With companies continually facing unanticipated situations (you can’t make the stuff up that’s happening), innovation is no longer just a cool buzzword to throw around to impress people. It’s become a vital necessity for any business wanting to prosper in the future.
And with new trends evolving at an unprecedented pace, the role of HR Professionals has become increasingly critical in nurturing innovation within the organisation. Whereas in the past, HR staff were viewed as the administrators and gatekeepers of the company’s policies and procedures, they are now increasingly emerging as catalysts for organisational creativity and growth.
So, what’s required of you to be an innovative HR Professional?
Here, in no particular order, are a few ideas to trigger your thinking … and your innovation!
Embrace Technology
Technology sets you free to do what you need to do and not just what you have to do. As such, it’s revolutionising every aspect of HR, from recruitment and onboarding to performance management and employee engagement. Innovative HR Professionals are leveraging cutting-edge tools and platforms to streamline processes, gather actionable insights and deliver personalised experiences to employees. When you embrace appropriate technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics and virtual reality, you drive HR innovation forward.
Embrace, encourage and promote Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity fuels innovation by bringing together people with different backgrounds, experiences and world views. As an HR Professional, you can play a key role in creating an inclusive workplace where all voices are heard and valued. If you actively recruit and retain diverse talent, you will promote cross-cultural understanding and ensure that diversity and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of organisational life.
Nurture a Culture of Experimentation
Innovation thrives in environments where experimentation is encouraged. HR Professionals should therefore lead by example, promoting a culture that embraces trial and error, and being accepting of mistakes in the learning process. Encourage employees to take calculated risks, accept failures as learning opportunities and provide the necessary support and resources for those with the courage and imagination to experiment.
Promote Employee Engagement
Engaged employees are more likely to contribute innovative ideas and solutions. Make a point of creating a conducive environment where employees feel empowered, motivated and appreciated. Introduce initiatives such as flexible work arrangements, skill development programmes and opportunities for employees to act independently express themselves.
Encourage Continuous Learning
In a rapidly changing landscape, innovation rests on a foundation of fresh and continuous learning. HR Professionals who champion a culture of continuous learning and development within their organizations will soon reap the fruits of their commitment to innovation. Offer training programs, masterclasses, workshops and mentoring opportunities to promote professional growth and help employees keep abreast of emerging trends and best practices.
Support Collaboration
Innovation thrives in collaborative environments where individuals can freely exchange ideas and build upon each other’s strengths. I frequently quote Ken Blanchard’s comment that, “None of us is as smart as all of us.” This speaks of the benefits of smart people putting their ideas together and building on them. HR Professionals should therefore facilitate cross-functional collaboration by cutting across the silos, creating interdisciplinary teams and creating safe spaces for brainstorming and ideation.
Measure Impact
Innovation is an iterative process that requires constant evaluation, tweaking and refinement. HR Professionals should establish specific ways to measure the impact of their initiatives on employee engagement, productivity and organisational performance. Use data-driven insights to identify areas for further improvement.
Lead by Example
Finally, perhaps the most crucial aspect of being an innovative HR Professional (or any leader, for that matter) is leading by example. Demonstrate a growth mindset, embrace change with confidence and be willing to challenge the status quo. Act as a champion for innovation within your organisation by inspiring others to think creatively and strive for excellence.
In closing
Innovation in HR is not just a philosophical and noble aspiration. It’s a strategic imperative for organisational success in today’s evolving business landscape. HR Professionals are ideally placed to unleash the full potential of innovation within their people and their organisations. It’s time to redefine the role of HR from mere administrators and score keepers to strategic innovators driving positive change and growth!
Alan Hosking is the Publisher of HR Future magazine, www.hrfuture.net and @HRFuturemag. He is an internationally recognised authority on leadership competencies for the future and teaches experienced and younger business leaders how to lead with empathy, compassion, integrity, purpose and agility. He has been an Age Management Coach for two decades and is the author of parenting best seller What Nobody Tells a New Father.