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Beyond Compliance: How HR Can Drive Growth and Culture
The role of the HR professional has evolved during the past few years, particularly from those treating it merely as an admin role to earning a seat at the table to become a strategic part of a company’s growth.
That’s what Danielle Bodalski had to say when she and Arnette Heintze sat down to discuss how HR pros can assert their strategic value within their organizations (listen to or watch it here). With a rich background that spans from startup environments to established educational institutions, Bodalski brings a nuanced perspective to the table, emphasizing the critical role HR plays in organizational growth and employee satisfaction.
Shifting Perceptions in HR
Bodalski discusses the often misunderstood role of HR, noting, “A lot of times when I tell people I’m in HR, you almost see them back away and kind of cringe.” This reaction underscores the traditional view of HR as mere policy enforcers rather than strategic partners. However, she believes the pandemic has “allowed HR professionals to lean in even more so on compliance,” thereby getting “a little bit closer to the table.”
Bodalski stresses the importance of HR being seen as a vital component in driving organizational success, not just from a compliance standpoint but as a key player in shaping the company culture and employee development.
Achieving Strategic Alignment
One of the most significant challenges HR professionals face is achieving alignment with the C-suite and board. Bodalski advises focusing on a “people first” strategy, suggesting HR leaders seek individuals with a social science or organizational development background.
“It’s a lot about how the leader really wants to implement HR,” she says, advocating for a more holistic approach to human resources management that goes beyond mere compliance to support employee growth genuinely.
Transformative HR Practices
Highlighting her time with IMG Academy, Bodalski recalls how changing the business model necessitated a parallel shift in HR strategy to support broader organizational goals. This transformation involved overhauling hiring strategies to reflect the diversity of the student body and creating a culture plan focused on communication, community, and development opportunities.
“Those two things…ultimately helped really change things,” Bodalski reflects, emphasizing how aligned HR practices can drive tangible business growth and employee satisfaction.
Overcoming Traditional Views
For companies that still relegate HR to an administrative role, Bodalski sees a lack of exposure to effective HR as a strategic partner as the main barrier. She notes that such companies often view HR functions through a purely operational or financial lens, missing out on the value a well-integrated HR strategy can bring.
“It’s really important,” she asserts, to showcase how strategic HR practices contribute to overall business success and employee well-being.
Beyond HR Compliance
Looking ahead, Bodalski encourages HR professionals to leverage data and research to advocate for their strategic role within the organization. She points to Gallup data and thought leaders like Adam Grant as valuable resources for understanding and promoting the effectiveness of engaged and satisfied employees on productivity and growth.
Click here to listen to or watch the conversation and learn more.