The Strategic Value of People: Human Resource Trends and Metrics

If human resources (HR) is to step up to the strategic table and influence key business decisions, it must be able to assess deficits and target investments in the people assets that drive organizational performance and success. This inaugural report establishes a framework and presents baseline data for Signal49 Research’s HR benchmarking activities—shifting the focus from measuring the cost of the HR function and its activities to measuring the overall value of people and the effectiveness of processes that build workforce capability. The report outlines and explores a talent management framework that can be used by HR professionals and organizations to rethink and re-evaluate their approach to investing in and managing human capital. Data collected from respondents using a talent management lens provide insights into two of the top challenges facing Canadian organizations: building the leadership pipeline, and attracting and retaining a highly skilled workforce.