HR professionals have long argued for greater visibility, respect and standing. With the recession putting human resources at the forefront of how businesses can achieve cost-efficiencies, now may be the time for HR professionals to show how they can substantially contribute to the business, and ultimately increase their profile.
…in the current climate, it is people and human resources that will make the difference
In this climate, where identifying cost-efficiencies is the number one objective for so many organisations, senior HR professionals have the opportunity to raise their profile for the long-term. In the past, HR professionals have too often felt aggrieved that they are not around the decision-making table, and that their contribution to the business goes by largely unnoticed. However, in the current climate, it is people and human resources that will make the difference.
There has been a much greater emphasis and importance placed on retention, restructuring and having an effective workforce in recent years – all issues that are managed by HR. If HR professionals can add value by creating a strong retention strategy or helping with restructuring, then this will lead to greater cost-efficiencies for the organisation. Taking this to the next stage, is there an opportunity to assess the current leadership skills? Is there a perceived skills gap which can be rectified through coaching or training the leadership team? Making a contribution at this high level will make you even more highly valued, and alongside a consistent and strategic approach, could perhaps eventually lead to a position around the boardroom table.
Our advice to senior HR professionals is to get better at self-promotion. Don’t be afraid to grab the opportunities that arise to stand out. Look at those HR professionals in the sector that are considered to be successful and at the top of their game. Most of them have managed to get where they are by demonstrating measurable business improvements, as well as creating metrics that are aligned to the business strategy. In doing so, their role has become essential to achieving the objectives of the wider business strategy, and in turn they have justified having a voice around the decision-making table.
