How Are HR Leaders Driving Culture and Productivity in Today’s Crisis

How Are HR Leaders Driving Culture and Productivity in Today's Crisis

Published on: April 7, 2020

The workforce of the future has arrived. What pushed it to the edge was not a millennial generation, nor the rapid rise of technology, but rather a crisis so unprecedented that companies had to ensure employee health and safety above all.

Although HR's role is constantly evolving, this event has shown that a new mindset and strategy is once again required to navigate streamlined communications and a culture of collaboration. No matter the difference in approach, there are non-negotiables that people leaders must establish in their new normal to put order amidst uncertainty.

"The way people leaders respond to this crisis will determine how well their organizations will thrive even after this challenge has passed." - Anj Vera, TalentView CEO

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First, they place employee health and safety above all

It is a business imperative to ensure the physical, mental and emotional well-being of employees more so during this time. There would be no business continuity to talk about if employee health and safety were not secured. By solving this first, organizations also build trust which is a crucial element to managing data being shared outside the physical workplace.

Second, they rethink existing processes and design for resilience

Teams that adapt don't force the existing process they have on an obsolete working set it up. Mobilizing for uncertainty means that information gets to the right people fast enough for them to act on it appropriately. A resilient process should bring people together and deepen engagement at a time when it’s vitally important that all employees have access to the latest information and advice. The key to working anywhere, at home or virtually, is to deliver a consistent and intentional customer experience. Designing a resilient process means that you are able to achieve the outcomes your business has committed to its customers regardless of where the service comes from.

They see past the crisis and are constantly curious about opportunities to evolve

Effective HR leaders understand that it is during difficulties that a lot can be discovered. On-the-ground knowledge provides a perspective that can help usher in version 2.0. Armed with curiosity and desire for improvement, they ask questions such as 'What is working better today because of this crisis? Can this carry on as part of our new normal? What technologies need to be put in place to increase our efficiency and build our culture' Uncomfortable situations give us experiences beyond our normal day and this puts us in a position to learn; status quo is not a strategy.

And lastly, they know that leadership is the difference maker

Starbucks CEO, Howard Schultz, said "success has to be earned everyday." The foundation of good governance, sound decision making and timely communication rests on how visible, consistent and decisive your leaders are. Leadership is the difference maker so HR leaders mobilize their company's leaders first. The business continuity plan is hinged on leaders being able to disseminate accurate information, inspire action among their colleagues and teams and redirect the business to areas of change and opportunity that will benefit the long term.

The COVID-19 crisis has exposed every organization's vulnerability when it comes to digital transformation. Remote employee engagement is no longer a nice-to-have. The way people leaders respond to this crisis will determine how well their organizations will thrive even after this challenge has passed.

Prioritizing health and safety, designing a resilient workforce, seeing past the crisis and mobilizing leadership effectively can support every HR leader in taking a more proactive stance to change. How will you earn your success in the days to come?