The Evolving Role of HR in the Digital-Human Era
The expectations from Human Resources (HR) have significantly transformed over the years, adapting to the ever-changing working conditions and the composition of the workforce. From the early 1900s to the present digital-human era, HR has evolved to meet the distinct demands of each era.
In the digital-human era, HR is facing new challenges driven by artificial intelligence, sustainability, skills shortages, and rapid digital adoption. A recent study revealed that almost 60% of HR professionals believe they need to catch up in digital and data development, and only 21% possess the core skills required for the future of work.
However, the future of HR shines brightly, and HR professionals have a pivotal role in reshaping the next phase of work. This transformation demands that HR professionals embrace a new reality, involving the adoption of a new mindset, the acquisition of a broader skillset, and the utilization of relevant tools aligned with the evolving world of work. This change must be rooted in the bedrock of courage and self-belief – the unwavering “heartset” of an HR professional who is proud to be associated with the profession.
The HR Success Blueprint: A Holistic Approach to HR Mastery
To drive success and lead their organizations into a bright future, HR professionals need to develop a T-shaped competency model that encompasses five core competencies, complemented by specialized knowledge and leadership skills.
-
Mindset: Cultivating a curious and adaptable mindset that embraces complexity, seeks new knowledge, and challenges assumptions.
-
Skillset: Developing a broad range of skills, including data-driven decision-making, leveraging digital technologies, and executing with impact.
-
Toolset: Mastering the evolving toolkit of HR, which includes AI-driven tools for streamlining processes, as well as maintaining the importance of face-to-face engagement.
-
Heartset: Embodying courage, self-belief, and professional pride to champion change, advocate for employee well-being, and drive transformation.
-
Identity: Discovering the true identity of the HR professional, amplifying their voice, and extending their contribution beyond the present scope to become a true “Human Advocate.”
By aligning these five elements, HR professionals can position themselves as strategic partners, driving positive change and shaping a more inclusive, compassionate, and forward-thinking work environment.
Mindset: Embracing Complexity and Cultivating Curiosity
To navigate the dynamic landscape of the digital-human era, HR professionals must adopt a mindset that embraces and seeks challenges. This requires identifying and anticipating patterns within complexity and change, while honing a keen sense of sense-making. HR professionals need to apply a critical and analytical approach to problem-solving, challenging assumptions, and seeking alternative perspectives.
Importantly, this mindset must continuously develop and adapt, as HR professionals need an ingrained curiosity about the world around them. The desire to seek new knowledge, be inquisitive about new experiences, and show interest beyond the traditional HR topics will be paramount to the success of the future HR professional. This curiosity should extend beyond HR matters to encompass a broader interest in people, technology, and the world. Curiosity fuels innovation and drives HR forward, exploring new possibilities in an ever-expanding horizon.
Skillset: Becoming Data-Driven, Digital, and Execution-Focused
As the world of work evolves, HR professionals must expand their skillset to remain relevant and impactful. This includes:
-
Data-Driven Decision-Making: Leveraging data to influence business decisions, improve organizational performance, and enhance the employee experience.
-
Digital Transformation: Embracing and leveraging technology to drive digital transformation, streamline HR processes, and personalize employee experiences.
-
Execution with Impact: Ensuring that HR strategies and initiatives are implemented effectively, with a focus on creating tangible value for the organization.
-
HR Value Chain Expertise: Developing in-depth knowledge across the entire HR value chain, from talent acquisition to organizational development.
-
Leadership Skills: Cultivating the ability to lead, inspire, and motivate others, recognizing the growing responsibility of HR professionals in people management.
By developing this comprehensive skillset, HR professionals can position themselves as strategic partners, contributing to the organization’s success and shaping the future of work.
Toolset: Balancing Digital and Human Moments
The toolset of the future HR professional is undergoing a significant transformation, shaped by the rapid integration of digital technologies, generative AI, virtual reality, and automation. While these cutting-edge tools reshape the HR landscape, face-to-face engagements remain pivotal for building human connections and trust.
Digital technologies are at the forefront of this transformation. AI-driven tools can streamline recruitment processes, predict employee turnover, and personalize learning and development programs. These technologies enable HR professionals to make data-driven decisions, enhancing efficiency and improving overall organizational performance.
However, amidst these technological advancements, traditional face-to-face engagements remain essential. In an environment where employee experience will be characterized by a combination of human and technology moments, HR should consider how the essence of human connection is celebrated rather than lost as we digitize.
Heartset: Cultivating Courage, Self-Belief, and Professional Pride
To lead the way in this dynamic environment and make an impact, HR practitioners must embody courage, self-belief, and professional pride. HR has a critical role in driving change and transformation, and advocating for the benefit of the organization, employees, and the societies they belong to.
Challenging conventional norms will take courage, and HR professionals need the confidence to engage and make their voices heard. HR professionals must fearlessly champion diversity, inclusion, and equality, even when faced with resistance, knowing that this is essential for progress. Believing in one’s capacity to make a difference is the catalyst for transformation.
For HR to transform, we need to re-instill the pride within the profession and change the language about what we believe. HR professionals must see themselves as valuable contributors, driving positive change and shaping the future of work.
Identity: Becoming a “Human Advocate”
At the center of the HR Success Blueprint lies the concept of HR professional identity. This identity serves as a guiding force, answering the question, “Who am I as an HR professional?” In a world marked by intricate moral and ethical dilemmas, this identity anchors HR professionals in human-centered values like respect, honesty, and ethics, while remaining attuned to inclusivity and the broader societal welfare.
The future of HR demands that HR professionals discover their true identity, amplify their voice, and extend their contribution beyond the present scope. HR is no longer limited to being merely an advocate for employees; it must transcend into the role of a “Human Advocate.” In this new era, HR will champion not only the needs and rights of employees but also uphold the broader ideals of humanity within the workplace, shaping a more inclusive, compassionate, and forward-thinking work environment.
Conclusion: Embracing the Future of HR
The future of HR shines brightly, and HR professionals have a pivotal role in reshaping the next phase of work. This transformation requires HR professionals to embrace a new reality, involving the adoption of a new mindset, the acquisition of a broader skillset, and the utilization of relevant tools aligned with the evolving world of work.
The HR Success Blueprint serves as a guide towards this future, a compass for those willing to take up the call. By aligning the key elements of mindset, skillset, toolset, heartset, and identity, HR professionals can position themselves as strategic partners, driving positive change and shaping a more inclusive, compassionate, and forward-thinking work environment.
The future beckons HR to discover its true identity, amplify its voice, and extend its contribution beyond the present scope. HR is no longer limited to being merely an advocate for employees; it must transcend into the role of a “Human Advocate,” championing the broader ideals of humanity within the workplace. The time is now for HR professionals to seize this opportunity and lead the way into the digital-human era.
