Confluence of Transformative Technologies is Driving Human Resource Organizations to 'Leap Ahead' in 2012: Deloitte

Cloud, social, mobile and analytics among this year's top HR trends

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Mar 06, 2012, 09:00 ET

NEW YORK, March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Converging transformative technologies – cloud, social, mobile and analytics – are driving many companies to advance their human resource (HR) capabilities and enhance performance in 2012. This is according to "Leap Ahead," Deloitte's second annual Human Capital Trends report.

"As some businesses are beginning to see the light at the end of the economic tunnel, there is a sense of urgency for HR organizations to act now to help improve performance and drive growth," said Barbara Adachi, national managing director of Deloitte's Human Capital practice and co-author of the report. "The confluence of transformative technologies requires HR organizations to step up and help build the capabilities needed to effectively harness their power. Our report outlines the opportunity for HR to make bold moves, while considering enterprise risk."

Examining the broad impact of the eight human capital trends that will reshape both HR in the business – and the business of HR – over the next 18 to 24 months, the findings in "Leap Ahead" include:

#social #mobile @ work: Social media and mobile devices are raising the bar on HR service delivery. For most HR organizations, developing and implementing a strategy for mobile devices and social media is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity.
Clouds in the forecast: Cloud services are changing the way businesses operate and HR has a key role in helping organizations adapt. By taking a lead role on cloud, HR is easing the transition and helping organizations acquire and develop the cloud-savvy talent needed to capitalize on the full potential of cloud services.
Seeing around corners: Many leading companies are using workforce reporting and analytics to make better-informed decisions about their human capital. By capitalizing on the latest analytical tools and techniques, they are improving acquisition, retention and rewards; reducing labor costs; improving productivity and employee effectiveness; and managing risk more effectively.
In 2012 growth is job No. 1: Growth is the top priority for CEOs in 2012. Respectively, HR is boosting its capabilities in three key areas: emerging markets, mergers and acquisitions, and innovation.
Operation globalization: Many companies are shifting to globally integrated operating models with the home country serving as just one of many markets.
Fast-track to the top: HR organizations are challenged to develop the next generation of leaders to drive future growth. As they get clarity about what "high potential" and "high performance" really means – based on science not anecdotes – they are beginning to invest in an integrated set of data-driven activities to accelerate the development of their most promising leadership talent.
People risk is risky business: In a world of black swans or low-probability events that have far-reaching impacts and growing uncertainty, HR's role in managing enterprise risk is expanding. To help navigate this increasingly uncertain environment, many leading organizations are expanding the role that HR leaders play in managing risk across the enterprise.
Stay in front with an effective sales force: A multi-channel environment is creating the need for a different kind of sales force. Achieving the winning sales force of the future will require HR leaders who understand front-line sales issues, the customer experience and the particular DNA of tomorrow's sales force.

"In 2012, HR organizations and businesses will require a combination of human capital investments to drive breakthrough performance," said Michael Gretczko, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP and co-author of the report.

"By focusing on the trends that matter most to their enterprise, HR organizations will be doing exactly what their business leaders expect – creating more value," concluded Dan Helfrich, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP, chief strategy and marketing officer for the human capital practice and co-author of the report.

To view the Deloitte Dbriefs webcast "Human Capital Trends 2012: Leap Ahead" click here.

About Deloitte Human Capital Trends
Deloitte's annual "Human Capital Trends" report identifies the top trends most likely to have an impact for businesses in the coming year and beyond. In its second year, the report provides insights based on research/data/information from Deloitte's human capital subject matter specialists, input from some of its largest clients and discussions with industry analysts and alliance vendors. A digital copy of this year's complete report is available at www.deloitte.com/us/hctrends2012.

As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte Consulting LLP and its subsidiaries. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting.