I’ve accepted my first manager position.

Anonymous

February 24,2024 at 7:10PM UTC

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I’ve accepted my first manager position.

I recently took a new role as a Human Resources Manager overseeing recruitment and retention. I don’t have any direct reports but the first role I’ve held with a “manager” title. I will be responsible for engaging with over 300 employees and I am looking for any advice for someone just starting out. I have worked in recruitment for several years and oversaw various employee engagement initiatives, but I have not had to implement them from beginning to end such as bonus programs, recognition programs, stay-interviews, etc. I am just looking for any advice for a first time manager!

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Diane J HuffFebruary 24,2024 at 10:06PM UTC
I would recommend joining SHRM, if you aren't a member already. That site is a wealth of information about bonus programs, recognition and a plethora of HR information. I would also join the site on Reddit - r/HumanResources. A great place for candid questions and feedback. There are also dozens of groups on LinkedIn to join but their advice is not as candid and can be a mixed bag. The key advice I can give you is to always keep the employees first, listen and take their issues seriously. Use these sites to help you navigate the legal miasma that comes along with HR and to help you find that sweet spot to engage and motivate employees in your company. Good luck!!!
AnonymousFebruary 25,2024 at 12:04AM UTC
Please get people management training! You may have a clean plan but without the skills provided by these courses and direct application of the learnings you might end up accidentally micromanaging or even worse give invaluable feedback and spend all of your time documenting against employees instead of developing them!
AnonymousFebruary 26,2024 at 5:10PM UTC
Not sure what your educational background is, but I would encourage you to continue with it - with or without your employer covering the costs. I have my SHRM-SCP certification - have had it for several years now, and I'm constantly looking for opportunities to continue my learning. Looking for a talent management certification or total rewards. Find a mentor in your local HR community. What's the structure of the HR team you work with? Find different HR groups on LinkedIn to network with.