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The Evolving HR Role: Driving Growth and Cultivating Culture
Earlier this week, Arnette Heintze sat down with Danielle Bodalski, the founder of Philotimo HR, to discuss the transformative power of human resources in driving organizational growth and nurturing a positive company culture (listen to or watch it here).
Bodalski’s perspectives offer a roadmap for HR professionals aiming to elevate their roles from administrative functions to strategic partnerships within their organizations.
The Evolving HR Role
The conversation underscored a pivotal shift in how HR is perceived within the corporate structure. Historically viewed as policy enforcers, the modern HR professional’s role is increasingly seen as crucial to strategic planning and execution.
“HR is, for as much as they’ve been trying to get a seat at the table, they were able to, I think, get a little bit closer to the table, if you will, through the pandemic,” Bodalski noted.
Key Strategies for HR Success
She provided valuable strategies for HR leaders seeking to align their departments more closely with business strategies:
- Adopt a People-First Approach: Prioritizing employee well-being and development can significantly impact retention and productivity. Bodalski emphasizes the importance of viewing employees holistically, beyond mere numbers on a spreadsheet.
- Foster Diversity and Inclusion: Reflecting on her experience at IMG Academy, Bodalski highlighted the necessity of creating a workforce that mirrors the diversity of the customer base, enhancing employee satisfaction and engagement.
- Embrace Data with a Human Touch: While data is critical in measuring HR’s effectiveness, Bodalski cautions against losing sight of the human element. Personal interactions and understanding the workforce’s needs can lead to more meaningful and impactful HR interventions.
The Role of Culture in Organizational Growth
A significant part of the discussion focused on company culture’s critical role in achieving business goals.
“We built basically a culture plan,” Bodalski shared, recounting her strategic initiatives at IMG Academy that led to significant growth and enhanced employee engagement. This plan encompassed communication improvements, community and social activities, and learning and development opportunities, demonstrating how a well-crafted culture strategy could align with and support broader business objectives.
Overcoming Challenges
Bodalski also touched on the challenges HR faces in organizations that still view the department as merely administrative. She advises HR professionals in such environments to leverage data and success stories to advocate for a more strategic role. Demonstrating HR’s potential to contribute to profitability and efficiency can help shift perceptions and elevate the department’s status within the organization.
Looking Ahead: HR in 2024
The future of HR is not just a department but a fundamental part of a company’s strategic core. By focusing on growth, culture, and strategic alignment, HR professionals can drive their organizations forward in an increasingly complex and challenging business environment.