Katriina Tahka
December 5, 2024
A Human Agency News

The Evolution of Human Resources: Designing HR for Tomorrow

Everyone is talking about AI, machine learning and robotics, with HR at the forefront of these conversations. Throughout history, HR have been paramount for any workplace change.

Before we think about how we move forward into the future, let’s take a moment to look back at the role HR has played over the years.

Where did HR begin?

The concept of HR can be traced back to the late 19th century, a time marked by significant industrial transformation. Trade unions in the early 20th century advocated for collective bargaining, grievance handling, and progressive disciplinary practices, laying the foundation for modern HR and IR practices.

The Human Touch: Early 20th Century to Mid-Century

Interestingly, efficiency and standardisation were first introduced by F. W. Taylor in the early 20th century introduced, and it seems that they’re still a hot topic today. This humanistic approach to HR was considered a science form.

Mid-Century Innovations

During the 1930s and 1940s, HR revealed that productivity is influenced not only by physical conditions but also by social interactions, leadership, and communication.

This understanding was advanced further in the 1950s and 1960s during the advent of the behavioural science period, recognising that human motivation and emotional wellbeing are crucial for organisational success.

Today we know that these are determining elements for employee engagement and overall productivity.

Systems Approach to Strategic Partner

From the 1960s onwards, HR began adopting a systems and contingency approach, reflecting a shift towards viewing HR as a strategic partner in organisations. The 1980s marked the formal advent of Human Resource Management as we know it today. This era emphasised aligning HR practices with organisational strategy, focusing on human capital as a vital asset.

Even though this story started back then, it seems that many HR leaders still battle to earn their place at the table.

Today, HR is characterised by its strategic role in shaping organisational culture and driving business success. The focus has shifted from mere administrative functions to proactive engagement with employee needs, development, and wellbeing.

What does good HR look like now:

  • Make data-driven decisions a priority. If you haven’t already, start using analytics to customise HR policies and strategies that align with changing employee needs and business objectives.
  • Focus on mental health and work-life balance to increase productivity and retention. Introduce employee wellbeing programs and employee assistance initiatives.
  • Harness the power of technology. Integrate advanced HR technologies for seamless operations and focus on what truly matters — your people. Use transparent, constructive processes to elevate performance and swiftly address issues. Be proactive instead of reactive!
  • Attract and recruit top talent. Develop targeted recruitment strategies to find and hire the best individuals for critical roles.

Over the last 10 years, we at A-HA have supported our clients to take a modern HR approach that is about intentionally designing workplaces where people thrive alongside profits.

Designing HR Differently: A Vision for 2024 and Beyond:

What does the future hold? We’ve cracked the code and discovered that HR can be an exhilarating, agile escapade. Say goodbye to the mundane and embrace a new era of HR that’s as thrilling as a tightrope act and as captivating as a magic show, all while keeping your pockets happy.

By embracing the lessons from HR’s evolution, we are poised to lead the way in creating workplaces that are not only productive but also nurturing and supportive. HR is no longer just a function; it’s a dynamic force shaping the future of work.

For those who are trailblazers, we recommend:

  • Rethinking your organisational design: Consider moving away from traditional hierarchies and explore modern structures such as matrix, fractional or network models, which can improve flexibility and collaboration.
  • Encouraging continuous learning: Provide opportunities for ongoing development to ensure that your team remains engaged, skilled and compliant.
  • Create an environment that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive, which can drive innovation and align with your company’s values.
  • Transform complexity into practical solutions: Simplify complex legal regulations into actionable HR practices that support compliance and operational efficiency.

As we reflect on HR’s rich history and anticipate its future, we invite you to join us in reimagining HR. Together, we can build workplaces that are effective and enriching, where every individual can thrive.

Confidential consultation

We offer an initial, confidential appointment tailored to address your questions and guide you in the right direction, whether you're embarking on a new HR journey or seeking expert advice and guidance on complex workplace issues.

This allows us to learn about your business goals and objectives; and for you to get to know our team and how we can support you to achieve those goals.

Our sessions are designed to:

  • understand your specific questions, covering your current situation, potential challenges in culture, behaviour, performance, diversity or inclusion, and any other concerns you may have.
  • Collaboratively assess your current landscape and outline actionable steps towards meaningful change, providing assurance and support along the way.
  • Most importantly establish a foundation for working together. We want you to feel confident that we are the right HR partner for you, because this is your business’ future you are about to invest in, so we need to get it right. 

We look forward to meeting you.

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A-HA connects business and people in order to realise genuine value and worth. We have pioneered a new type of agency which revolutionises the human resource industry through our people, products and insight.

A-HA!

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