The Evolution of HR: Changing Responsibilities and Perceptions

HR responsibilities have shifted significantly since the early 2000s. “Over the past decade, the HR role has evolved from just providing administrative support with tasks like filling in talent gaps or managing employee relations issues. Now, these professionals are leading the overarching people experience and, together with leadership, driving workplace culture” (The Evolution And Future Of The HR Leader). HR teams are well beyond the days of “paper pushing” – they are now responsible for strategic decision making, company culture, and frequently changing compliance regulations. Yet this shift in responsibility has not always come with a shift in internal perception. According to Sage.com’s HR Research Report, 59% of survey respondents felt their value was not recognized by the C-suite of their organizations.

Executives can empower their HR leaders by not only recognizing their contributions, but by giving them a seat at the C-Suite table. Allow HR leaders to assert their positive influence over business decisions, especially those that will impact employees and workplace culture. Ensure that HR is not always the “bearer of bad news”, allowing unpopular business decisions to be represented by HR alone. Present a united front as a leadership team, inclusive of your HR leadership, and foster a collaborative and transparent partnership that drives results.

 

Reduce the Administrative Burden with Resources

One of the most impactful ways HR teams can gain back valuable time and energy is with access to resources. 91% of respondents to Sage.com’s HR Research Report said their workload and working hours had increased, and for many HR professionals, that workload risks leading to burnout. Take the opportunity to sit with your HR teams and evaluate HR processes, seeking opportunities for efficiencies. This could come in the form of technology, perhaps by using AI to help automate certain processes (think: onboarding or benefits enrollment) or by optimizing systems, like HRIS and payroll.

This might also come in the form of hiring additional team members to do the work. Perhaps your current HR team is lean, and more people are needed to deliver on your organization’s people strategy. Organizations are seeing the value of having “teams within a team”, specifically for areas of HR that require specific expertise. This might look like teams hired to focus exclusively on benefits & compensation, talent acquisition, or learning & development.

At Flex HR, we also understand that not all organizations can reasonably afford to build out their HR departments. This is where HR outsourcing can be a valuable consideration that more and more companies turn to year after year. One of Flex HR’s expert consultants can provide dedicated support that supplements an existing HR team at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire – while still allowing your existing team to achieve its strategic HR goals. Reach out to learn more about our offerings!

 

Offer Support and Compassion During Difficult Times

HR teams often bear the burden of communicating (and in many cases executing) a business’ most challenging decisions, like a mass layoff or return-to-office mandates.  While these decisions may be best for the business, it’s never easy to deliver messages employees don’t want to hear, or worse, decisions that affect a colleague’s livelihood. HR is rightfully involved in these situations, but it can be especially draining to manage the backlash. The mental health of HR teams, particularly after a series of lay-offs or complaints from disgruntled employees, can be quite negatively affected. Rather than casually write this off as “part of their job”, it’s worthwhile to acknowledge the difficulty of these situations and the impact in can have on HR. While it’s expected that HR be the provider of support, they’re often forgotten when it comes to receiving it – and it’s a prime opportunity for business leaders to change that.

 

Flex HR wishes a happy International HR Day to all HR professionals. We recognize the unwavering commitment, strategic leadership, and dedication that is required to shape today’s people-centered workplaces. Today, we honor the essential contributions HR teams make every day to drive businesses forward.