Alignment Is Important

Small and mid-sized organizations encounter HR problems all the time.  One of the difficulties they have in solving HR problems is that they don’t know how to accurately determine what the problem is.  Once the HR problem has been accurately determined the other difficulty is figuring out the right HR strategy(ies) to implement.

In today’s business landscape everything is about alignment.  The Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) is concerned with the interconnectedness of the business side of the organization and HR, such as; staffing levels, recruitment, and training.  The HRBP has to ascertain the current staffing levels of the organization.  If every part of the organization is going to be aligned, the organization has to be fully staffed in each functional area as well as support staff. 

If the organization is overstaffed, the HRBP may recommend the organization downsize, or the organization can move people into different positions.  Instead of hiring people for new positions, the organization could train current employees to occupy different positions.  On the other hand, the HRBP may determine the organization is understaffed.  In that case the HRBP will recommend that HR recruit for the positions needed.  Because the job market isn’t always stable the HRBP may also recommend that HR maintain a list of potential candidates for various positions.  If the staffing levels and recruitment aren’t aligned with the organization’s goals, the organization will struggle.   

While the HRBP is ascertaining the staffing levels they will also be ascertaining the training needs of the organization.  Are the position descriptions aligned with the work that is being done?  Do the people in those positions have the training needed to perform the required duties?  The HRBP could suggest that position descriptions be rewritten so they are aligned with the work that is being done.  Maybe the duties that are being done need to change so that the position aligns with the goals of the organization.  If the organization is going to hire new employees, the HRBP may recommend the new employees have specific training.  Some organizations have a training coordinator, if so, that person will recommend any training needed for everyone in the organization.  If the job descriptions and training aren’t aligned with the organization’s goals, the organization will struggle.       

If an organization is going to achieve its goals, the interconnectedness between the business side of the organization and HR have to be aligned with those goals.  The HRBP or someone functioning in that capacity is the person that can make that happen.