As an HR professional, you need to stay ahead of the curve, ready to proactively spot issues before they arise. Independent learning options are a great way to ensure you’re able to do this in an ongoing manner. They allow you to learn at your own pace, on your schedule – below are a few of the different solutions available to HR professionals for independent learning.
Online courses
There’s a wide variety of online courses available that cover a variety of HR topics, from recruitment and talent management to performance appraisal and employee relations.
A lot of these courses are self-paced, allowing you to learn on your schedule, and a lot of them offer widely recognised certifications upon completion. Websites like StaySharp allow you to undertake a wide range of online learning qualifications to take your skillset to the next level.
Webinars
Webinars are another great independent learning option for HR professionals. Quite a few HR associations offer webinars on a range of highly relevant employment topics, from employment law and benefits to diversity and inclusion. Webinars typically last 1-2 hours, making them a convenient option for busy professionals who don’t have long to take out of their days.
Podcasts
Podcasts are a really fun way to stay current on HR trends and topics while on the go. There are many HR-focused podcasts available that cover a wide range of topics, from HR strategy and leadership to compliance and legal issues. Some popular HR podcasts include HR Happy Hour, HR Works, and HR Leaders.
Professional development books
Reading professional development books with a focus on people management is another great way to learn independently at your own pace and improve your HR skills. There’s a whole range of books available that cover every HR topic imaginable, including employee engagement, performance management, and effective leadership.
HR blogs
Reading HR industry blogs and newsletters can be an effective way to remain updated on the latest HR trends and news. Plenty of HR firms have their blogs and newsletters, and there are also lots of independent HR blogs to have a look through. Some popular HR blogs include the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) blog and the HR Bartender blog.
Social media
Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook can also be used for independent learning and network building. Follow HR thought leaders, industry experts, and HR associations on these platforms to stay up-to-date on the latest HR trends. You can also join HR groups and forums on these platforms to connect with other HR professionals and learn from their insights from industry experience.
As you can see, there are a lot of different independent learning options available for HR professionals, from online courses and webinars to podcasts and social media. By taking advantage of these different resources, you can ensure that you continue to develop your skills, staying up to date with all of the important industry developments.
It’s important to prioritise learning and make it a regular part of your professional development – ultimately, learning is an ongoing process, not a box that you can tick and then forget about.
