Human Resources ROI: The Business Value of HR

Bárbara Cecilia Escalante Alvarado  | 20 de enero de 2023  | Vistas: 45

Heather Whiteman, an expert in people analytics, addresses a group at the University Francisco Marroquín in Guatemala about the significance of human resources (HR) and the strategic value it brings to businesses. With a diverse teaching background spanning institutions like the University of Washington and UC Berkeley, and experience in various countries, she shares her journey from an initial interest in animal psychology to a passion for industrial psychology and HR, driven by the power of data.

People analytics is a critical tool in HR for improving functions such as employee retention, learning and development, performance management, and fostering diversity and inclusion."— Heather Whiteman 

People analytics is highlighted as a critical tool in HR for improving functions such as employee retention, learning and development, performance management, and fostering diversity and inclusion. Whiteman emphasizes the need to align HR activities with broader business strategies to create competitive advantages and meaningful impacts. This alignment ensures that HR not only supports the business but also drives its success by attracting and retaining top talent.

Aligning HR activities with broader business strategies not only supports the business but also drives its success by attracting and retaining top talent." —Heather Whiteman 

A key focus of the talk is on the concept of Return on Investment (ROI) in HR. ROI is presented as a valuable metric for evaluating the effectiveness of HR initiatives. Whiteman provides an example of implementing an employee recognition program in a small company to reduce turnover, illustrating how calculating ROI can justify the value of such programs and demonstrate their financial benefits to the organization.

Return on Investment (ROI) in HR is a valuable metric for evaluating the effectiveness of HR initiatives, as it justifies the value of programs and demonstrates their financial benefits to the organization."—Heather Whiteman 

Whiteman also addresses the challenges of implementing strategic HR initiatives, emphasizing the need for continuous assessment and alignment with business objectives. This involves engaging stakeholders like finance and management to ensure support and addressing potential issues, such as ensuring diverse and fair recognition practices. Concluding, she underscores the importance of viewing employees as valuable assets, particularly in technology-driven companies, and encourages ongoing learning and connection with industry experts to advance HR practices globally.