The role of HR has evolved from a transactional function to a strategic partner within organizations. HR leaders are playing an increasingly important role in shaping company culture, driving employee engagement, and managing talent. With the changing nature of work, the increasing use of technology, and the growing emphasis on employee well-being, diversity, equity, and inclusion, HR leaders are faced with new challenges and opportunities. By embracing these challenges and opportunities, HR leaders can make a significant impact on the success of their organizations.
In this HRchat episode, we hear from Fermin Diez, Deputy CEO & Group Director at Sector Capability and Transformation Group about why now is an exciting time to be in HR and better ways to use your people data.
Dr. Fermin Diez has more than 35 years of experience in human resources, which includes consulting, corporate and academic roles in 40 countries in all continents.
As a consultant, he has advised major multinationals, large local companies and public sector organizations at the Board and C-Suite levels. He has also managed the P&L in several geographical locations and businesses. As an HR leader, he has been the Regional Head of HR for two large MNCs in AsiaPac and in Latin America.
Questions for Fermin Include:
- Why are you passionate about moving HR forward?
- Why do you think now is the most exciting time in HR?
- Talk about the growth in the use of people data
- Building on traditional HR skillsets: How does your 2019 book, Fundamentals of HR Analytics, make understanding and engaging with data analytics easier for professionals at all levels?
An Exciting Time to Work in HR
In the past, HR was primarily responsible for managing employee benefits, payroll, and compliance. Today, HR has a more strategic role in shaping the future of the organization. HR leaders are now responsible for developing and implementing strategies that align with the company’s overall goals and objectives.
With the rise of the gig economy and remote work, HR leaders are facing new challenges when it comes to managing and engaging employees. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated these trends, forcing HR teams to adapt to new ways of working and find creative solutions to keep employees engaged and productive.
HR leaders today are leveraging AI and machine learning to automate repetitive tasks, such as resume screening and onboarding, allowing HR teams to focus on more strategic initiatives. HR leaders are also using data analytics to make data-driven decisions about talent management, recruitment, and employee engagement.
In addition, HR leaders are playing a critical role in shaping company culture. With the growing emphasis on employee well-being, diversity, equity, and inclusion, HR leaders are tasked with creating a workplace culture that promotes these values. This requires HR leaders to be both creative and empathetic in their approach, fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and respect.
More About Dr. Fermin Diez
Fermin is currently Deputy CEO and Group Head of Human Resources for Singapore’s National Council for Social Service. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Singapore Management University and at Nanyang Technological University and is co-author of three books: ‘Human Capital and Global Business Strategy’, ‘The Remuneration Handbook: International Edition’ and ‘Fundamentals of HR Analytics’.
He has taught WorldatWork courses for more than 20 years in the United States, Puerto Rico, Australia, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, India, Singapore, Indonesia and Hong Kong.
Fermin has been named a Top HR influencer in Asia. He is a frequent speaker at regional and global forums on compensation, strategic HR, talent management and development, career planning, mergers and acquisitions from an HR perspective, building teams, global HR, education, public sector HR practices and HR analytics.