Human resource managers play a vital role in the day to day operations of small and big businesses alike. Accordingly, this principle remains true at Cleveland's very own, Flemming Lumber Co.. Mrs. Karen Wagner has served as their HR manager for over a year now, and I had the privilege of interviewing her over the weekend. At Flemming, they have 13 full time employees and two part-time employees (one being myself). Educating me on all of the nuances an HR manager faces, I discovered that HR managers actively communicate with employees in order to comply with all regulations. Not only do her duties include keeping up to date with policies, but also extend into employee motivation and moral. Karen possessed on trait that stood out. When there is a …show more content…
“As a HR manager my main role in the process of obtaining and firing employees is mostly interpreting policies. Since our company is so small, our CEO personally recruits and selects employees. My job is to make sure that he is doing everything in compliance with the laws. We very seldomly fire employees, but when we have to my job essentially mirrors that of the hiring process.” What role does HR play in employee appraisal and appraisal criteria? “Currently we do not perform any form of employee appraisals. However, I have been pushing that we should start conducting employee analysis but I have been met with a lot of resistance.” What types of employee benefits do you have to manage? “The main benefit that I manage is insurance. I have to analyze each and every individual's situation and sign them up accordingly. What suggestions do you have for someone who might want to be a HR manager? “Educate yourself. You can never know too much when it comes to HR. Also, try and stay ahead of the curve. Playing catch up is not a good place to