Insights:
Strategic priorities in modern HR management
HR practices are shifting, affected by new technologies, different work arrangements and changing employee expectations. HR leaders across industries face similar challenges and opportunities. They are exploring methods to refine their strategies and systems to address the needs of today's global workforce.
04.
Data-driven decisions:
Empowering HR as a strategic partner
In an increasingly competitive and complex business environment, data-driven decision-making has become essential for HR leaders aiming to elevate their strategic value. By leveraging analytics and insights, HR can move beyond traditional administrative functions to proactively drive business outcomes.
Having a unified dataset empowers HR to become a true consultant and guide for the business. Dror Yaacobi, Vice President of Organisational Development and Global HR at Similarweb, notes:
Having a unified dataset provides a strategic advantage for HR to become a true data-driven consultant and guide for the business.
He further explains: “So what I did was think carefully about the types of business and talent questions leaders should be asking themselves, that our data can help answer.”
Innovative approaches to data utilisation are transforming HR practices. Frieza Mahmood, Chief People Officer at an NHS Hospital Trust, shares her experience:
We used data to drive a different approach called the just culture work stream—essentially an integrated, multidisciplinary group focusing on proactive actions needed from a cultural perspective to preempt issues.
However, challenges in data accessibility can hinder strategic decision-making. Jenny Hillyer, former Chief People Officer at Domestic & General, recalls: "The CEO demanded easy access to such global figures, but the fragmented nature of our systems made this incredibly challenging."
She adds:
That's the future: HR professionals who think like data scientists, utilising insights to make credible, informed decisions and take calculated risks.
Marc-Olivier Blain, HR VP for the EMEA Region at Danone explains that the ability to tailor the HR solution to fit the organisation’s needs is key to realising the potential of data and analytics:
There is so much untapped potential for data and analytics to uncover organisational inefficiencies and opportunities when the HR system is carefully tailored to the organisation's unique structure, talent strategy and business priorities.
Building a data-centric culture requires the right tools and mindset. Komal Singh, a Global HR Business Partner, reflects on a lasting lesson:
I learned something early in my career during my internship with GE that has stuck with me—"In God we trust, all others must bring data."
Obibugo Maduako-Ezeanyika, Director of People - Deputy Chief People Officer in the NHS emphasises that proactive data management practices are the foundation for data based decisions:
Moreover, there's a greater recognition of the importance of evidence-based data for decision-making. If we're not maintaining and updating our data, it will not enable us to make the right decisions for effective business performance.
Data-driven decision-making has become essential for the HR function to elevate their strategic value and drive business performance. James Grinnell, Group People Director at Currie and Brown, notes:
As a function HR needs to take more of a seat at the table, it needs to be driving decisions, it's the core of the business, and HR can use the data to drive organisations moving forwards. To me that's absolutely essential.
Recognising the critical role of data, HubbubHR's adaptive HCM solution offers robust analytics and reporting capabilities. The platform consolidates HR data into a unified system, enabling leaders to access real-time insights and make informed decisions aligned with strategic objectives. By facilitating data-driven HR practices, HubbubHR empowers organisations to elevate HR's role as a strategic partner.
In conclusion, embracing data-driven decision-making is not just a trend but a necessity for modern HR leaders seeking to contribute strategically. By leveraging advanced analytics and fostering a culture that values data, HR can proactively drive business success and demonstrate tangible return on investment.