CHRO: Defining Today’s Top HR Leaders & their Functions

HR-Leaders

The Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) is without a doubt the key to success in today’s business environment. Why, you might ask? It’s simple, really. The CHRO plays an important part in business strategy and its implementation…

Today’s top HR leaders oversee all aspects of a company’s human resources and industrial relations functions. They are a key player and stewards of the enterprise’s most valuable resources — the employees and their talent. The role often exceeds the traditional role associated with human resources departments.

The skilled CHRO identifies the best talent, manages that talent, and uses effective recruitment strategies. The CHRO also stays on the cutting edge of laws, regulations, policies and best practices in the fields of labor relations, recruitment, screening, selection, training, and management.

In today’s business environment, the Chief Human Resources Officer has an ever expanding role. Seven key roles typical to the CHRO include:

1. Strategic workforce planning to help companies reach their business goals.

2. Align and partner with other managers to give line managers the information they need to fulfill their function.

3. Influence corporate decision makers to follow best practices

4. Make the best use of all available data

5. Help create and build the employer’s brand strategy; a broader human resources strategy requires a company culture that is compatible with the brand and mission. The CHRO is an ambassador internally and externally so must own and internalize the corporate brand.

6. Manage and diminish risks to the “human capital” as leaders in staff relationships, safety, and regulation compliance.

7. Form partnerships with external experts and consultants as needed.

The CHRO has rather large shoes to fill. To successfully fulfill this role, the Chief Human Resources Officer must be a highly trained professional who keeps up on developments. It is also necessary for the CHRO to build relationships, communicate well, share a genuine enthusiasm, and think strategically.

It is not surprising that a skilled Chief Human Resources Officer helps corporations reach their goals. Since the most important assets are the staff who make or break the company. The right CHRO sets the tone for a happy, productive and successful business environment.