The current status and possible future for the HR function came under close examination at a webinar hosted by The HR World and sponsored by Cezanne. At a time of great change and turbulence in the workplace – disruption and change brought about through technology, legal and compliance issue and more – this seems to be a moment when HR has the opportunity to surge ahead and become a strategic and critical part of senior business leadership. However, making this step forward requires focus and commitment from HR professionals themselves.
The webinar’s panel – Simon Mounsey, Interim Chief People Officer & HR Transformation Specialist; Erica Farmer, Professional Speaker, Trainer, Author & Podcast Host. Quantum Rise Talent Group & EricaFarmer.ai and Caroline Gleeson, Chief Transformation Officer at Cezanne discussed the topic from diverse viewpoints.
While the need to adopt and adapt to technology and AI in particular is unavoidable the panel made clear it was important that HR should remain a ‘human first’ function. Despite the need for efficiency and cost effectiveness in the business, organisations still need to be human centred and appreciate the value of being so. Erica Farmer put forward the idea of HR professionals as being change architects – the people who would design and manage the workforces of the future – it’s a task which many HR professionals are well placed to take up, but need to take the initiative to realise.
The use of data and analytics can also play an important part in securing a clear future for HR. Simon Mounsey and Caroline Gleeson both highlighted how data and metrics can not only demonstrate the impact of HR’s work but become predictive in areas such as recruitment and employee engagement. Through this the function can have a marked impact on efficiency and productivity.
Overall, the webinar clearly shows that HR does have the potential to reach and succeed at C-suite level within businesses without having to redefine itself. HR certainly has a critical part to play in the future, but it will not come automatically and HR leaders need to be bold and confident and demonstrate the impact they can have within the companies they serve.
As such the webinar is vital viewing for anyone who wants to realise their full potential in the profession and who wants to ensure HR takes a leading role in the future of the workplace.
