Some industry commentators call the Human Resources function the last bastion of bureaucracy and it is seen in its traditional role – the department that merely hires and fires the staff needed to do the jobs. However, today, the HR role should according to Dr. Dave Ulrich, a professor at the University of Michegan, be seeing HR professionals leading their organizations in areas such as organization development, strategic utilization of employees to serve business goals, and talent management and development.
Today the HR professional is considered necessary by managers and executives and plays the role of a strategic partner, an employee advocate as well a change mentor.
The recruitment requirements for your HR executives have thus changed considerably and an increased need for the following skills has been noticed:
· Technology skills has increased and in many countries this HR skill is very much in demand
· Change management as more and more people are needing a flexible working environment
· The ability to foster culture and change the behaviour and work pattern of employees
· Consulting and coaching skills are often a requirement to help drive the team’s performance or to diagnose and resolve issues for a leader or a team
Global talent management expert, Josh Bershin, has said that in 2017 he believes that the best HR professionals will move out of a conventional HR role into that of a consultant in human performance and will no longer focus on managing employees but will own all employee issues and focus on ensuring individuals and teams performance.
He goes on to say that now is the time when businesses look ahead to the new year and start to plan and set priorities. If you want great results from your business, start with your people. After all, they are your greatest asset.
One of the greatest priorities I believe should be considered is Employee Relations and this should include the hiring, on boarding and exit of employees as well as the critical engagement of all people in the workplace and employee benefits.
