The world is moving at an exponential speed. Organizations across the globe are looking at new ways of working amidst challenges like the Great Resignation, recession, introduction of disruptive technologies, etc. From Dave Ulrich’s framework of Human Resources Business Partner 2.0 to leveraging digitization, the way the HR teams operate across most organizations has truly been revamped. The pandemic, in fact, accelerated the pace of this change.
Most leaders will agree that HR professionals often do not focus on the development of their own skillset. According to research done by AIHR, 41% of HR personnel leverage technology and apply data to increase efficiency and drive business value. Only 21% have sufficient knowledge in the core HR competencies to become future-ready. To add value and stay relevant, HR teams must upskill themselves and build an array of new skills, in context to current times and dynamic future.
The most contemporary and talked about competencies required for HR professionals are-
1. Data Analytics
Data is a strong source of information to make decisions, if leveraged and articulated effectively. The HR team has access to various data points like employee lifecycle, survey feedback, demography, performance, engagement scores, exit metrics, and many more. They must focus on identifying the critical vectors, interpreting these data points, and drawing conclusive insights that may help businesses harness, deploy & optimize the right resources for meeting business goals.
2. Execution Excellence-
Once the insights are drawn to address the business agenda, HR team members must pursue excellent execution to deploy the strategies chalked on the drawing board. Business leaders’ buy-in plays a crucial role in delivering the interventions. Hence, HR team members must learn to chalk out business models of the interventions planned along with data points to make leaders a part of the plan.
3. Sharper Hiring techniques-
Gartner conducted an annual survey of more than 800 HR leaders and identified the top 5 priorities for HR in 2023. Recruitment is one of the key priorities as per that survey. Hiring the right talent is the core of recruiting. It takes a lot more than sourcing active seekers through standard job portals.
4. Strong understanding of Business-
Over a period, the role of HR has moved from being a transactional HR business partner to a strategic business partner. To add value and have a seat on the table, it is imperative for HR to have business context and a deep understanding of the revenue model of the organization.
5. High Emotional Quotient (EQ)-
HR professionals must see themselves performing a critical role in understanding their people and business at large. Many times they act as a bridge between the two. Hence, it is a no-brainer for them to showcase a high EQ. A higher EQ shall help them to develop a positive influence over others and show up fully for the people and purpose that they serve.
While the above suggestions are some key areas where HR teams across sectors can focus to reap benefits, I believe, the first step in this direction is reflection & identification of who you want to be and then building the strategies that best suit you and your organization. Change is not overnight but a continuous process of kaizen to build the muscle of the HR teams.
Community Manager.