The People Space:  Is HR Losing Its Soul? Balancing Strategy With The Human Touch In Modern HR

Originally posted on The People Space, written by Roger Clements, Chief Growth Officer at Matrix.

As HR professionals you might often find yourselves navigating a delicate balance between representing the workforce and aligning with corporate objectives. The question I frequently ponder is: as HR’s influence expands into the boardroom are HR pros at risk of losing the human touch that is so central to the role? This is a question that has taken on greater urgency as businesses increasingly rely on HR to not only manage personnel but also to shape strategic decisions.

HR’s Influence in the Boardroom: A Double-Edged Sword?

The expansion of HR’s influence is undoubtedly a positive development. It reflects the growing recognition that human capital is as critical to a company’s success as its financial assets. Skills are in short supply and the modern workforce demands more than just a salary; they seek flexibility, wellbeing and a sense of purpose. The indirect workforce is also growing and companies are beginning to appreciate the agility this brings. In this context HR’s role has never been more crucial in attracting and retaining skills and talent.

However, as HR begins to take its rightful place at the board table we must be vigilant. There is a real danger that in efforts to be seen as strategic partners HRs might inadvertently shift their focus away from the ‘human’ aspect of human resources and become over preoccupied with the ‘resource’ element. This could lead to a scenario where HR is more concerned with metrics and efficiency than with the wellbeing and development of employees.

Striking a Balance: Aligning Employee and Management Interests

The question then becomes how can the personal touch be maintained while handling more strategic responsibilities? The answer, I believe, lies in striking the right balance.  I believe that HR must continue to represent both the workforce and management, ensuring that their interests are seamlessly aligned. Trust and transparency are key to achieving this balance. Employees need to feel that HR is genuinely on their side, even as they work to support broader business objectives. This is where the human touch must not only be preserved but amplified.

So is HR losing its soul? I don’t believe so. Instead I think HR is evolving and sharing its soul in new ways. By staying true to the core values of the profession – trust, transparency and a commitment to the wellbeing of employees – HRs can navigate these challenges and ensure that the role remains a vital, human-centred function within the business world. The future of HR depends on the ability to maintain this balance and to keep the human touch at the heart of everything.

Originally posted on The People Space, written by Roger Clements, Chief Growth Officer at Matrix.