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What is People Management and Why is it Important?


Mon 12 Sep 2022

Young people working on laptop computers in front of a big window in an office space

People management is a core responsibility of HR professionals, involving the recruitment, training, engagement, and retention of employees, to foster talent and boost productivity. 

However, it’s about much more than just ticking boxes. It’s about creating an environment where employees have the resources and culture they need for wellbeing and job satisfaction. 

People management is really important for any organisation, as it plays a vital role in managing and supporting the workforce.  

In fact, 75% of Senior HR Managers believe that collaboration, constant communication, and mentorship will be essential for high-performing workplaces in the future 

At its heart, people management is about understanding and supporting individual needs to help employees and businesses thrive.   

If you’re interested in pursuing or progressing a career in human resources, a CIPD People Management course is the perfect way to about it. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss what people management is and why it’s super important for every business to have – let’s begin! 

What is people management? 

People management is all about how companies support their employees to drive success and smooth operation – this includes things like recruitment, employee development, and job satisfaction. 

This is all part of a bigger goal; to create a healthy and motivated workforce by selecting the best candidates, offering skills development opportunities, setting clear expectations, and giving constructive feedback. 

Good people management should prioritise employee engagement, resolve any interpersonal issues at work, and build strong teams to deliver on organisational and strategic success.  

Is a CIPD People Management course worth it? 

Yes! Studying a CIPD Level 5 People Management course offers loads of benefits, making it a valuable professional investment! 

The major pros of a CIPD Level 5 course include:  

  • A CIPD qualification is highly regarded by employers, enhancing your career prospects. 

  • CIPD-qualified professionals often earn higher salaries due to their expertise. 

  • Demonstrates dedication to high standards in HR practices. 

  • Keeps you informed about the latest HR trends and best practices. 

  • Equips you with the skills needed to handle real-world HR scenarios. 

At MOL, our CIPD courses are designed by specialists to help you develop expertise and achieve your qualifications.  

These courses boost your confidence, improve performance, and enable you to make a real difference in your workplace. 

Studying People Management with MOL was fantastic! The course was insightful and really boosted my confidence. I feel more capable and ready to tackle any HR challenges now. Highly recommend it! 

People management vs management and leadership 

When we think of “management” in a business setting, traditional roles like managers, CEOs, and managing directors usually come to mind.  

While people management skills enhance these roles, there are distinct differences between performance-based management and leadership and people management. 

Management and leadership roles focus on overseeing and improving the performance of a team or subset of a business. This involves setting performance goals, analysing data, and managing resources. 

In contrast, people management prioritises the wellbeing and needs of individual employees. While staff performance is important, it’s not the main metric of success for people managers. 

People management is often the responsibility of those in HR with job titles such as: 

  • Human Resources Manager/Executive 

  • Recruiter 

  • Employee Wellbeing Officer 

Why do businesses need people management? 

Understanding the importance of people management is a big step in becoming an effective HR manager or leader in the workplace.  

Employee engagement 

Engaged employees typically feel like they’re part of something bigger, contributing to organisational success. They’re more productive and driven to help the business succeed, seeing the bigger picture and becoming proactive team members. 

Higher workplace morale and engagement are better not only for productivity, but for employee retention and recruitment in the future. 

Effective recruitment 

Successful organisations are built on finding the right people. People managers play a crucial role in recruiting candidates who not only have the right skills, but also fit well with the company’s culture and team dynamics. 

Conflict resolution 

Conflict is inevitable, and many managers struggle to handle it effectively. People managers act as mediators, resolving conflicts by understanding individual needs and concerns. 

This helps to promote an open, supportive, and harmonious work environment. 

Manage mental health 

While CIPD research suggests that many organisations have increased efforts to support mental health in the workplace, it remains the number one cause of long-term absence from work. 

Mental health-related absences can cost the UK economy up to £14 billion annually, coinciding with decreased productivity for 76% of workers. 

People managers implement processes and practices to support employee mental health, reducing absenteeism and improving productivity. 

Communicate needs across organisational levels 

Senior managers often struggle to truly understand the needs of entry-level and junior employees. People managers bridge this gap, ensuring clear communication of needs and concerns throughout the business, tailored to each level's perspective. 

All in all, people management is essential for fostering a productive, engaged, and harmonious workforce, driving organisational success and growth. 

What does a people management course include? 

People Management courses are designed to equip HR professionals with the essential skills and knowledge to effectively manage and support employees. 

Here are just a few examples of what you can expect from a People Management course, such as the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management offered by MOL: 

1. Recruitment and talent acquisition 

Learn effective strategies for attracting, selecting, and onboarding the right talent. This includes understanding the recruitment process, interviewing techniques, and the importance of cultural fit. 

2. Employee development and training 

Learn how to create and implement training programmes that enhance employee skills and support career growth. This section covers needs assessment, designing training modules, and evaluating training effectiveness. 

3. Performance management 

Understand the tools and techniques for assessing and improving employee performance. This includes setting performance goals, conducting appraisals, and providing constructive feedback. 

4. Employee engagement and motivation 

Explore ways to boost employee engagement and motivation. Learn about the psychological and practical factors that drive engagement, and how to create a positive workplace culture. 

5. Conflict resolution and mediation 

Gain skills in resolving workplace conflicts and mediating disputes. This includes understanding the root causes of conflict, communication strategies, and techniques for facilitating resolution. 

6. Mental health and wellbeing 

Learn how to support employee mental health and wellbeing. This section covers recognising signs of mental health issues, implementing support programmes, and creating a supportive work environment. 

And much more! 

How much does a People Management course cost? 

The cost of a People Management course can vary based on several factors, including the provider, mode of study (online, in-person, etc.), and any additional services or support offered. 

For the latest information on course costs click here

Why study People Management with MOL? 

Investing in a People Management course like the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma is a significant step towards advancing your career in HR. 

The skills and knowledge gained from this qualification can lead to enhanced job opportunities, increased earning potential, and greater professional credibility. 

The average salary for HR professionals in the UK is around £45,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Senior HR roles can command even higher salaries, with HR Directors earning upwards of £70,000 per year. 

A CIPD qualification not only boosts your earning potential but also demonstrates your commitment to professional development, making you a more attractive candidate to employers. 

Take the first step to your dream career 

At MOL, all our HR CIPD courses are designed by specialists, to help you develop your expertise and achieve your professional qualifications. 

These courses give you the confidence to showcase your knowledge, enhance your performance, and make a real difference in your workplace. 

So, why wait? Explore MOL’s range of professional qualification courses and get enrolled to start your journey with us and unlock your potential today.