Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Administrivia
The problem is that HR sees itself as an administrative body. HR thinking is that if all the forms are filled out correctly, that policy is followed, reports are on time, and guidelines are met, HR is doing what it's supposed to do.
It's a problem because administration, while necessary, isn't a big value-adding activity. It's a smaller one. HR is charged with taking care of the workforce. In fact, they are in a position to make a big difference in the quality of the workforce (through recruiting) as well as the welfare of the employee base. Unfortunately, the administrative status quo reigns supreme and the same old administrative emphasis continues as the primary value HR tries to add. Given their position in an organization, HR could make a company spectacular. But they satisfy themselves with filling out forms and making sure everyone's ass is covered.
Yes, it's important to have payroll on time, benefits in shape, and everyone treated fairly. But those are baseline behaviors. They are not amazing feats and the department is in position to accomplish great things. It's time they reared up on their hind legs and tried. While they continue to focus on administrivia they are doomed to be eunuchs in the corporate harem - in position to make a difference, but inadequate to the task.
It's a problem because administration, while necessary, isn't a big value-adding activity. It's a smaller one. HR is charged with taking care of the workforce. In fact, they are in a position to make a big difference in the quality of the workforce (through recruiting) as well as the welfare of the employee base. Unfortunately, the administrative status quo reigns supreme and the same old administrative emphasis continues as the primary value HR tries to add. Given their position in an organization, HR could make a company spectacular. But they satisfy themselves with filling out forms and making sure everyone's ass is covered.
Yes, it's important to have payroll on time, benefits in shape, and everyone treated fairly. But those are baseline behaviors. They are not amazing feats and the department is in position to accomplish great things. It's time they reared up on their hind legs and tried. While they continue to focus on administrivia they are doomed to be eunuchs in the corporate harem - in position to make a difference, but inadequate to the task.
