Market View

Adaptive HR in a Dynamic World: Navigating Diversity, Jurisdiction, and the Modern Workforce

Interview with

James Westwood-Beere

Chief People Officer, Lifeways Group

About James Westwood-Beere

James Westwood-Beere holds the position of Chief People Officer at Lifeways Group, a UK-based organisation that provides care and support services to nearly 5,000 adults with mental health issues, behavioural issues, or physical challenges across the United Kingdom. As Chief People Officer, his role involves overseeing and managing the human resources functions within the company, including developing and implementing HR strategies, managing employee relations, ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations, and fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

The landscape of work is undergoing rapid changes. How have these developments influenced your HR strategies, technology, and processes?

The evolution we're experiencing is profound. The transition to a decentralised work environment, where our office is virtual and our team spans the globe, has forced us to rethink how we approach HR. This has required a seismic shift towards flexibility in work arrangements, challenging us to balance the needs of remote workers with those in roles requiring physical presence, such as our care and support staff. Balancing these contrasting work styles, especially during a period of significant organisational transformation, has been a complex but rewarding journey. It's pushed us to become more adaptive, developing strategies that not only accommodate but leverage the diversity of our workforce to enhance our operational resilience and agility.

Amidst the evolving work environment, could you share a specific challenge where an adaptive HR approach was essential?

One notable challenge was transforming HR from a traditionally passive function to an active business partner, which required a fundamental overhaul of our approach, particularly in workforce planning. We've had to align HR initiatives closely with business strategies by implementing a target operating model and capability frameworks. This adaptive approach is a journey with no end in sight, constantly pushing us to evolve without the luxury of pausing to celebrate our successes. It's a testament to our commitment to keeping pace with the business's needs and anticipating and shaping them. The shift towards a more strategic HR approach has been crucial in navigating the relentless pace of change in today’s business landscape. HR has to change at lightning speed to be more adaptive to the business's needs, reflecting a paradigm shift from its traditionally passive role.

How do you assess the adaptability and flexibility of your current HR solutions?

Evolving our HR solutions through the lens of adaptability and flexibility reveals a nuanced journey of transformation. For instance, reimagining our approach to performance management has been a pivotal aspect of this journey. Moving from an outdated system of appraisals to a dynamic, pay-for-performance model necessitated a technological overhaul and a fundamental shift in our operational philosophy. This adaptive approach is a fast paced journey with purpose, constantly pushing us to evolve without always having the luxury of pausing to celebrate our successes. It's a process of constant evolution, requiring us to be reflective and forward-thinking in our strategy development. For me, that's a much smarter way of working because it requires starting where the business is rather than imposing predetermined solutions.

Looking ahead, how do you anticipate the future of HR management in the face of ongoing changes in the work environment?

The future of HR is indelibly marked by the need for adaptability. As we look forward, identifying and cultivating adaptable talent is a critical strategy for future-proofing our organisation. Adaptable technology is fundamental as the linchpin for a flexible, responsive HR framework capable of supporting our evolving business needs. Moreover, a shift towards a commercial mindset in HR practices is on the horizon, emphasising the strategic value of people management in achieving business goals. This evolution points to a future where HR is not just a support function but a strategic partner integral to navigating the complexities of the modern work landscape. HR must be adaptable, understanding where the business is, where it needs to go, and how we facilitate that journey.

With technology playing a critical role, how does it empower your HR strategies to stay relevant and impactful?

Technology is a cornerstone of our HR strategy, enabling us to maintain an agile stance and responsiveness. It enhances our ability to manage talent, refine performance metrics, and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. HR technology transcends mere process automation, facilitating strategic decision-making that aligns with our overarching business objectives. This commitment to leveraging technology underscores our dedication to fostering an HR environment that is proactive, forward-thinking, and strategically aligned with the future directions of our organisation.

What priorities guide your selection process when assessing HR solutions or platforms?

Our HR solutions are guided by three key priorities: adaptability, seamless integration, and commercial alignment. It’s imperative that our HR technology adapts to not just fit for our current needs but to evolve with our organisation. Integration capabilities are crucial for ensuring our HR solution works harmoniously with our existing business systems, enhancing our overall operational efficiency. Moreover, it's imperative that these solutions align with our commercial objectives, ensuring HR plays a strategic role in driving business success. The strategic alignment of technology is essential for ensuring our HR function responds to current challenges and anticipates and shapes our future trajectory.

About Lifeways Group

Lifeways Group is a leading provider of care and support services for adults with diverse needs across the United Kingdom. Founded with a mission to empower individuals facing mental health issues, behavioural challenges, or physical disabilities, Lifeways has grown to support nearly 5,000 people. By offering personalised care plans, skilled staff, and a commitment to quality of life, Lifeways enables clients to live more independently and reach their full potential. With a network of dedicated professionals and a person-centred approach, Lifeways continues to make a positive difference in the lives of the individuals they serve.