The evolution of HR: Everything HR and People leaders need to know
HR and People teams have grappled with so much change. There has been an evolution of HR. To thrive in an
Changing expectations and perceptions of HR during the evolution of HR
Recent changes mean expectations and perceptions of HR have evolved. We
What HR and People leaders said about the evolution of hr
“HR has become more influential, but at the expense of a bigger workload.”
say HR teams have had a vital role to play in the pandemic
65%
report crisis has helped increase understanding of HR’s role
72%
are now delivering a more influential leadership role
59%
Up to 60% have experienced an increase in both admin and strategic tasks
60%
What business leaders said about the evolution of hr
“Changes in HR have accelerated, but HR is still too admin-focused.”
say the pandemic has accelerated changes in HR
87%
view HR as largely still an admin function
57%
don’t think HR’s workload is unmanageable
76%
think recent changes in HR are just temporary
52%
What employees said
“HR is more people-focused and responsive.”
60%
think HR’s role has become more strategic and people-focused
54%
have improved knowledge and understanding of HR’s role and value
34%
say HR has adapted to become more responsive
57%
see the pandemic as a catalyst for HR driving more people-related decisions
HR’s accelerated digital transformation
“Increased focus on digital transformation.”
59%
59% of business and HR leaders think HR is even more focused on digital
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“A need for more tech – but the lack of investment is a challenge.”
67%
67% of HR leaders see the lack of investment in HR by the company as a
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“There’s a confidence gap.”
63%
63% of business leaders are fully confident that HR can bring the
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Impact through insights
How can HR use analytics to create greater value and increase business
How aligned is HR with business priorities?
“HR is aligned to business goals, but isn’t leading enough. “
of business leaders feel HR priorities are aligned to those of the overall
81%
still don’t feel HR is playing a leading role across the business,
59%
The future of HR analytics
“HR data and analytics are widely available, but there is a lack of
of business leaders have access to some form of people data from HR.
94%
…62% of HR leaders said they’re unable to use the data to spot trends and
62%
68% of business leaders don’t rely heavily on HR data, and 38% aren’t fully
68%
Percentage of business leaders who say it is useful to have data on these
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It would be useful to have data on this indicator
HR currently provides data on this indicator
Headcount
Employee productivity rate
Vacation days taken
Revenue per FTE
Cost of labor per FTE
Promotion rate
Diversity percentages
External time to fill
Absenteeism rate
Diversity hire ratio
Grievances
Vacancy rate
Employee net promoter score
Number of candidates interviewed per hire
External hire rate %
Gender pay gap
New hire failure rate
Average tenure
Cost per employee
Turnover rates
Employee engagement
Training rates
HR to FTE ratio
Cost per hire
Headcount
The role of HR technology in the evolution of hr
“HR tech has helped organizations to adapt, and contributes to business
of business leaders say HR technology has helped assist with business
90%
of HR leaders say that cloud HR helped them to operate effectively during
81%
of HR leaders acknowledge limitations of their current HR systems, and are
63%
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What’s next for HR?
What’s really next for HR leaders in the evolution of hr? We spoke to business and HR leaders to
New ways of working:
Reimagining the hybrid work future
“Previously, health and safety and HR were very separate departments. Now,
General Manager (HR), Life Sciences, Australia
Flexible working
60%
of HR teams are spending more time on flexible working policies
63%
of HR teams say flexible working has become more of a priority
Business transformation, culture and experiences
Creating truly people-focused companies
“The expectation of employees now during this evolution of hr is they want to work for an employer that
CEO, Professional Services, UK
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Culture
60% of employees were considered highly engaged when their organization
Culture
Purpose
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
25%
of global companies with more gender diversity in executive teams are more
Employee mental health and well-being
96%
of HR leaders are more concerned about employee well-being today than
“People are working so much. We are stressed. We are burned out, and we’re
Professor Tsedal Neeley, Harvard Business School
Successfully competing for talent
Building irresistible organizations
“There is a whole new battle for talent now. Although historically, we’ve
CEO, Professional Services, UK
“If employees are not proud of who they work for, or they aren’t engaged
CEO, Professional Services, UK
How to get ahead
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Be ready for what’s next with HR tech
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