In recent years, the term “people operations” is becoming increasingly common throughout the business world; and with good reason considering the current state of play in the context of the global workforce.
For example, a recent survey by Pew Research Center found that 57% of respondents who quit their job in 2021 did so in response to feeling disrespected at work. While this is a significant issue affecting company retention rates across the globe, there are also noticeable negative trends emerging as early as the recruitment stage.
A whopping 81% of Irish employers that took part in the recent ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey admitted they were struggling to meet their recruitment demands in the face of a widespread talent shortage.
With mounting concerns surrounding both retention and recruitment, what can be done to alleviate current pressures facing employers worldwide and support the building of great teams?
Developing a people operations strategy is the place to start.
What is meant by ‘people operations’?
People operations, or people ops, is a new way of thinking about HR that involves taking a holistic approach to employee management.
Coined by former Google HR Director Laszlo Bock, the term describes a business strategy that places employees at the centre of the organisation. Although it has close ties to the HR function, it attempts to modernise traditional HR practices to consistently put the employee first.
People operations oversee the management of the entire employee journey, from attracting and onboarding talent to supporting continual development. This continuous nurturing creates a desirable work environment that promotes retention.
Employee engagement is also at the centre of people operations.
According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace: 2022 Report, disengaged employees cost the world $7.8 trillion in lost productivity. This eye-watering figure may prove difficult to digest, but it puts into focus just how seriously the topic of employee engagement should be taken by employers across every industry.
Activating a people operations team or representative as part of an internal employment structure represents a giant leap towards boosting employee engagement, retaining top talent, and increasing their value – all to achieve the most pertinent company goals.
How can a business implement a successful people operations strategy?
There are many strands to a successful people ops strategy, and each one is as important as the next.
A comprehensive people operations strategy involves:
- Overseeing the entire employee journey and offering support and encouragement throughout
- Providing opportunities for growth and development internally by offering training and development programmes, mentoring and coaching, and career development plans
- Encouraging employee feedback and input through regular surveys, focus groups and other initiatives, giving them a voice within the organisation
- Updating existing payroll and applicant tracking systems to facilitate more seamless administration and metrics tracking
- Creating a positive workplace culture by promoting values such as respect, inclusion and collaboration
- Prioritising employee well-being by offering support through mental health resources and wellness programmes
- Recognising and rewarding employees for their contributions
The first course of action before implementing a people ops strategy is to form a talented team – or perhaps find the perfect individual – to carry out such a vital role.
While experience is always a plus, there are specific characteristics that will often be more indicative of a successful people operations specialist, such as emotional intelligence, excellent communication skills and strong problem-solving skills.
For a role that is engrained in the employee experience, other abilities such as collaboration and conflict resolution are highly sought after.
Aside from these essential traits, a proficiency in standard office HR systems, along with a knowledge of superior technologies in this sphere would be seen as advantageous.
Relying on the help of a recruitment specialist should be your first port of call to ensure you source the best candidate for the job.
Revolutionise your HR and people operations with help from us at International Achievers Group
At International Achievers Group, we understand the importance of people operations in today’s fast-paced business environment. We specialise in the provision of localisation recruitment services, as well as a range of other services to support both top talent and employers through the recruitment process.
With our expert guidance and advice, businesses can revolutionise their people operations while retaining top talent. We are distinctly aware that it’s not only the knowledge and qualifications a recruit brings to your business that matters – it’s much more. We look at the overall picture in the context of your organisation – their personality, their skills, their drive, their vision – to select the individual who will add greatly to your company’s success. We place the right person in the right job with the right company, intending to create a long-lasting professional relationship.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help you utilise and retain your best assets, and don’t forget to check out our blog and resources for more localisation industry and HR insights.