On Strategic Human Resources Management

In the world of Human Resources (HR), strategically partnering with the management team has been a hot topic for the past two decades. The goal of this partnership is to provide the organization, represented by its top management team, with properly analyzed HR data and propose well-designed HR solutions that will aid the organization in making sound strategic business decisions. However, many challenges have been raised regarding the success of HR departments in achieving this level of service and support. These challenges usually revolve around the validity of the data provided, the relevance of the solution proposed, or the lack thereof.

What are the reasons behind these challenges? The answer, unfortunately, lies in some common characteristics of HR departments that have been inherited from the old days. Historically, these departments have attracted individuals who are uncomfortable with mathematics and numbers. Tied into that is their lack of detail orientation and accuracy. Additionally, and on frequent occasions, they display a low ability to use Excel or Human Resources Management Systems effectively. Of course, no one can survive and thrive in the business world if they are not comfortable with the language of numbers or lack the competence of using data based technology. This is not intended as an attack on HR professionals, it is merely stating an observation by the author.

Consequently, it stands to reason that HR departments should divert their attention to this important issue, and invest in the upgrade and development of the competence of their employees. The following are some recommendations that might help in this regard:

1. Hire employees who are competent with numbers and information technology in the positions responsible for employee data management. Graduates of finance & accounting and/or IT might be a good target, as both types were trained during their studies to catch mistakes and produce error-free work.
2. Create awareness workshops among HR staff members on the importance of having an accurate and up-to-date employee database.
3. Finally, train employees in order to upgrade their skills in statistical mathematics, accounting and IT programs such as Excel, Oracle and SAP.
4. So HR professionals, let us shake off the old way of doing things and show the world what HR departments can do to take the business to higher grounds!

What a vision it is to see a happy environment where all employees feel they belong to their organization? What a vision it is to witness the success they will bring to the organization?

Written by: Ibrahim Al Yafi – Partner with Meirc Training & Consulting