Human Resource Planning Process
As a process, human resources planning basically involves reviewing human resources
requirements systemically to identify what must be done to guarantee the availability of the human
resources needed by an organisation currently and in the future to meet its strategic business
objectives.
Required
a) How do we prepare human resources plans? (1 mark)
b) Outline any four (4) advantages of carrying out a proper human resources planning. (4
marks)
a) To prepare human resources plans, organizations typically follow these steps:
1. Conduct a strategic analysis to determine the organization's business objectives and the human resources needed to achieve them.
2. Forecast future human resources needs based on factors such as expected growth, technological advancements, or changes in the industry.
3. Assess the current supply of human resources within the organization, considering factors like employee turnover, skill gaps, and retirement rates.
4. Develop strategies to address any gaps between current and future human resources needs, such as recruiting, training, or restructuring.
5. Implement the plan and regularly review and update it to ensure it remains aligned with the organization's goals.
b) Four advantages of carrying out proper human resources planning include:
1. Anticipating and addressing talent gaps: By forecasting future human resources needs, organizations can proactively address any skills or talent shortages, reducing the risk of being unprepared for upcoming challenges.
2. Improving workforce efficiency and productivity: With a clear plan in place, organizations can ensure that their workforce is aligned with their strategic objectives, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
3. Enhancing employee morale and retention: When employees see that their organization is committed to planning for their future and development, they are more likely to feel valued and engaged, leading to higher levels of job satisfaction and lower turnover rates.
4. Supporting business growth and innovation: Human resources planning can help organizations identify the skills and talent needed to drive innovation and growth, ensuring they have the right people in place to seize new opportunities and stay competitive in the market.