In any industry, construction companies rely heavily on skilled workers to get projects done. Human resources (HRAD) professionals play a key role in identifying qualified workers, even for highly specialized tasks often required in construction.
Human Resource and Administrationdepartments handle various functions such as recruitment, hiring, and employee support. manages both the human capital and administrative aspects of an organization, ensuring efficient workforce management and organizational processes.
Ato Mesfin T/Yohannes, HR & Administration Manager at ASER Construction, shared insights during a discussion about the general role of HRAD in ASER construction.
PR: What are the HRAD functions in comparison to other departments in ASER construction?
Ato Mesfin: HRAD monitors, controls, and responds to all activities within and outside the organization. They are responsible for hiring, assigning, promoting, and transferring employees,
handling cases, and dealing with requests from government and private organizations.
HRAD ensures the safety of employees at work, provides necessary safety Wear, and manages office equipment and repairs, Handling travel arrangements for employees, Additionally, HRAD oversees legal matters such as lawsuits and ensures the timely resolution of issues.
PR: In what ways does the HR Department support the organization?
Ato Mesfin: Human resource management is essential for any organization, and the HRAD department plays a vital role in meeting recruitment demands by ensuring qualified professionals are hired for various positions. Additionally, the HR department:
- Identifies and hires skilled workers based on the needs of each department.
- managing salaries, benefits, and other compensation-related matters,
- conducting training based on needs assessments, including short-term and long-term programs for capacity building,
- Ensures a safe working environment with the necessary health and safety measures in place.
- providing services in the field of ICT and management information systems,
- managing day-to-day office operations and ensuring smooth functioning
- Manages office equipment and ensures prompt repairs.
- Provides 24 hours security and protection service for company assets.
- Promotes the company’s activities on social media, making them more accessible to the public.
- Ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
- Ensures the timely renewal of business licenses, work permits, and construction approvals.
PR: How are the HRAD plans being implemented this year?
Ato Mesfin: In the first half of 2017, we continued efforts to provide adequate human resources, offering training to help employees improve their skills and adapt to new technology, We focused on ensuring a safe working environment with proper health and safety equipment, The activities at the company’s headquarters and project sites were made available to the public via our website.
We also ensured that legal issues were properly managed, and many challenges were resolved. Efforts were made to streamline the acquisition of construction materials and facilities. Construction permits, licenses, and equipment renewals were processed regularly.
By the end of the first six months of 2017, 78% of our planned activities had been achieved, and we will continue our efforts moving forward.
PR: What are the current challenges the company faces regarding human resources, and how is HRAD addressing them?
Ato Mesfin: The market faces challenges such as a shortage of skilled workers, inconsistent salary increases, and Bureaucratic obstacles to implementing issues.
To address these issues, we are focused on empowering our employees by promoting them in both their roles and positions whenever possible.
We are also collaborating with various training centers to enhance their skills. Considering the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty, we have made efforts to improve employees’ financial situations by implementing wage increases within a short timeframe.
PR: How would you describe the work culture of the organization, and how does HR collaborate with other departments?
Ato Mesfin: The organization fosters a culture of equal opportunity, ensuring all qualified applicants are considered without discrimination.
The company maintains a culture of long working hours, emphasizing 24-hour availability. Employees are encouraged to support one another, creating a strong sense of belonging. Ongoing training helps employees improve their skills. The organization maintains close relationships with local communities and government bodies, engaging in development and charitable activities such as building schools, purchase and implement transformer for electricity, and renovating homes for the elderly, build parks e.t.c.
We embrace new technologies and practices to improve our operations and aim to achieve international competitiveness, following quality, Occupational health and safety and environment /ISO standards like 45001/9001/1400.
