Whether you are a newly promoted manager, a business owner, or an HR professional, understanding human resources fundamentals is essential to organizational success. The Human Resource Essentials course is designed specifically for learners with little or no prior HR experience. Through a practical, structured approach, learners explore the full HR roadmap, from legal considerations and recruiting top talent to performance management and handling employee separations, building confidence to navigate real‑world workplace challenges.
Module 1: Strategic Planning & Recruiting
Explores how human resources aligns with organizational strategy and mission. Covers staffing planning, recruiting and selection processes, orientation and onboarding, and workforce training and development.
Module 2: Performance Management & Compensation
Focuses on the purpose and value of performance evaluations, implementing effective review meetings, compensation structures, and understanding government‑mandated and employer‑provided benefits.
Module 3: Employee Relations & Workplace Diversity
Examines core employee relations practices, including maintaining a positive work environment, building morale, applying progressive discipline, understanding labor and employment law, and managing diversity in the workplace.
Module 4: Technology & Modern Workplace Challenges
Covers the role of technology in human resources, including HRIS systems, workplace policies, managing organizational change, workforce trends, and remote and telework environments.
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
Explain the core functions of human resources and their impact on organizations
Understand key employment laws and workplace compliance considerations
Apply best practices for recruiting, onboarding, and retaining employees
Recognize effective performance management and evaluation techniques
Address employee relations issues, including discipline and termination
Support organizational goals through informed HR decision‑making
Certificate of completion
This class is an independent-study course. Students will have all the resources needed to successfully complete the course within the online material. A student helpdesk is available for technical support during the course enrollment.