The business of putting workers first

As entries flood in for the prestigious cHeRries 2018 awards – DC Thomson Media’s annual celebration of human resources (HR) training and recruitment – we got an insight into the world of human resource management from Dundee insiders.

“Human resource management (HRM) is about helping businesses to get the best out of their people,” said Alan Stevenson (Programme Leader, MSc International Human Resource Management) at Abertay University’s Dundee Business School.

“In the context of an uncertain global economic future where change is the only constant, an engaged and empowered workforce is one of the critical components that will enable organisations, economies and individuals to thrive.

“The challenges of the contemporary HR professional are to contribute and respond effectively to business strategy while simultaneously meeting the needs of a diverse workforce. This requires an HR strategy that is strategically linked and business focused, that puts people at the centre of everything that an organisation does so that everyone feels valued, engaged and willing to put in the extra effort to ensure their company’s success.”

Although there is no single HRM “magic bullet” that will deliver success in all cases, organisations must define their own unique strategy according to their specific context, culture and objectives, says Shona Grogan (Programme Leader, BA Hons Business and Human Resource Management) also from Abertay’s Dundee Business School.

“HR professionals are instrumental in applying their expertise to understanding organisational circumstances, and designing human capital value chains that reflect stakeholder demands,” she added.

“Over the last few years talent has become the number one issue on the minds of most CEOs, so the HR function is being asked to lead the transformation of companies towards more engaged, high-performing, well-aligned and highly capable organisations.

“A robust and effective HRM department is therefore one that, as a team of professionals, works in the best interest of both the employee and the employer.

“This would result in a positive internal culture and corporate image, so enabling the organization to become an ‘employer of choice’ and winning the ‘war for talent’ in an increasingly competitive, turbulent marketplace.”

The DC Thomson cHeRries Awards, now in their 11th year, recognise excellence in the fields of human resources, training and recruitment in the north-east of Scotland.

“They are designed to encourage and promote best practice within the HRM profession,” said Alan. “The award categories recognise and reward both individual, team and organisational achievements in HRM at all levels, from those not professionally qualified up to HR Director.

“This helps ensure that HRM practices are creative, adaptable, innovative and collaborative, adding value by recognising it is ‘people’ that gives an organisation its competitive edge.

“To be successful in the contemporary workplace it is paramount that HRM practitioners are seen to be appropriately academically and professionally (CIPD) qualified.”

Dundee Business School Abertay University offers opportunities at both undergraduate (BA Hons Business and Human Resource Management; BA Hons Psychology and Human Resource Management) and postgraduate (MSc International Human Resource Management) levels. Importantly, the MSc is fully accredited by the CIPD.

The awards will feature 12 categories and this year’s ceremony – in association with Robert Gordon University (RGU) and supported by Mattioli Woods – will be held on June 1 at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC).

The deadline for entries is February 18. Entry forms and category criteria are on the website. Tickets are on sale now and can be bought online. See www. dctevents.com/event/cherries-awards/

Shona Grogan.