Six Ways to Get Counted in HR

By Sheri Mazurek on February 10, 2011

Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count and everything that counts can not necessarily be counted. Albert Einstein

With all the business change that has occurred over the past few years, there is no question that the HR Department would need to keep up. It is likely that in nearly every organization there has been an emphasis on analysis of what is working and not working in all areas of the business. The trouble for HR is that sometimes, it’s hard to measure in true financial and business terms especially when the HR programs are working and things are going well in the organization. It seems that when the HR programs are working, someone else can always take the credit. But when HR is bad, it seems that it is easier for the organization to tie their failures to financial measures.
So what can HR pros do about it? Here’s a list to get you started:

1.    Remove the HR Silos and ensure your talent departments (recruiting, compensation, learning and development, etc.) are working together.
2.    Integrate the HR strategy to the business strategy.
3.    Run your HR business as a business.
4.    Know and understand the metrics. If the finance guys have them, know them and understand them. If they don’t, build a relationship (should be a strength in HR) and get them developed. If you don’t know how, find a few partners to help out.
5.    Be prepared to adjust your strategy at any time necessary. This is business; it changes. Know how changes in budget and other business changes will affect the HR Strategy in financial terms. If you can’t do this, you don’t have a voice at the table even if you have a seat.
6.    Enjoy the ride. Celebrate the good, fix the bad and know the difference.

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Sheri Mazurek is a training and human resource professional with over 16 years of management experience, and is skilled in all areas of employee management and human resource functions, with a specialty in learning and development. She is available to help you with your Human Resources and Training needs on a contract basis. For more information send an email to smazurek0615@gmail.com or visit www.sherimazurek.com. Follow me on twitter @Sherimaz.