Every company needs Human Resources, but days of it being a dull back-office job are gone. While it was once considered a boring support function, it is now poised to become a strategic partner to the business, making it one of the most rapidly expanding industries in the US. The job outlook is expected to increase by 8% from 2021 to 2031.
HR has evolved - it's no longer just about paperwork and bureaucracy
HR is the bridge between people and business, which in practice means that it is constantly changing and adapting. The pandemic has only accelerated its transformation, making Human Resources a vital cog in the wheel of business success. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that by 2031, the HR industry will experience a surge of 80,000 new jobs. This is an exciting development that requires a new way of organizing the entire department. Meticulousness and the ability to plan and organize work time well with such deep digitization are no longer enough. HR must innovate and step out of the box to keep the company ahead in the digital age - it's time to break out of the traditional three-dimensional model. With the right policies and tools, HR professionals can help reach objectives and get the most out of employees.
Time to shake things up: HR’s future operating model
1. HR as an advisor to top management
By automating routine administrative tasks HR professionals can now move away from mundane administrative duties and turn their attention to providing valuable counsel to top executives.
2. HR as a business optimizer
Dividing the HR department into practice groups can be a great way to tackle end-to-end projects e.g., dedicated teams could be responsible for hiring particular talent and determining the outcome of the search.
3. HR as a company's showcase
HR departments should go the extra mile to make the employee experience exceptional (especially in critical moments) which goes beyond just introducing them to the company and instead builds lasting commitment.
4. HR as a business strategist
Through virtualization, HR Centers of Excellence and Centers of Competence can not only support specific areas of the business but also improve the functioning of the company as a whole.
5. HR as a company performance analyst
Utilizing People Analytics, which involves gathering data and scrutinizing it for patterns, trends, and insights can boost the performance of the entire business.
Creating new solutions and nurturing a space where people can develop and use effective tools are prerequisites for staying afloat in business. HR, offering a unique blend of human-centeredness and multitasking acumen, can/should be a transformative force in the modern workplace.