of HR functions and significance to organization with its current problem and future
plans for further growth
Human resource management is considered as practice of hiring, deploying, recruiting
and managing employees of organization (Schneider, 2019). It is also referred as human
resources. The core functions of HR with its purpose and significance is stated below: Staffing: The activities for hiring part-time or full-time employees, terminating employee
contracts and hiring contractors as well. This function helps in determining and fulfilling
talent need, utilizing different technologies of recruitment for acquiring high volume of
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applicants and to maintain ethical hiring practices along with aligning with different
regulatory environment. Chocolate presence has numerous applicants for administrative
and production vacancies in high manner as there will be personnel screen applicants
through completion of reference checks, interviewing potential candidates and
administrating tests. Compensation: Fair payment is first concern for employees as HR department personnel
evaluate and frames alteration to pay structure of Chocolate presence through researching
compensation trends with objective of giving employees with industry acceptable pay. It
helps in assessing policies and business would comply with different federal, state and
local laws on basis of compensation like Fair Labour Standards Act as this will address
minimum wage and payment for overtime work. It reviews and gives documentation for
claim of unemployment. Benefits: There is development of effective administrating about program of employee
benefit program which is great retention and recruitment tool with organizational use. It
considers health insurance, retirement plan and dental insurance. These personnel should
analyse and research information to gain best packages about benefits which gives
adequate coverage for employees to minimise cost for employer. Performance appraisal: Human resources departments operate in conjunction with
individual department managers for purpose of evaluating employee performance. It is
responsible for creating process of performance appraisal. This process is important for
ensuring participants which understood process and deadlines adheres (Purpose of human
resource function, 2019). As Chocolate Presence is expanding itself so at present it does
have requirement for this function.
 Law compliance: The organization are responsible for equitable and safety treatment of
its employees. Generally, law exists for protecting employees in various areas. If business
fails to comply and brings countless lawsuits which undermine profits of business. In
simple words, ensures compliance with legal requirements on basis of job function for
safety measures and implementing new measures of safety when law changes in this
industry.
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1.b Explaining strength and weakness of current selection method
The Chocolate presence has created its own assessment test related to English
comprehension and maths which is online or in person as its passing criteria is 50% of both tests
prior to interview is referred as ability and aptitude testing. The strength and weakness of this
selection method is stated below:
Strengths
 It negates effects of culture as some candidates might be able for application certain
advantages of culture to attain success in both industry and education as well. The
standardised test put its every test takers on equal playing field and designed with
absence of socio-economic and cultural bias.
 It leads to efficient and objective comparisons and it helps in better hiring and promoting
decision. This allows employers of Chocolate presence for comparison of its candidates
in fair manner. There are various people who behave erratically or uncharacteristically subjected to
pressure of assessment of one to one. It helps applicants for reflecting their true colours
with absence of filtering of interviewer which could compromise on response of person.
Weakness
 The accomplishments and abilities are fully based on experience like home setting,
upbringing, opportunities and education. For instance, English is not mother tongue then
one might be directly disqualified related to other abilities.
 This test will not always give outcome in good performance as there various other things
instead of maths and English which impact performance.
 There is presence of psychological impact which might give negative effect on candidate
performance is referred as test anxiety. This stress could manifest itself
psychosomatically with context of different symptoms such as increased heart rate and
blood pressure, chest tightening, dizziness and breathe shortness. The emotional effects
could directly inhibit ability of individual to perform and cost valid and viable candidate.
1.c Evaluating two potential improvements which could be used for enhancing process of
selection
There are various potential improvements which could be used through Chocolate
presence for purpose of enhancing process of selection which are stated below:
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 The work samples and assignment must be reviewed or evaluated through portfolio of
candidate for completing assignment as contributing as process of selection. In this
business, for selecting the best candidate for administration then consider using basic
excel and Microsoft content.
 There should be application of try test as candidates must be asked for standardised test
as in these maths and English comprehension test is appropriate which will reduce
number of applicants and saves manager's time as well.
 After this, interview has been structured so in this aspect determining major
responsibilities and duties of this position, skills, knowledge and abilities required for
performing essential function of job. In simple words, job requirements must be
understood in appropriate aspect.
 The interview questions must be developed with job related and essential responsibilities
functions must be target with appropriate identification of qualification of applicant.
 There must be establishment of system for purpose of evaluating candidates as formula
must be set for rating answers of applicant on basis of selection criteria.
 In the same series, it must ensure about comfortable interviewing environment as area
should be quiet and neat such as conference or office room for conducting interview,
Further, unlawful and discriminatory questions must be avoided such as questions on
basis of race, religion, ethnic group, age, national origin, political affiliations or any other
sensitive topic might be referred as discriminatory and avoided (Steps for conducting
effective job interviews, 2019).
