HR Goals for the New Year: Strategic Upskilling, the Metaverse, and More

Summary

The video explores the evolving role of HR professionals, emphasizing the importance of agility, awareness, and purpose-driven organizations. Key insights include the need for HR to adapt quickly in uncertain times, the continuous evolution of organizational purpose, and the significance of strategic upskilling to address complex HR demands. Experts discuss how purpose-driven workplaces engage employees and align individual values with organizational goals, while also balancing employee experience with the company’s mission. The conversation also highlights how HR can lead the way in driving organizational change and fostering meaningful employee engagement.

Takeaways

• 😀 Agility and awareness are critical skills for HR professionals, especially in uncertain times, allowing them to adapt quickly to changes.
• 😀 Purpose-driven organizations are becoming more relevant, with HR playing a central role in shaping and communicating the organization's unique purpose.
• 😀 HR professionals should focus on why they practice HR in their specific organization, helping to identify a clear purpose and unique value proposition.
• 😀 Purpose is an evolving concept that requires continuous adjustment, much like an organization's mission, which is shaped over time through reflection and feedback.
• 😀 Purpose is a key factor in employee engagement. It can transform ordinary employees into highly engaged ones who are actively contributing to the organization's success.
• 😀 Organizations should align their HR practices with their purpose to attract and retain the right talent who resonate with the organization’s mission.
• 😀 There is a delicate balance between purpose and employee well-being. While a strong organizational purpose can be motivating, HR must ensure employees are treated well and not overworked.
• 😀 Strategic upskilling is essential for organizations to stay competitive, ensuring employees have the necessary skills to excel in a rapidly changing business landscape.
• 😀 HR should take a strategic approach to upskilling by identifying the key capabilities needed to achieve the organization's goals and focusing training efforts on those areas.
• 😀 Purpose-driven organizations should offer differentiated employee experiences that align with the values and needs of the workforce, fostering a more distinct and engaging workplace culture.

Q & A

What is the relationship between agility and awareness in the context of HR?

Agility refers to the ability to act on situations as they arise, while awareness is about understanding what's happening. Both are crucial in uncertain times, as awareness helps HR professionals understand their environment, and agility allows them to take swift, effective action.

Why is it important to not just 'check the box' when implementing changes in organizations?

It’s important to focus on how changes are implemented, not just whether they are. Engaging employees in meaningful dialogue about these changes, such as benefits or pay transparency, ensures they are truly impactful and aligned with the organization’s mission.

How does purpose in an organization evolve over time?

Purpose is dynamic and evolves as organizations grow and adapt. AJ Thomas highlighted that even young startups often need to pivot, adjusting their purpose as they discover new ways to contribute to the world.

How should HR professionals define the purpose of their organization?

HR professionals should begin by asking why they practice HR in their specific organization and what makes it unique. By aligning this understanding with the broader organizational goals, they can define a purpose that resonates with employees and prospective employees.

What role does HR play in ensuring a company’s purpose is communicated effectively?

HR plays a key role in communicating the organization's purpose both internally and externally. This involves not only defining the purpose but also ensuring it is reflected in the employee experience and employer brand.

Why is purpose seen as a critical factor in employee engagement?

Purpose motivates employees to go beyond merely doing their jobs. It engages them emotionally, encouraging them to contribute actively to the organization’s goals. A clear purpose helps avoid disengagement and promotes deeper involvement.

What is the potential downside of purpose-driven organizations, according to the discussion?

While purpose-driven organizations can be very motivating, they may not always offer the best working conditions or pay. This can create an imbalance, where employees are drawn to the organization’s purpose but may feel exploited if other aspects like compensation or work-life balance are lacking.

How does a company’s purpose impact its ability to attract employees?

A strong purpose can attract employees who align with the organization's mission. HR can use the organization’s unique purpose to differentiate it from competitors, especially by targeting specific employee demographics who resonate with the company’s values.

What is meant by strategic upskilling, and why is it important for HR?

Strategic upskilling involves identifying the skills an organization needs to succeed and then providing targeted training to employees to develop those skills. This approach is crucial for keeping HR professionals up-to-date and responsive to the rapidly changing business environment.

How should HR respond to economic downturns when it comes to learning and development?

In times of economic downturn, HR should focus on strategic upskilling, ensuring that learning investments are targeted to the most crucial areas that align with organizational needs. This approach helps HR professionals stay relevant despite potential budget cuts.