Case example - organisation

Building a high-performing HR function

The client context:

The client was a large organisation which had recently undergone a merger. It had several business units, some of which had thousands of operational employees. The merger context was sensitive and there were several different stakeholder groups with varied perspectives, concerns and expectations. The organisation needed a new HR function to meet the challenges of the business, in particular: recruiting and training operational staff; supporting the integration of the two organisations; and putting in place shared HR policies and systems.

How we supported the HR organisation:

We planned and led a process to design the new organisation and launch the new, integrated community of HR professionals. We:

• Created a core HR design team bringing together senior HR executives, HR representatives and business representatives
• Helped the core design team agree a new HR vision and supporting priorities
• Organised a process of engagement with staff from across the HR function to design a new structure, which included:
  • Centres of excellence for areas such as talent management, organisational development and compensation and benefits
  • A shared services centre for high-volume recruiting, administration and training
  • HR business partners for each operational unit
  • Clarity on the role of line managers in developing and motivating staff
• Encouraged the staff from the two organisations to develop trust and communication

• Held events with the wider HR staff to communicate progress and gather input

Results:

Staff felt strong ownership of the new HR design since representatives from across the organisation had been involved and there had been plenty of opportunity for peer sharing. During the process, staff from the two organisations developed good working relationships despite the challenging context. The implementation process was launched in a carefully sequenced way so that staff had a good understanding of their options at every stage. The client continued to deliver successfully on several major implementation programmes which were running in parallel with the merger.

Please do contact us if you would like further information or to discuss how we could support your organisation.