how to build a proactive HR strategy

As we move past the current crisis, it's important to reshape your HR practices and approaches to meet the new challenges and help future-proof your organisation. This article outlines tactics to start building proactive HR strategies that will allow you to secure the talent you’ll need to meet your business needs.

a growing need for a proactive HR department

During a crisis, many HR departments are scrambling to cover short-term needs such as filling unanticipated vacancies or performing unplanned layoffs. But it doesn't have to be that way.
With the right HR strategy, HR teams can become much more prepared for unforeseen events. A preemptive strategy is all about securing a properly balanced workforce that optimally supports fluctuating production needs in the long term – and stays happy doing so. Moreover, transitioning to a tactical planning approach will have a significant impact on your company's bottom line, your KPIs, and resources

4 ways to ace strategic human resource management

A proactive HR strategy is a prerequisite for being able to grow in uncertain times as it allows you to adapt to market fluctuations.

As Deloitte noted in its 2020 Global Human Capital Trends report, businesses need to invest in 'resilience for uncertain futures' if they want to succeed in 'a world where the only constant is change'. More than half (53%) of the companies surveyed by Deloitte said at least half of their workforce would need to change their skills and capabilities in the next three years.

By reshaping your talent strategy, you can make sure that you have the right talent at the right time. It would also be beneficial to refocus your organisation’s HR function. Below, we have outlined four steps on how to become more proactive as an HR department.

1. align with your main business goals

As an HR department, you have an essential task of predicting which skill sets will be required in the future. Therefore, you need to work closely with strategic decision-makers to align your HR strategy with long-term business goals. Only then can you predict which roles and teams will most likely be hired next. By having a close dialogue with senior management, you can create a forecast for your staffing needs in the coming years.

2. build a talent pipeline

When you have identified the roles and made a plan for your future talent needs, the next step is to make sure you can fill these roles quickly. To do this, you need to take a proactive approach to building a talent pipeline. By establishing a network of potential candidates, you won't have to waste time sourcing candidates when vacancies suddenly arise.

There are different tactics and sourcing techniques on how to build a candidate pipeline. For example, you can send representatives to networking events and conferences, request referrals from your current employees, or bookmark interesting profiles on LinkedIn. Once you've identified potential candidates, explain that while your company doesn't currently have any openings, you think they'd be an excellent fit in the future. Then, make sure you stay in touch until a need arises.

3. leverage flexible talent

To future-proof your organisation for unforeseen events you’ll need to add more agility to your sourcing strategy. This is why the flexible workforce is growing in popularity compared to the traditionally permanent, employee workforce. A flexible talent is a new strategy for talent-proofing your company. A flexible workforce gives you access to the right competencies at the right time and offers significant cost savings.

4. strengthen your employer brand

If you have a strong employer brand, you’ll attract more qualified candidates. That's why you constantly need to plan for how to communicate your culture, perks and benefits. Many younger generations are looking for meaningful work, and digitally advanced companies that offer ongoing opportunities for learning, development and growth.

learn more: how to build an effective talent acquisition strategy guide

If you have further interest in understanding how your HR department can improve, there is more to learn about talent recruitment. We've compiled an in-depth guide on how you can build an effective talent acquisition strategy. Fill in the form on this page to receive a complimentary digital copy of the guide.

the guide contains the following:

• introduction to talent acquisition strategy
• recognising recruitment challenges
• connecting a talent acquisition strategy to ROI
• steps to building an effective recruitment strategy

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