HR is an evolving profession, and one that’s changing in tune with the economic and business landscape, proactively strengthening its future
HR is an evolving profession, and one that’s changing in tune with the economic and business landscape, proactively strengthening its future.
These changes are not only being seen in terms of policies and procedures - which have been shaken up in recent times (see top five post-GFC recruitment tips on page 9) - but also in the makeup of what makes a “typical” HR industry leader.
A new report from PricewaterhouseCoopers, reveals, for example, that while talent management is currently the most commonly found skill of top HR bosses in the US, employee survey experience is becoming far more prominent.
And it’s not just the skills of HR practitioners that are changing. According to the research, HR chiefs are also getting younger in comparison to the rest of the boardroom. “Wonderful news!” I hear you cry. But on a practical level, this revelation suggests that more years of experience are being crammed into less time.
Fortunately, there are plenty of higher education options to help – particularly the numerous MBA options available to practitioners.
In the cover story of HR Leader’s last issue, which takes an in-depth look into MBAs, we help HR professionals get it right the first time when selecting a course to suit their needs and aspirations.
Of course, learning is by no means a replacement for solid, practical experience. But there is no room for complacency in HR if the profession wants to secure its place at the top table in organisations, and the more forward-thinking and credible its practitioners become, the more influence it will seize.
Editorial note, HR Leader magazine, Issue 199
