HR Trends and Challenges HR departments have been around for about 100 years. Previously known as personnel departments, departments in organizations specializing in human resource management have evolved over the years to address many issues. The change in labor laws, the introduction and advancement of technology, and the way humankind has evolved have forced many trend changes in human resource management (HRM). In today's organizations, human resource management has many functions and roles (Brannen, 2000). According to Dalton E. Brannen, professor of Management at Augusta State University's School of Business Administration, human resource management departments include the administrative role of processing benefits while maintaining employee records (Brannen, 2000). The HRM also “…is required to develop and manage training, recruitment and safety programs.” (Brannen, 2000, pp. 1-3). With the numerous changes that have occurred over the years, the challenges related to the effectiveness and efficiency of human resources management have also multiplied. This study will address four important topics facing HRM departments in today's organizations: how a comprehensive performance management system differs from an annual performance appraisal; advantages of turnover management in companies; Contemporary safety and health management issues, trends and future challenges in the workplace will be discussed. The process of analyzing employee performance has been a source for companies to determine an employee's performance in his job. This is how you can decide on raises, promotions and whether to keep an employee or let them go. Traditionally employee evaluations are conducted by managers or supervisors who annually evaluate employee performance or... middle of paper... sources evolve. The Chronicle of Augusta @ugusta, pp. 1-3. Retrieved May 27, 2006, from http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/060500/abc_brannen.shtmlGoldsmith, M. (2005, September 8). Future leadership. Jobdig Newsletter. Retrieved June 23, 2006, from http://www.jobdig.com/content/article/Future_leadership%85.htmlHR-Guide (2006). The HR manager of the 21st century. Retrieved June 26, 2006, from http://www.hrmguide.com/general/chro.htmNoe, R. A., Hollenbeck, J. R., Gerhert, B., & Wright, P. M. (2003). Fundamentals of human resource management (1st ed.). New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies. Schwartz, J. (2006). 21st century HR manager. Retrieved June 26, 2006, from http://www.hrmguide.com/general/chro.htm Social Studies Center (n.d.). . Retrieved June 26, 2006, from http://www.socialstudieshelp.com/Eco_Unionization.htm