Redefining HR: Why employees' happiness is the key objective

Director, Human Resources and Corporate Sustainability at Isuzu East Africa, Fredrick Wasike. [File, Standard]

Years ago, the human resources (HR) department - often referred to simply as "personnel", was primarily charged with keeping records, ensuring companies followed regulations and compliance with the law, and determining wages, compensation packages, and other benefits.

But in the recent past, the HR department has evolved tremendously, thanks to the emergence of technologies that automate much of the work traditionally done by HR professionals.