Human resources (HR) has played a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of organizations across industries and sectors. Historically, HR professionals have been responsible for recruiting, hiring, and managing employees, managing benefits, and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. However, until recently, many in HR felt as though they were left out of the C-suite. In this article, we will explore the evolving role of HR in organizations, as well as the importance of talent management, compliance, diversity, and employee engagement.
HR’s Place in the C-Suite
For many years, HR was not considered a core function of an organization and, as a result, HR professionals were often excluded from the C-suite. However, the pandemic changed this dynamic. As organizations struggled to adapt to new ways of working and managing their workforce, HR professionals became essential. They were responsible for implementing new policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and managing employee relations during a difficult time. As a result, HR professionals have gained more recognition for their critical role in the organization’s success.
Interview with an HR Leader
To gain more insight into the evolving role of HR in organizations, we spoke with Joseph Siciliano, a senior vice president of human resources at Aramark. Siciliano began as a truck driver for the food service company, where he rose through the ranks and became a senior vice president. He shared his insights on several topics related to HR.
“The importance of talent management in HR is clear,” says Siciliano. “It’s all about identifying the right people for the right jobs, training them, and creating a career path for them. We need to attract and retain the right talent to ensure our success.”
The Role of Compliance in HR
“I think the last thing is the compliance piece,” says Siciliano. “We need to ensure that we’re compliant with all the laws and regulations that impact our business. That’s a critical part of any HR function.”
The Relationship Between the CEO and HR
“As the CEO works with HR-related functions within an organization, HR professionals should feel like the CEO is their friend who cares about them and their work,” says Siciliano. “HR should be seen as a strategic partner, not just an administrative function.”
Diversity in the Workforce
The diversity of the workforce is critical to the success of any organization. “We embrace the diversity of our team because it makes us better as an organization,” Siciliano says. “It brings different perspectives, ideas, and approaches to problem-solving.”
Focus on Employee Engagement
Employee engagement is critical to the success of an organization. “Stop looking solely at the profit and loss (P&L) statement on labor expenses,” says Siciliano. “The HR function needs to support the business but also focus on the people. If employees are engaged and working hard, it will make the P&L statement much better.”
In conclusion, the role of HR professionals in organizations has significantly evolved in recent years. They have become more strategic, and their responsibilities now extend beyond administration and compliance. HR leaders must now focus on talent management, compliance, diversity, and employee engagement, which have become critical areas of concern for organizations. As the world rapidly changes, HR’s role will only become more critical in ensuring the success of organizations.