TASK 2
A). Creating a personal specification for the job.
Person Specification of receptionist:
Job title – Receptionist
Roles and duties
 Solving customers problems
 Allocation of rooms and providing services to customers
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 Communicating with manager to solve customer problems
 maintaining security within hotel
Qualification
Graduation in Hotel management
Experience of 3 years as receptionist
Excellent written and communication skills
Competency in using Microsoft’s word, Excel
Management skills
To apply for this post desired candidates can mail their resume on
[e-mail] or contact HR manager on 5487321464.
B). Discussing the advantage and disadvantage of the current methods for advertising jobs.
Chocolate presence at present is using the method of circulating the information and job
description of available vacancies internally within the organisation by distributing to the
employees and on the notice board at premises. There methods are effective in spreading the job
vacancies, but sometimes it leads to some drawbacks as well.
Notice boards:
This is the method which is used by abc in fulfilling job requirements. In this they post a
notification on notice broad and employees communicate with each other (Boxall and Purcell,
2011)
Advantages
 It is an effective method in which employees can be recruited within company.
 No additional cost is required to hire employees.
Disadvantages
 It restricts company to hire new talent for particular job role
References
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In this company circulate notice to existing staff through which recruitment is done.
Here, reference of employee is considered and on basis of it recruitment is done.
Advantages
 It consumes less time and no cost is incurred in this hiring.
Disadvantage
 There is lack of diversity as employees are selected on basis of reference.
C). Recommending to advertise the job advert for the Receptionist vacancy.
There are various methods through which job advertisement can be placed. It depends on
type of job ad and budget allocated. Besides this, it also enables company to analyse all sources
and then select appropriate one. The various sources that can be used are as follows :-
Newspaper – it is the method that can be used by Chocolate presence to place ad of receptionist.
In this job specification is given in specified context. Here, they place ad in various newspapers.
Then, applicants can apply for job.
Job sites – It is a modern way of placing ad where company put job specification on different job
registered job sites. Here, company can place ad regarding job requirement. In this job sites ad
are placed for free.
Consultancy firms- In this a firm collaborate with consultancy firms through which candidates
are hired for specific job role. This is an easy and simplified way as here consultancy firm only
makes approach to those candidates that are suitable for job.
Social Media: It is also a way to place job advert. In this Chocolate presence can use different
social site platforms such as LinkedIn, blogs, etc. through this, they can target many youngsters
and students.
TASK 3
A). Evaluating the benefit of training schemes and internship to both Microsoft and employees.
Training schemes and internship programmes is vital in order to encourage personal
growth and development opportunities for the employees. In Microsoft, company is having
different programmes in order to provide training and internship to graduate and employees. It is
beneficial not only for the employees but for the organisation also. In high-tech companies like
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Microsoft, they are employing graduate training schemes which assist in bridging gap between
university and working life (Wright, 2018). These programmed are effective for the candidate
into the world of works and prove them the efficient skills in order to become part of such a
larger team.
On other hand providing graduate training schemes are an effective tailor-made route into
the professional for the capable graduates. Microsoft keeps on offering such training
programmes which assist the graduates in order to develop their technical skills, support in
professional qualification. Different internship and training schemes is beneficial for both
employees as well as the Microsoft Corporation:
Improved employees performance: Through effective training, employees are more capable in
performing their job. Through effective training employees will have greater understanding of
their responsibility of job as well as of new skills which will assist them in making more
confident.
Increase employee satisfaction: Investing in training help in showing employees that they are
valuable (Armstrong and Taylor, 2014). It assists in enhancing new knowledge and experience
which will boost up their motivation and increases their satisfaction level of job.
Overcoming Weaknesses: One of the benefits of training for the employees that, training will
assist the employees in order to overcome some of their weaknesses in workplace. Training
programme will allow the employees to strengthen their skills and knowledge.
On the other hand providing training and internship will assist Microsoft Corporation in
order to increase its productivity as trained employee will provide higher quality of work-output.
Training of employees will assist in uniformity of procedures by standardisation of performance
rule rather than the expectations. Where, graduate training programmes often provides the
opportunity to study for further professional qualification through the job training.
B). Evaluating the benefit of offering the flexible working arrangements for both Microsoft and
its employees.
Flexible work programmes can be termed as work arrangements wherein employees are
given greater opportunities in freedom from scheduling. The most commonplace of these
programs is flexible timings, which provides workers better leverage in terms of their working.
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Microsoft has put a common number of working hours, which employees have to fulfil. Other
common flexible working arrangements include telecommuting, job sharing and compressed
work weeks etc. Microsoft offers employees programmes and different policies which aimed at
making the work better for employees (How An Internship Program Benefits Your Company ,
2019). It includes flexible work options top different opportunities of training and development.
