The evolving role of the CHRO in the modern workplace

When it comes to the future of work, we are undeniably at a turning point. Stepping into an era where the workforce is crying out for recognition, engagement, and change.

While roles in IT and finance are central to future prosperity in this modern workplace, HR is probably one of the most pivotal.

Because when searching for a new job, or weighing up options to stay in their current role, employees are looking at an organization’s culture, their values and purpose. They want to see a winning human capital strategy that’s going to mean workers are properly utilized and don’t experience burnout. And they want to know HR has the impact with management to ensure voices are heard and changes are made.

The responsibility for making all of this a reality falls to the chief human resources officer (CHRO). So this individual has to have their finger on the pulse of their organization, must be able to scan and read the horizon, and can anticipate the challenges ahead.

What makes the ideal CHRO?

The ideal CHRO acts in an advisory capacity, guiding the executive board on how to effectively manage staff evenly and fairly at every level.

They have one foot in the company’s present and another stepping toward its future; straddling the difference between where the company is and where its heading. In doing so, they are able to develop comprehensive bold strategies, and invest in compensation and benefits that keep the company competitive, while being cost effective.

As such, it’s a fast-paced role that requires confidence, perfected communication skills, an analytical mind and a healthy dose of empathy.

How has a CHRO’s role changed in recent years?

The impact of the pandemic, and the “Great Resignation” that followed, has put significant pressure on modern CHROs.

In order to keep turnover figures down and remain competitive, CHROs must create a superior employee experience. One which is conscious of improving workplace culture and building an earnestness that employees are proud of and can trust. Without it, retaining and attracting talent becomes exponentially harder.

Bringing people together

Goals and tasks that we would traditionally associate with CEOs are now shared by CHROs. For many organizations, it can feel like the employee has become just as important, if not more so, than the customer or client. Thus building a community has been a top priority for CHROs – as it’s crucial to giving people a shared standard to strive for. And by establishing purpose, you create excitement and anticipation. Not just for the company itself, but for each employee’s sense of self worth and satisfaction.

Catering to the new

Gen Z entering the workforce has already had an impact on how companies function and conduct themselves. Where previous generations would knuckle through a transitionary period or tolerate certain flaws or issues, Gen Z seemingly doesn’t have the time or tolerance for this. Some may consider this disrespectful, impatient or ungrateful, but this age group have decided their worth and will happily jump from job-to-job until they find a suitable match. What’s more, they can see through hollow gestures (“pizza parties instead of pay rises” being a notable contemporary meme) and want to feel truly valued. For CHROs, this means having your ear to the ground and being able to convince company heads to adjust the working landscape accordingly.

Focusing on wellbeing

The evolving role of CHROs means placing an importance on wellbeing. Health and safety have always been a key concern for HR but mental health and wellbeing have quickly risen to the forefront. As a leading contributor to burnout, employee dissatisfaction, and resignations, forward looking companies should be prioritizing actions and procedures that minimize contributors to negative wellbeing.

What can we expect in the future with the role of the CHRO?

Covering the basics

Ensuring your organization is able to maintain staffing levels, as well as growing healthily, has always been a high priority for CHROs. And this focus on talent attraction and retention will continue to be the number one objective going forward.

The digital workforce

The workforce is changing, partly to make life easier for employees, partly to ensure things run efficiently and smoothly 24/7. That means further digitalization to accommodate increased demand for flexibility, as well as improved automation through AI and algorithmic HR.

Exciting new tech

There will be a greater reliance on data and analytics, as predicting workforce trends will transition from ‘nice to have’ to ‘essential’. In terms of practice and data collected, this means a keen understanding and passion for future HR tech innovations and technological leaps.

Ethical consideration

Human resources has always been deeply involved with the human aspect of a company but as organizations progress into uncharted digital territory, CHROs need to have a strong head for ethics. The prospect and reach of new tools can be exciting but they should be deployed carefully, ensuring employees privacy and integrity are respected.

CEOs in waiting

CHROs can also expect a restructuring in thinking. This is as they continue to be positioned higher up the hierarchy and closer to the decision making process. In this capacity, CHROs will be expected to report on environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters, as well as issues of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

The evolving role of CHRO has meant this position has become more than basic support, it’s about being a strategist, a visionary, and a contributory company partner.

Make sure you check our agenda for a look at the talent speaking at UNLEASH America 2023.