Knowing HR is not enough. You must learn people analytics

The use of analytical tools in HR is no longer an option but a necessity. Some companies are already using them, but many still don't understand or don't want to understand their purpose and potential. Most often, they think that analysis is just reporting.

Nevertheless, we can be optimistic and expect rapid growth in the use of analytical tools in HR. Within five years, analytics should become a crucial and key part of human resources management. There are several obvious reasons for it.

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David Green, an expert on corporate data analysis tools from IBM, described the reasons in  an interesting article on the HR Zone website.

So why will analytical tools soon move from the edge to the center of interest of HR and the entire company?

1. We live in a digital age and HR has to adapt

Digital technology is changing everything around us, including business models and ways of working with employees and customers. Human resources needs to learn how to work with data so that they can come up with initiatives to improve employee experience, design more efficient organizational structures and ways of working.

2. HR knows nothing without analytics

People today expect the same experience they have as customers thanks to digitization. This is primarily a matter of personal approach or real-time feedback. How you can offer employees services and programs unless you know their interests, motivations, preferences, and so on.

3. Organizational structures and work in companies change

Rigid and bureaucratic organizational models don't work well in the digital era. Organizations today have to address the search for an optimal mix of employees, independent workers, consultants, outsourcing and automation. HR analytics will help them create the right structure and working environment.

4. Companies need people data

New office locations, proper team sizes, and the skills that might be missing in order to fulfill a business strategy are all examples of questions that can be answered better with the help of people data collection, analysis and visualization. Managers will then be able to make better decisions about employee development and help employees manage their performance and careers.

5. Analysts will help HR people change their thinking

Data analysis experts are very intelligent people who don't lack curiosity, motivation to succeed, and ability to co-operate. They often don't have any HR experience, but want to do something good for employees. They will bring the fact-based analytical thinking that is still missing in many places to HR departments.

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Article source HR Zone - British website focused on HR
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