Survey Finds Correlation Between HR Metrics Use and Strategic Planning Involvement

September 14, 2004 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - A new survey by the Society for Human Resource Management and BNA, Inc., reports that there is a high correlation between executives who report that they often use metrics to measure HR activity and those who have a high level of involvement in their organization's strategic planning.

The HR Department Benchmarks and Analysis 2004 Survey, which surveyed 950 HR executives, finds that of executives who measure core activities most regularly, 81% report being “substantially” or “fully” involved in strategic planning, whereas, among those who do not measure HR activity regularly, only 46% report such involvement.

The study also found that HR departments are increasingly taking on a heavy workload (with 38% saying their duties have increased and only 8% reporting a decrease). This is the highest net increase seen in 10 years, according to the survey.

“HR is being asked to measure and explain how it affects the success of the organization – a request that is made of all critical areas of an organization,” said SHRM President and CEO Susan Meisinger, in a news release. “HR professionals must be able to quantify their contributions if they are going to assist in setting the strategic direction of the business.”

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