The Future of HR: What's Next for the Profession?
Harlan Ross, President, introduces Sherry Johnson, SHRM Field Director – Southwest Central Region at the March 17, 2011 SAHRA meeting
“The Future of HR: What’s Next for the Profession?” was presented by Sherry Johnson, SHRM Field Director. Sherry discussed the need for a post recession workforce assessment, current HR challenges, and a two-part strategy for turning challenges into opportunities.
WeKnowNext.com was mentioned as a SHRM sponsored forum where business leaders and thought leaders can explore and discuss trends in the workforce, and share real-life examples of success. Long-term sustainability and workplace flexibility were highlighted as the driving force in the creation of WeKnowNext.com.
Free workforce assessment tool, a SHRM-AARP development, is available at aarpworkforceassessment.org.
Turning challenges into opportunities by growing from within and building/rebuilding your brand was discussed as the key to long-term sustainability. Sherry identified an important book of 2010: Wellbeing: The Five Essential Elements by Tom Rath and Jim Harter. It identifies the essential elements of life (career wellbeing, social wellbeing, financial wellbeing, physical wellbeing, community wellbeing) and explains how an organizations’ culture can help employees better manage and improve their wellbeing for improved morale, higher engagement, and financial returns.
Sherry spoke about the partnership between SHRM and the Famililes and Work Institute, “Moving Work Forward.” The collaboration will promote flexible work environments that fit the 21st century workforce and create a new competitive advantage for organizations.
CEO Tony Hsieh and Zappos.com was presented as a case study; using culture and social media as branding tools and the people planning of Zappos was credited as the key to success for the billion dollar business.
