In Pakistan, HR often takes a backseat compared to areas such as marketing and Finance which are considered ‘more strategic’ to business interests. But with talent management and HRM (human resources and management) becoming buzzwords in the industry the world over, it is time for companies In Pakistan to realise that HR is about people, not administrative procedures.
Here are four new initiatives with which HR departments can achieve success in 2013:
1. Get with the MBTI programme. The Myers- Briggs Type Indicator Test is an internationally recognized personality classification tool used to evaluate a candidate’s aptitude. An ISTP (introverted, sensitive, thoughtful and perceptive) personality may give a really good interview for a sales position but still lack the ability to deal with people. Using the MBTI, line managers can hire the right candidates for a job and boost retention rates in their departments.
2. Groom a trainer. Without metrics to measure results, it is impossible to tell if workshops and training sessions impact productivity at all. Instead of Inviting external gurus who have no idea about your company’s culture, groom internal trainers from various function within the organisation; this is the best way to tailor training programmes based on Performance markers that departments use to achieve results.
3. Talk about the big stuff. Talk to your organization about sensitive and important issue such as sexual harassment, religious and ethnic discrimination, dealing with disabilities, bullying, whistle blowing, verbal abuse, stress and depression. It is up to the HR department to send the message that they will not the stick their heads in the sand on such matters, otherwise many important issues will go unreported out of fear of jeopardizing careers.
4. Get 360-degree feedback. Most organization have an appraisal system which resembles a school report card where a teacher allots a grade to the pupil at the end of the year. This kills the whole purpose of having a performance management system. Every manager should hear how good or bad a boss they are and every employee needs to hear how their teams ranks their abilities. It’s about getting better, not getting even.
By Sadya Siddiqui