Human Resources Management (‘HRM’) is responsible for recruitment and management. HRM provides administrative services to the employees, workers on contract and volunteers based on labour laws, so they can provide their best services for a successful event.
The event’s Human Resources (‘HR’) department’s staff members provide oversight, training and coaching. This is needed to ensure a smooth flow of activities and coordination of the employees with the event’s management. This is your number one resource.
The purpose of this department is to generate systems within the organisation that promote and encourage teamwork, empowerment and inspiration to its employees.
In this article, I will discuss the major functions of the HR department for an event.
Organisation Structure
An organisation is a group of people who share a common goal. It deals with the organising and staffing of the events’ core operations. An organisational structure should be set as a result of the goals an event organiser wants to accomplish by the end of an event. Every event has its own unique design and structures so when dealing with its organisation you should consider; the nature of the event, workforce required and the nature of the tasks to be carried out before and during the event for proper and systematic allocation of duties and responsibilities.
Recruitment of Employees and Contract Workers
Hiring and recruiting of prospective staff members depends majorly on the extent of the workforce required, nature of the event and the number of people expected to attend the event. The HR department is tasked with the responsibility of advertising job vacancies (if any), conducting interviews and hiring successful candidates without any form of discrimination based on gender, race, religion or disabilities. The successful candidates will be welcomed warmly and oriented into the organisation with training and equipping them with the necessary skills needed to run an event.
Recruitment of Volunteers
Volunteers are the workforce who offer their services freely to the organisation. After confirming that the organisation will require the services of volunteers, it is important to perform a background check on them to ensure they have the correct motives and have the event’s best interests at heart. Recruitment of volunteers can be done by various methods such as;
Mass recruitment. This is for short term events that require a large number of volunteers who may not necessarily have any specific skills.
Targeted recruitment. This method is used when recruiting volunteers with specific skills required for the event. It needs careful consideration to ensure you recruit the appropriate volunteers.
Inner circle recruitment. This involves people who are directly connected to your organisation. This may include friends and family, former students of your programs, or individuals who the event targets.
The most important aspect of recruiting volunteers is to provide them with the experience and outcome they are looking for. It’s a two way street. They need to be treated equally to staff members.
Performance Management
Performance management entails feedback and accountability, whilst carefully monitoring and evaluating the output and input of the employees throughout the organisation of the event project and their general contribution towards the event. The organisers of the event should clearly define the roles and responsibilities of employees. This ensures that the employee’s skills are fully tapped, guaranteeing they meet their objectives, which is likely to motivate them to continue serving effectively.
Workforce Interactions
Workforce interactions are the interpersonal relationship between the organisation and the employees. As an organisation, you should strive to create a healthy work environment by complying with employment laws, strengthening positive relationships with your employees and peacefully resolving differences by following correct procedures when conflict arises. Ensure the organisation’s policies are moral and aligned to the human rights policies which will also protect you from deceitful employees who may want to exploit your assets and resources for an event.
Compliance
During the organisation and planning of an event, the organiser is expected to meet specific standards set by the law enforcers and act in accordance with them. The majority of these standards apply to the HRM department. It is important for the organisers to seek legal advice to ensure they comply with the laws that relate to the event’s organisation and planning.
