Human Resources Kit for Dummies - Review

HR Magazine, August, 1999 by Stacy VanDerWall

No longer merely "personnel administrators," today's human resources professionals not only assess staffing needs but administer training, interpret laws, and implement and maintain effective policies. Written primarily for small business owners and entry-level HR professionals, Human Resources Kit for Dummies is a "how-to" manual complete with CD-ROM that covers everything from benefits packages to discipline procedures.

The book is divided into five parts. The first part provides an overview of the HR function. The second, third and fourth parts discuss recruiting and hiring, salary and benefits, and maintaining a happy, productive workforce, respectively. The last section is titled "the part of tens," and it discusses 10 keys to success, 10 important books, 10 HR-related associations, etc.

The appendix provides instructions for using the CD-ROM.

The author defines human resources management as "the decisions, activities and processes that must meet the basic needs and support the work performance of employees." Chapter 1 introduces six major themes: managing the human side of change, adapting to the changing nature of jobs, making diversity work, getting a grip on technology, following rules and regulations, and easing the work/family conflict.

Recruiting and hiring are perhaps the biggest challenges human resource professionals face. Tips for doing it right are discussed in the second section. Chapters cover identifying needs, effective recruiting strategies, interviewing techniques and more.

"Show me the money." People work for a reason: they want to be paid for their efforts, and most people want decent benefits packages. Many companies include health insurance and pension plans as part of their benefits, but successful companies go beyond the basic benefits and offer additional benefits such as vision and dental insurance, tuition aid and child-care assistance. Chapter 13 shows how to create an appropriate benefits package.

Finally, HR professionals must keep things running smoothly by creating an employee-friendly environment and handling difficult situations immediately. This section also discusses employee performance evaluations and professional development.

Human Resources Kit for Dummies is available through the SHRMStore at www.shrm.org/shrmstore or by calling (800) 4445006, option 1, $19.95 for SHRM members, $24.95 list price. Please ask for item number 48.15016 and use order code M089B.