Many startups and small-to-medium sized businesses operate without workforce analytics, essentially sticking with traditional human resource strategies to run that side of the business. While technically there’s nothing wrong with this, the use of workforce analytics has a profound impact on the businesses that use them.
Workforce analytics refers to the data aggregated by a combination of methodologies and software to apply statistics to employee data. The real benefit here is that business management professionals can use this information to optimise human resource management, creating a more efficient, cohesive organisation.
HR metrics promote value driven initiatives that grow businesses. Not only are businesses able to see illustrated statistics for current trends, but human resource professionals can simulate “what if” situations. When businesses can move past simple HR numbers, they can see how the company is doing as a whole. A key benefit of workforce analytics is the ability to see exactly what is and isn’t working and make changes within the organisation to augment success.
An evolving business is a thriving business, and the use of workforce analytics in human resources is a key to the success of the organisations who use them. When a workforce’s effectiveness can be measured, investigated, and defined, a company can change policies, procedures, and roles as needed.
For example, human resource professionals can investigate the effectiveness of new employees as opposed to those who are nearing retirement. The results of this data will give the company an idea of the scope of job functions, training, pay, and more.
Companies who use workforce analytics for their human resources operations enjoy higher efficiency as a whole. From the ground up, these statistics can be used to shape and define an organisation’s mission, direction, and future success.
Reuben Kearney 