An old saying sums up the data skills of most HR professionals: “The shoemaker’s children go barefoot.”
HR Leaders Need Stronger Data Skills
Research from a new global leadership survey shows that, on average, HR leaders lag far behind other professionals in their ability to operate in a highly digital environment and use data to guide business decisions. Companies can begin to improve HR’s digital acumen and data skills by tapping into internal knowledge in other departments. For example, HR can work with marketing for guidance on search engine optimization (SEO), a skill that can help HR improve its recruitment efforts. They can also consider partnering with colleagues proficient in finance technology for guidance about blockchain, a technology capable of transforming how HR stores and verifies private employee data. Such internal collaborations may not only help HR attain new skills, but also help to foster a data-driven culture across the organization. Investing in developing HR’s data and technology skills should be a top priority if companies want to win the war for talent.