How to Save HR?

We are at it again. It’s time to bash HR. Ever since the article Why we hate HR appeared, every now and then someone wakes up and thinks they can bash HR. The July issue of Harvard Business Review was dedicated to HR. But it wasn’t bashing at all. It pointed out the lack of influence HR has. Let’s be honest, there’s a lot of HR bullshit around. But there’s a lot of business bullshit around as well. And there are a lot of things HR is doing right.

It’s not my intention to point back the finger to other functions. In my career I have been responsible for other areas than HR and what I have to conclude is that everyone is looking for answers to the challenges and disruptions of today. And I also have to conclude that there are also fads and fashions in every area.

Just like any other function or business area HR wants to justify its existence. In its history we have moved from personnel management, to human relations, to human resources, to human capital, … But the question is if these denominations are important. Just like every business function we need to get to the core and cut the waste we are carrying.

And then I came across this post on Linkedin by Dominique Voss, HR Manager at Merck in Belgium:

HR is about People

I don’t think she’s alone in thinking that HR is about people. In essence we are here to make the people process within organizations work. Said in a negative way, if everything runs well HR is obsolete.

However, in a positive way, HR can help organisations cope with the VUCA-world knowing that it’s people and only people who will innovate, implement strategy, sell, deliver service, …

Knowing that everything has to (?) go faster, leaner, better, … it’s only by getting the people challenge right that we will be(come) competitive. The core question is  how we can create a context that makes people successful. So there you go, there’s the challenge.

Are we doing a good Job?

Probably not. Only 13% of people is engaged.

• Is that the fault of HR? No.
• Can HR do something about it? Yes.
• Can HR do it alone? No.

You get the HR you deserve.

Do we really need to hate HR? It depends. Every company gets the people process it deserves. Too many companies limit the people management process to lip service, window dressing, transactional tit-for-tat, …

The way forward to “save” HR.

1. Let’s start with a detail. Let’s get rid of the name HR. Let’s talk about people. I have taken on the title of chief people officer as a way to state what I see as the future of the function formerly known as HR. Check out this blog.
2. Then, let’s really talk about people and focus on them. Let’s not only focus only on the active elements (competencies, productivity, …) but let’s include the entire person.
3. Let’s understand that we need to be humble. We cannot solve everything. We cannot do it alone.
4. Let’s understand that People Management is a process, not a function or department. Many people are involved. But there are people within companies that focus on the people process.
5. Let’s define the role we need to play within organisations. In the future there are 5 roles: Architect, Expert, Coach, Data Strategist and Advocate. You can read about them here.
6. If we understand it’s in essence about creating a context in which people can be successful both in life as in business, we are on the way.
7. If it’s about context we need to focus on culture. How much time do we spend on that?
8. HR needs to review some of its processes. One important example is performance management. People are usually not engaged by this process. We need to get it right or stop it.
9. HR can play a vital role in creating value for customers. Customers meet people. And it’s the performance of the people that makes the difference, even in the age of digitalisation. The brand of a company stands or falls with the behaviour of the people delivering the service, manufacturing the products.
10. To do all that, HR needs to focus on Leadership. HR is leadership. Leadership is HR.
11. HR can make a difference by focusing on customised work. People come to work. It would be best to make sure work is adapted to their needs, strengths, ambitions. Customise work where possible. Leave the standard. Have the courage to make exceptions.
12. HR Analytics will help, but will not “save” HR. There’s a lot of little data in HR. But using it to check progress, evaluate programs, … is necessary.
13. And cut the crap. Forget about the jargon. Stand close to the business and the people. Loose everything that could confuse. HR is not rocket science. Keep it as simple as possible.

There’s a lot of work to do. But let’s not bash HR. Let’s not hate it. Let’s create a people process we are worthy of. You get the HR you deserve. HR gets the company it deserves. Does HR needs to be saved? I don’t think so.