By Debbie Bolla
2020 is poised to be a year of transformation. I recently had the opportunity to co-lead a think-tank session at the HRO Today Forum EMEA with Julie Sharp and transformation was on her mind. Sharp is a seasoned, senior-level HR executive who has headed up HR for such firms as Bank of Ireland, ING, and Citibank Australia. With so much technological innovation infiltrating the marketplace and an increasing level of pressure to execute an effective people strategy, HR needs to prepare for change. She asked the audience a few different questions and provided some food for thought.
How has the HR profession reacted to the complex changes in the area of digital science and technology? The answer is a bit unclear. A recent survey from KMPG found that some forward-looking HR leaders are working on strategic plans to implement new platforms in the areas of analytics and automation. Two-thirds of respondents agree that HR has undergone or is undergoing a digital transformation, but only 40 per cent of HR leaders have a digital workforce plan in place.
How can HR take the lead in helping their enterprises accelerate sustained performance? Sharp pointed to some recent research from Deloitte to help answer this question. The three key “futures” that HR must address include:
1. The future of the enterprise. Data is driving massive amounts of change and HR must navigate how this will impact their workforce and the amount of trust in the organisation.
2. The future of the workforce. Market forces are challenging HR with the fact that people are working longer, but they often lack the necessary skills needed to succeed as business changes. Throw in an open talent economy and the workforce will look nothing like it did 10 years ago.
3. The future of how work gets done. Sharp says how organisations achieve their goals will be driven by how they embrace new digital solutions that encourage adaptable teamwork.
Find out what else was shared at the HRO Today Forum throughout the pages of this edition. We are hoping it will help you in your path to transformation.