The employees have provided laptops so that they can work remotely. Such flexible working
arrangement will allow the employees to have the ability of how, when and where to work.
Allowing flexible working arrangement in workplace in beneficial not only for the employee’s
bur for organisation as well. The benefit of flexible working arrangement is as follows:
Increasing employee engagement and retention:
With having flexible working arrangements, employees will be engaged as they are more
likely to give their best and perform in order to increase productivity and will stay committed to
the organisation (Bratton and Gold, 2017). It will assist the company to gain more competitive
advantage with the right team. Effective working arrangement will enables the organisation to
decrease the employee turnover which will assist in retaining them for longer time.
Increased productivity:
One of the important benefit of flexible working arrangements is that it will leads the
employees to go beyond their engagement in company and ensures to maximize their
productivity and contribution in Microsoft. With flexibility in working, it assists the employees
to increase their personal growth through self-management, effective communication to the
team. It will assist in increasing customer satisfaction which serves as a benefit of employers
also.
Increased work-life balance:
Having flexible working arrangements is effective for employees in order to improve the
mental as well as physical health which assists in achieving work-life balance. With flexible
working, employees can spend their quality time outside and will always ready to take up the
work. Technology plays an essential role in ensuring teams are happy and motivated through
enabling flexible working.
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It can be said that, apart from the employees, allowing flexible working is also very
beneficial for the organisation as well. Flexible arrangements such as remote working will assist
in decreasing overhead expenses and need for office space (Guest, 2011). The most important
benefit is through allowing flexible working arrangements, it assist the Microsoft to retain their
valuable employees as well as assist in attracting a wider talent pool of people. It also assists in
achieving greater productivity which enables in contributing to achieve customers satisfaction
and achieving goals of the organisation.
However, Managers need to be mindful that flexible working could mean their staffs do
not stop working. Removing the need to physically leave the workplace at the end of the
day/shift can tempt workers into working overtime, which managers may not be aware of when
their staffs is working remotely.
C). Evaluating the way to motivate the employees through Job roles.
Motivated employees are more productive employees which is vital for the success of
Microsoft. There are various theories and methods through which, management and HR aims to
achieve the motivation of employees (DeCenzo, Robbins and Verhulst, 2016). One of the very
effective way through which company can boost the employee motivation through designing job
roles which assist in achieving providing ongoing motivation.
Job role design is a psychological theory of motivation that is defines as the
systematically and purposefully allocate the task to the group and individuals within the
organisation. The job characteristics model is one of the most effective ways in order to design
job roles with increased motivational properties. There are five core characteristics of job -
design, they are:
Skill variety: It refers to the extent where the certain job requires the employees in order to
utilize his high level skills. It defines the range of ability that is needed to perform a job. It will
assist in motivating the employees as they will use a variety of skills in their position rather than
doing the one single work.
Task Identity: it can be defined as extent to which a job requires to involve various piece of
works from start to finish with a visible outcomes. Employees will get motivate yo complete the
given task if they see their involvement from starting to the finish. Employee will get more
motivated when they identify the task.
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Task significance: it refers to when a job is important to and impacts others within and outside
of the organisation (Briscoe, Tarique and Schuler, 2012). When employees feel that their work is
valued fort the organisation they will be motivated to do perform even better.
Autonomy: The level of freedom and ability to schedule tasks that the employee has. Employees
like to be able to make decisions and have flexibility in their roles. Most employees will have
lowered motivation if they feel they have no freedom and are not managed properly.
Job Feedback: It can be termed as the degree to which the employees work receives direct
feedback on their performance. Employees need feedbacks whether positive or negative in order
to stay positive and improve their work performance.
There are many rewards system also in order to gain the employee motivation. It can be
done through intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (Chelladurai and Kerwin, 2018). It is required in
order to get the task completed on task that is assigned to them in their job roles.
TASK 4
A). What is employee engagement and its importance in effective employee relation in
Microsoft.
Employee Engagement can be defines as the fundamental concept in the efforts in order
to understand and describe the nature of the relationship between an organisation and its
employees. It can be said that employee engagement is the emotional or working connection that
an employee experience at workplace (Macey and et.al., 2011).
Through employee engagement, Microsoft allows employee in decision making process.
In this employee interact with seniors and give their opinions and views. Also, strong relations
are developed between manager and employees (Shuck, Reio Jr and Rocco, 2011). This allows
in creating an effective organisational culture. Moreover, it improves the working relations
between employer and employee. Besides this, employee performance increases and they start
taking initiative in involving in organisational activities. Apart from this, by employee share their
problems with manager. Hence, issues are identified and solved.
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