Effective people management skills are critical in organisations for growth and success. The hybrid world of work has created numerous challenges for managing the performance of individuals and teams. Interpersonal skills such as communication, problem solving, managing relationships, and developing emotional intelligence are central to the effective execution of people management roles. This module will develop in students a keen understanding of the importance of developing the key skills required in professional HR roles. The module begins with discussions about the role of the HR practitioner in contemporary organisations and progresses to equip students with the skills required for such roles. The module has a strong practical focus whereby students analyse workplace scenarios and work on building solutions and managing conflict, taking account of contextual variables.

The role of the HR practitioner in contemporary organisations; the hybrid work environment; people management key skills; communication and the impact of technology; emotional intelligence and empathy; coaching and managing performance; honest conversations and giving feedback; managing conflict and having difficult conversations; grievance and disciplinary issues; your skills as a manager - reflection and self-assessment.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Describe the key skills required by HR practitioners in contemporary organisations 2. Differentiate between workplace contexts and approaches required 3. Recommend appropriate practices to build solutions to problems in the workplace 4. Engage in self-reflection and evaluation of their own personal skills and put in place practical strategies for skills development 5.Demonstrate awareness of regulatory issues and obligations when dealing with difficult situations in the work environment

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 6. Display empathy and emotional intelligence in various work situations 7. Support employees in difficult situations and work with them to devise solutions 8. Display a commitment to self-directed learning and continuous professional development

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The module will be delivered through blended teaching with a strong focus on student-led learning. Teaching methods include live and asynchronous virtual lectures; recorded lecture notes; podcasts and media links; virtual class discussion boards and student e-learning activities; in person classroom activities such as case study analyses and peer-to-peer discussions. There will be a strong focus on skills development and students will engage in self-reflection activities and role-plays. Feedback on students' skills development will also form a critical part of the module. Students will also attend webinars from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and other relevant webinars from the Department of Work and Employment Studies and the Kemmy Business School as they arise. The incorporation of research findings relevant to the world of work is an important inclusion to the syllabus for this module. Members of the Department of Work and Employment Studies are engaged in research in HR skills for the future of work and this will be incorporated into this module as appropriate. Examples include recent research and publications on: The future of work and digital transformations; Graduate transitions into a digitally transformed workplace; CIPD annual HR practices survey results.