Job-related employee categorization is crucial for effective human resource management

 

Job-related employee categorization is crucial for effective human resource management


Employee classification based on job responsibility is a critical activity for human resource and organizational management. This procedure clarifies responsibilities, establishes expectations, and streamlines workflow (Dessler, 2011).

Employees are commonly classified depending on the kind of work they perform, which is a standard practice in human resource management. Here are two common types of employees depending on the work they do.


1.     Knowledge Workers: Who have received formal training in certain skills and abilities and who use their knowledge to find solutions to creative problems. Knowledge workers provide knowledge to their daily job, allowing them to lead initiatives and make high-level decisions. As a result, executives consider employee expertise to be a valuable asset. Computer scientists’ programmers, engineers, pharmacists, academics, architects, and product designers are examples of knowledge workers ( Davenport, 2005).




1.      Manual Workers: Manual workers, sometimes known as blue-collar workers, are individuals whose jobs require physical labor and manual duties. They often manufacture items or deliver services with their hands or by using tools and machines. Construction workers, factory employees, plumbers, electricians, and maintenance professionals are all examples of manual workers. When compared to knowledge workers, their work is frequently more routine and labor-intensive (Murray, 2020).


 

Recruiting Difficulties for Knowledge Workers and Manual Workers

Knowledge Workers Challenges

Knowledge workers are valued by organizations for their specific skills and experience, but managing them offers issues. Organizations encounter issues such as high demand and competitiveness, continual learning and development, job hopping and turnover, keeping tacit knowledge, work-life balance, digital transformation challenges, cross-departmental collaboration, and identifying informal knowledge (Mohr, 2022).

Manual Workers Challenges

Manual labor recruitment is difficult owing to labor market dynamics, physical demands, perceived job security, and seasonal or cyclical demand. Partnerships with vocational schools, trade organizations, and local communities, attractive pay packages, health and safety precautions, promoting upskilling and migrating to new positions, and managing seasonal or cyclical demand are among strategies (Stafford, 1952).


Self-Reflection

Knowledge workers and manual workers influence the economy of a country, so as a country, they must prioritize both workers. Further, due to recent economic crises, many knowledge workers have migrated to other countries, which may have an impact on Sri Lanka's education system.   

Conclusion

Job-related employee categorization is essential for human resource management and organizational efficiency. It helps clarify roles, streamline workflows, and optimize resource allocation. Knowledge workers and manual workers bring unique skills.

 

References

Davenport, T. H., 2005. Thinking For A Living. United States of America: Harvard Business School Press.

Dessler, G., 2011. HUMAN RESOURCE. Florida: Florida International University.
Mohr, J., 2022. [Online]
 Available at: https://www.forrester.com/blogs/knowledge-worker-autonomy-and-its-impact-on-the-employee-experience/.

Murray, D., 2020. HeadHeartHand. [Online]
 Available at: https://headhearthand.org/blog/2020/11/10/the-beauty-and-dignity-of-manual-labor/.

Stafford, B., 1952. The International Labour Organisation-its origins and story. Statistical and Social Inquiry Society of Ireland, p. 109.

 

 















Comments

  1. I U K YaddehigeJuly 20, 2023 at 6:51 PM

    This is a very meaningful and timely article. This article clearly shows that the classification of employees should be done based on the skills and experience of the individual. The profits and benefits of this will directly affect the long-term performance of an organization or service. For example, many private institutions operate on this principle and thrive. But the public institutions of our country, on the contrary, are from being put at a very weak level due to giving promotions, profits and benefits, right from the recruitment of new members.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dimuthu Edirisinghe - MBA28July 21, 2023 at 6:27 AM

    Important topic and content as many organizations have failed due to lack of concern on this. Even if an organization follows expert techniques in recruiting, training and development, and other functions, those will not be successful if it has not followed proper categorization as mentioned in the article.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. E211227_MohamedAugust 19, 2023 at 3:06 AM

      Agreed! Talant management should hire the best individuals for the position.

      Delete
  3. Rampragash MBA 2023July 28, 2023 at 3:14 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Prabath MudaligeAugust 8, 2023 at 8:43 PM

    This article underscores the significance of categorizing employees based on their job responsibilities for effective human resource management. Employee classification serves as a framework to define roles, set expectations, and enhance workflow efficiency, contributing to organizational success.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lakshani N UlladupitiyeAugust 13, 2023 at 1:10 AM

    it can enjoy all the perks of having a diversified team without any business disruptions or gaps in productivity. Plus, when it understands the employee classification, it’s easier to decide which type(s) of employee best fits business’s needs.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dinesh Chamira WijesinghaAugust 15, 2023 at 12:46 PM

    Job-related employee categorization : This was strongest to the extent that companies maintained HR information systems, accorded HR greater involvement in strategic planning and emphasized competency-based characteristics of employees in the job analysis approaches they used.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Nimantha WickremasingheAugust 18, 2023 at 6:17 AM

    Identifying the workforce of the organisations properly in the way you have explained sets forth a foundation to find ways on how to nurture it for effective talent management.

    ReplyDelete

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