-- Both business and HR leaders agree that talent acquisition and
recruitment top the list of strategic business issues.
-- Twenty-three percent of business leaders and 19 percent of HR leaders
see HR as not involved in developing strategy, or only involved in helping
to implement strategy.
-- Fifty-five percent of business leaders versus 80 percent of HR leaders
rate HR as "well versed" in financial acumen.
-- Ninety percent of respondents currently have plans in place to address
critical workforce challenges.
Additionally, business and HR leaders are frustrated with one another when
it comes to day-to-day operations. For example, 21 percent of business
leaders perceive HR as not being able to find the right people for the job,
not having bandwidth, or lacking responsiveness to business leader needs.
On the other hand, HR leaders believe business leaders set unrealistic time
frames, lack an understanding of workforce issues (such as the challenges
of finding qualified candidates), and are inconsistent in implementing
initiatives.
James
McCoy, senior vice president of Consulting Services for Veritude,
commented, "Although this study reveals there is room for improvement in
the relationship between business and HR leaders, we are reminded that
finding and retaining top talent is the number one issue facing
corporations today. As a result of this research, and the insight into the
relationship between these two groups, organizations have an opportunity to
make the proper changes necessary to effectively achieve their business
goals."
On a positive note, both groups agree they want HR more fully involved in
workforce strategy and implementation. According to recommendations found
in the report, it is incumbent on HR to accept business line leaders as
their clients and take on the responsibility of improving the working
relationships. HR leaders recognize that a part of their charge is to
insert themselves into the business as partners. When HR leaders were
asked what they can do to support the business, 42 percent stated that they
need to stay abreast of business issues and be a partner by asserting the
HR perspective, such as presenting workforce issues and solutions
proactively.
McCoy added, "There is reason for optimism in the degree to which both
groups want HR to be more involved in implementing strategic initiatives
that address these critical issues. This consultant/client model means
approaching business leaders with 'solutions' to business challenges. HR
should take the role of proposing alternative strategies that achieve
business goals while ensuring compliance."
Top Line Recommendations
The report outlines a full set of recommendations designed to help HR
leaders take the lead with their business line "clients" in building new
working relationships. HR leaders are encouraged to focus on three key
areas:
1. Be Strategic: HR should take the lead driving human capital management
strategy and inserting themselves in the strategic planning process.
Business leaders need to recognize the importance of HR strategy in
achieving business results while working to develop a deeper
understanding, acknowledgment, and respect for the function.
2. Develop Strong Working Relationships by Setting Goals: As with any
important business initiative, business and HR leaders need to
recognize the value in a strong working relationship. HR must assume
ownership of cultivating and nurturing this relationship.
3. Keep Your Eye on Operations: Both business and HR leaders should
refocus their efforts on the reallocation, outsourcing, or
streamlining of resources to minimize operational problems.
To download a copy of Veritude's report, "Working Together, Working Apart,"
visit http://www.veritude.com/Industry_Insights/report.aspx.
About Veritude
Veritude, a division of Devonshire
Investors, the private equity arm of Fidelity Investments, was founded in
1986 as the internal provider for Fidelity's North American staffing needs.
Today, Veritude offers a full suite of services including Recruitment
Process Outsourcing (RPO), staffing, managed services and consulting.
Veritude's unrelenting commitment to outstanding customer support and
candidate quality offer competitive advantages to clients and rewarding
career opportunities to associates. To learn more, call 1-800-597-5537 or
visit www.veritude.com.
Note to editors: Trademarks and registered trademarks referenced herein
remain the property of their respective owners.
Contact Information: Media Contact: Pamela Marshall The Devon Group 732-224-1000, ext. 18 pam(at)devonpr.com