Want FREE Templates on Strategy & Transformation? Download our FREE compilation of 50+ slides. This is an exclusive promotion being run on LinkedIn.






Marcus Insights
Agile HR Upgrade: Transforming to Support Tech Industry Growth


Need help finding what you need? Say hello to Marcus. Based on our proprietary MARC [?] technology, Marcus will search our vast database of management topics and best practice documents to identify the most relevant to your specific, unique business situation. This tool is still in beta. If you have any suggestions or questions, please let us know at support@flevy.com.

Role: HR Transformation Lead
Industry: Technology Infrastructure Provider

Situation: Leading HR transformation for a technology infrastructure provider, I'm tasked with developing a more dynamic and agile HR function that can support rapid growth and technological change. Internally, our HR processes are rigid and not aligned with the fast-paced, innovative nature of our industry. There's also a skills gap within the HR team regarding new HR technologies and strategic thinking. Externally, the tech industry is highly competitive for talent, and there's a continuous need to adapt to new employment trends and worker expectations. Our current HR function is not positioned to support the organization's growth or adapt to industry changes.

Question to Marcus:


What steps can we take to transform our HR function into a more strategic, agile, and technologically advanced department that can support rapid organizational growth and adapt to changes in the tech industry?


Ask Marcus a Question

Based on your specific organizational details captured above, Marcus recommends the following areas for evaluation (in roughly decreasing priority). If you need any further clarification or details on the specific frameworks and concepts described below, please contact us: support@flevy.com.

Change Management

Recognizing the HR function's critical role in supporting change, you should start by implementing a robust Change Management framework tailored to your company's context. Begin with an assessment of the HR team's current capabilities and willingness to change, followed by the development of a clear vision that outlines the transformation's objectives.

Engage HR team members and key stakeholders early to foster buy-in and ownership. Utilize change agents within the team who can influence their peers positively. Create a communication plan that provides regular updates, celebrates short-term wins, and addresses concerns promptly. This framework will ensure the HR transformation aligns with the overall strategic direction of the technology infrastructure provider and addresses the internal skills gap, leading to a more dynamic and responsive HR function.

Learn more about Change Management

Strategic Planning

To align HR with the company's rapid growth and tech focus, Strategic Planning is essential. Develop an HR strategic plan that outlines how the department will evolve to meet current and future business needs.

This plan should include identifying and acquiring key HR technologies that facilitate automation and data-driven decision-making. It should also focus on developing strategic HR roles, such as workforce analysts and business partners, to shift the function from administrative to strategic. Identify critical skills and competencies required for the future and create a roadmap for developing or acquiring these capabilities within your HR team.

Learn more about Strategic Planning

HR Strategy

Your HR Strategy should be designed to drive organizational performance and innovation. This involves revising HR policies to encourage flexibility and creativity, thus attracting top talent from the competitive tech industry.

Consider implementing cross-functional project teams to solve complex business challenges, promoting a culture of collaboration and continual learning. Your strategy should encompass Talent Management plans that prioritize key roles and Succession Planning, ensuring your organization has the Leadership capabilities required for future growth. Lastly, position HR as a strategic advisor to the business, capable of providing insights that influence business decisions, such as market expansions or product developments.

Learn more about HR Strategy Talent Management Succession Planning Leadership

Digital Transformation

Embrace Digital Transformation within HR to create an agile and technologically advanced function. Assess current technologies and identify gaps where digital solutions can optimize HR processes, such as recruiting, onboarding, Performance Management, and Employee Engagement.

Invest in cloud-based HR systems that offer scalability and accessibility necessary for a growing organization. Implement self-service portals for employees, which can reduce administrative burdens on HR and empower employees. Utilize data analytics tools to gain insights into workforce trends, productivity, and predict talent needs. This digital shift will ensure HR can support rapid Organizational Changes and maintain a competitive edge in talent acquisition and management.

Learn more about Digital Transformation Organizational Change Performance Management Employee Engagement

Talent Management

Implement a comprehensive Talent Management strategy that focuses on attracting, developing, and retaining skilled professionals who can drive business growth. This involves revamping the recruitment process to include predictive analytics to better target potential candidates and reduce time-to-hire.

Develop personalized career paths that align with employee aspirations and business needs, providing opportunities for continuous learning and development. Implement a robust performance management system that recognizes and rewards contributions towards innovation and business success. Focus on building a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the values of the tech industry and fosters a culture of belonging, which is crucial for retaining top talent.

Learn more about Talent Management

Agile

To support rapid organizational growth, the HR function must adopt an Agile approach. This means restructuring HR teams into cross-functional, collaborative units that can respond quickly to changing priorities.

Focus on iterative development of HR programs and policies, allowing for continuous feedback and adjustment. Implement Agile HR methodologies, such as Scrum or Kanban, to manage projects and initiatives. This flexibility will enable HR to better support the dynamic needs of the organization and its workforce, making it a strategic partner in driving technological advancements and growth.

Learn more about Agile

Employee Engagement

Enhancing Employee Engagement is key to adapting to industry changes and supporting organizational growth. Develop engagement initiatives that resonate with the tech-savvy workforce, such as hackathons, innovation challenges, or collaborative workspaces.

Utilize technology to facilitate continuous feedback and open communication channels between employees and management. Foster a culture of recognition where employees feel valued for their contributions. High engagement levels lead to increased productivity, innovation, and Employee Retention, which are vital for a company in the competitive tech industry.

Learn more about Employee Retention Employee Engagement

Human Resources Management

Your company's Human Resources Management practices must evolve to become more strategic and data-driven. Invest in HR analytics to make informed decisions regarding workforce planning, talent acquisition, and employee retention.

Streamline HR processes to minimize bureaucracy and enhance efficiency. Elevate the role of HR business partners to work closely with leadership and provide insights on human capital that inform business strategy. A strategic HR function will enable better support for company growth and ensure alignment with the fast-paced nature of the tech industry.

Learn more about Human Resources Management

Workforce Training

With a skills gap within the HR team, particularly in new technologies and Strategic Thinking, prioritizing Workforce Training is crucial. Develop a training program that encompasses both technical skills, like HRIS and Data Analytics, and Soft Skills, like strategic planning and change management.

Leverage online learning platforms to provide flexible and up-to-date training options. Encourage a culture of continuous

Learn more about Strategic Thinking Soft Skills Workforce Training Data Analytics

Did you know?
The average daily rate of a McKinsey consultant is $6,625 (not including expenses). The average price of a Flevy document is $65.


How did Marcus do? Let us know. This tool is still in beta. We would appreciate any feedback you could provide us: support@flevy.com.

If you have any other questions, you can ask Marcus again here.




Trusted by over 10,000+ Client Organizations
Since 2012, we have provided best practices to over 10,000 businesses and organizations of all sizes, from startups and small businesses to the Fortune 100, in over 130 countries.
AT&T GE Cisco Intel IBM Coke Dell Toyota HP Nike Samsung Microsoft Astrazeneca JP Morgan KPMG Walgreens Walmart 3M Kaiser Oracle SAP Google E&Y Volvo Bosch Merck Fedex Shell Amgen Eli Lilly Roche AIG Abbott Amazon PwC T-Mobile Broadcom Bayer Pearson Titleist ConEd Pfizer NTT Data Schwab




Additional Marcus Insights