Why Organizations Are Renaming HR Functions
There is a large shift in the HR world. A lot of organizations are renaming their HR functions to people and talent related roles. Companies are using titles such as Chief People Officer, Chief Experience Officer, and Chief Talent Officer for their Human Resources department. Although these name changes are not new they are definitely become more pervasive. But it’s not just the name change that is important; it’s a fundamental shift in what this function actually does.
Why are organizations doing this? The HR stereotype is that this function is for hiring and firing, getting payment and rewards information, and enforcing rules and policies. The name “human resources” gives the impression that people are resources to be harvested as a tool for production. Employees feel expendable, just another worker in a long line of cogs on the company conveyor belt.
In the modern workplace, there is a shift toward the employee experience. This vital department has shifted its focus to improve the employee’s perception of the company. HR isn’t just about managing, rules, and policies. It is a role that aides in designing new work environments so that people want to show up. Not only to be present, but to be engaged, and feel a sense of ownership and pride in their work. I talk about this in the latest episode of the #futurein5 I talk about this topic in more detail.
I am curious to hear what you think about this topic! Do you have first hand experience in this paradigm shift? Leave your comments below!
This month’s content on the future of work was made possible by my friends at Work Market. Work Market is a freelance management system that brings freelancers and organizations together. As the freelancer economy continues to grow organizations are going to have to think differently about how they service, innovate, and compete in the future of work.
Jacob is an author, speaker, and futurist. You can learn more by visiting TheFutureOrganization.com. You can also subscribe to Jacob’s newsletter to get weekly content on the future of work and the first 30 pages of his new book, The Future of Work.
