We sat down with Hunter Roberts Director Susy Roberts to discuss the HR industry’s biggest challenges, its biggest opportunities and what the future holds for the sector…
Tell us about your company, products and services
Hunter Roberts helps organisations to turn business strategy into commercial results by getting employees to think and behave differently. Our expert team offer a tailored service, personalising our approach to your particular business and culture. We deliver practical development solutions to realise individual’s potential which will drive your commercial results.
Our services include helping leaders and managers to understand their role in changing the culture of the organisation, translating business strategy into actionable people plans and developing and motivating employees to adopt new ways of thinking.
We offer a truly bespoke service, personalising our approach to your particular business or culture to devise practical development solutions that turn strategy into results.
What have been the biggest challenges the HR industry has faced over the past 12 months?
Restructuring, pressure on enhanced productivity, work/life balance and the economic situation with concerns re implication of Brexit on the business.
And what have been the biggest opportunities?
Reviewing performance management and moving to a strengths-focused approach. Revisiting culture and work ethics to meet the needs of diverse age groups.
What is the biggest priority for the HR industry in 2018?
Managing the diversity needs and working culture of Gen-Z through to third-age employees.
What are the main trends you are expecting to see in the market in 2018?
More zero hours contracts, more application of analytics to HR, more remote work forces working virtually, increased gamification in recruitment – candidate screening, tests of critical skillsets and cognitive abilities.
What technology is going to have the biggest impact on the market this year?
People analytics and augmented reality, which will give delegates the real experience in a simulated world.
In 2020 we’ll all be talking about…?
Workforce robots
Which person in, or associated with, the HR industry would you most like to meet?
The Global VP of People Operations – Google, Eileen Noughton
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learnt about the HR sector?
Nothing – as HR faces you with ambiguity and different challenges every day!
What’s the most exciting thing about your job?
Travelling the world and meeting different people from different cultures and supporting them develop their leadership and management skills.
And what’s the most challenging?
Being away from home and my family and managing communications with clients on different time zones – anything from Australia to America to Japan!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
HR Director of Kellogg and BASF telling me I should start my own business and giving me the confidence to do it.
