What do we mean by "Human Resources"? In the simplest sense, "Human Resources" are the people (humans) who benefit the company through their work (resources); basically, the employees of a company or organization. 

However, the term "Human Resources" - or HR - is often used to refer to the division within a company that manages employees. This division is typically responsible for finding, recruiting, screening, and training job applicants; employee performance and compensation packages; and administering employee departures - whether voluntary or involuntary. The HR division typically handles payroll and employee-related payments to the government and may also be responsible for occupational health and safety, regulatory compliance, future workforce planning including succession strategies, and more.

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Many small companies don't have a dedicated HR division - or even a dedicated HR person. These companies still have the same need to manage their employees and comply with government regulations related to employees. Even companies with a dedicated team member may benefit from access to additional information and expertise. 

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Recognizing the challenges this presents, the NSBA has expanded the role of our Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator, Rohan Christian, to be a Human Resource Advisor with a specialty in diversity-related topics.  

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The HR Advisor's role is not to do companies' HR work; it is to help companies to do the work themselves by providing support and guidance, learning opportunities, and connecting people with third-party resources as needed. For more information, contact Rohan at hradvisor@nsboats.com. This service is free to NSBA members; we are exploring a fee-based model for non-members.