What does it take to create a positive and professional environment at work? How do you manage your staff’s performance? How do you plan ahead for changes to your workforce? How do you ensure you have the right people in the right jobs at the right time?

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the British Columbia Human Resources Management Association (BC HRMA) to help you answer these questions with a new series focusing on human resources management. Local members of BC HRMA will provide in-depth analysis and functional tips on a broad range of topics, including:

• Recruiting, training and retaining highly qualified employees
• Pay and benefits
• Workplace health and safety
• Engaging and motivating staff

The importance of effective human resources management can’t be undervalued in today’s intensely competitive marketplace. For organizations big and small, human resources has become a vital part of the overall business strategy and can offer a distinct advantage over competitors. HR is the function managing your biggest asset – people. Hiring, training and retaining a highly-skilled workforce allows your organization to maintain its market responsiveness, deliver high-quality products and customer service, and capitalize on technological innovation.

The role of HR in business has evolved.  In fact, as the key connection between people and bottom lines grows more apparent, the evolution is well under way.  What is emerging is a new HR: professionally-designated, strategic, and potent in its unique ability to impact the bottom line.  This is not the HR that many in the business world know.  It is, however, the HR we all need and will be covered in this series of articles over the coming months.

BC HRMA is the provincial source for human resources information and services for HR professionals and those involved in the business of people. The non-profit association, which has more than 5,000 members, is the BC grantor of the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation. The local Advisory Council is committed to providing leadership in HR excellence throughout the Okanagan and the Kootenay Regions. www.bchrma.org.

Contact: Tim Read e: tread@bchrma.org p: 250 763 3199