On the surface, this conference is just like any other: an opportunity to learn, interact and network.
However, this year’s event is quite different than ones held previously. How so? In two ways: we aspire to have a greater impact and as a result, we have adopted a different format.
A New Aspiration
People Analytics: A Hard Reset | C-Suite Impact
At the 2022 HR Analytics conference, we mentioned the increased impact HR needs to have in Caribbean companies. Since then, based on further research, we believe the challenge is greater than originally thought.
Now, the evidence shows, the HR function is consistently said to “not be strategic enough” by the region’s CEO’s and Managing Directors.
As we dug deeper to find out why, we discovered that HR is believed by CXOs to be lagging in technology, analytics and dashboards. In other words, HR is not using the tools and the language of the C-Suite.
This has led to a systematic underinvestment in HR over the years. In other words, companies have invested their scarce dollars in other areas: finance, marketing, operations, etc.
Some say it began with the 2008 recession. Some say 9/11 started the trend. A few argue that it’s been a growing problem for even longer.
Consequently, HR practitioners say they are caught in a vicious cycle. They need to make an ROI case for fresh investment, but don’t have the tools or training to do so convincingly.
Whatever the cause, the result is consistently the same. Caribbean HR departments are ranked as one of the lowest in too many companies in terms of their impact on the business.
To address the issue in a conference setting, we are taking a different approach. We began with interviews of CEOs we have met, added in secondary research from around the world and did our own CXO survey. We wanted to understand their point of view.
From the data we decided that HR has a credibility gap. And that nothing short of a “Hard reset” would make a noticeable difference.
A Different Design
In the context of a hard reset we decided that the traditional multi-topic, three-day conference would not provide sufficient immersion. Why?
We want participants to be noticeably changed in the eyes of their colleagues in the top leadership. We’d like for them to say “something seems different in HR nowadays”. In fact, we’d like the hard reset to take HR closer to functions like Finance, which in the 1970’s used to be just accounting departments staffed by bookkeepers.
To create this immersive experience, we decided to build a series of events, each relying on ones before it, focused on People Analytics. Realizing that this needs to be more than a mere classroom, we also are adding in other training sessions of a practical nature to support practitioners in their journey. These are intended to handle the specific obstacles that such a journey entails.
The result of our design is shown below. The theme is “People Analytics: A Hard Reset | C-Suite Impact.”
The Launch Event is where it all begins: an introduction to the entire series. It leads into three complimentary webinars. These set the stage for more impactful sessions via the workshop, and MasterClasses.
During the series, we will also offer Support Videos, Training and Coaching. These cover a number of areas which act as obstacles to your company’s HR completing an effective reset.
Finally, to receive a Certificate of Completion, someone would need to attend all the training sessions and a minimum number of Support sessions.
What Does the Curriculum Cover?
We have organized the webinars into the following topics.
Webinar #1 – People Data Foundations – Understanding People Processes and the Basics of Data Analysis
Webinar #2 – Developing People Analytic Skills – Expanding on the Understanding of People Data and Analytical Capabilities
Webinar #3 – Harnessing People Insights through Data Visualization and Storytelling – Enhancing the Ability Communicate People Data Insights to Various Audiences
Workshop – HR Leadership and Influence – Equipping HR with the Skills to Influence Decisions at the Highest Level and Champion a Data-Driven Culture Across the Organization
The two MasterClasses in January and February will offer hands-on use of a number of skills we’ll only touch on in the webinars. We’ll take a Case Study approach to engage you in a Capstone Project.
By contrast, the Support Sessions will cover topics drawn from a range of obstacles HR Professionals face. As they are developed by our presenters, we’ll make them available to participants.
If the outcome we describe speaks to your aspirations an individual, or to your organization, don’t miss the Launch Event. Register using this link – you’ll be instantly signed up for all our complimentary events.