Utilization of concept of HR metrics and analytics has taken a quantum jump, during the present decade, as per one survey , conducted by Oracle.
Organizations have used it around the world, to perform predictive & prescriptive analytics.
In addition to the above , Organizations are also measuring and using HR metrics for planning the future of their workforce.
In this context, it will be quiet worthwhile to discuss “Metrics in HR Analytics – The Meaning & Importance”
The author requests the reader to go through the seven blogs, which, CHRMP has published on HR Analytics.
HR Analytics – Meaning & Importance
How to Get Started with HR Analytics in Your Organization
7 Tips for Effective Utilization of HR Analytics
7 V’s of Big Data on HR Analytics
HR Analytics, People Analytics, – Popularity & Trends in the World
1.0 Contents of the Blog
Keeping in view the title , the author proposes to discuss the following in this blog :
· Definitions
· Importance of metrics in HR Analytics
· Conclusions
2.0 Definitions
The author has selected 3 definitions of HR metrics from the literature.
In addition to the above three definitions from literature,, we have also tried to furnish our own.
You may refer our earlier blogs , for knowing the definition of HR Analytics and related aspects in detail.
2.1 Definition of HR Metrics as per Wikipedia
As per Wikipedia, the definition of HR Metrics is as follows :
HR Metrics are the measurements , which we use ,to determine the value or effectiveness of HR initiatives, typically including such areas as turnover, training, return on human capital, cost of labor and expenses per employee.
2.2 Definition of HR metrics as per reference, www.status.net
The reference, www.status.net , describes HR metrics as follows:
HR Metrics help companies, how personnel efforts are optimizing their business, and reveal vulnerabilities that leaders need to address.
2.3 Definition of HR metrics as per reference, www. bamboohr.com
They define it very briefly and crisply as follows:
HR Metrics are key figures that help organizations track their human capital, & it measures how effective their human resource initiatives are.
2.4 Definition of HR Metrics as per Author
At CHRMP, we have defined Metrics as follows, taking into view, several related aspects:
The HR metrics are specific, realistic & quantifiable indices of HR activities, which are used to measure the organisation’s performance.
2.4.1 Structure of metrics
HR metrics are of two types :
- Primary metrics
- Secondary metrics.
Primary metrics must capture the essence of what your project gains to accomplish.
For example: Turnover Rate of employees in the organizations
On the other hand ,the Secondary metrics are the additional data dimensions & segmentation ,which may be important to your analysis. We must bear in mind that the secondary metrics are, from where the most insightful observations may evolve. Turnover Rate of organization is primary metrics. However ,Turnover Rate of Millennials, Turnover Rate per Manager, Turnover Rate as per location, Turnover Rate as per gender , may be secondary metrics.
There are HR Management short courses that can be used by HR professionals to gain a deeper understanding of the important metrics applied in HR analytics. To get more insights into the important metrics, online HR analytics training courses would be beneficial.
3.0 Importance of Metrics in HR Analytics
Metrics are extremely essential part of HR Analytics. They are the number that tell you the information about the activity or process under observation. They also tell you the exact or accurate measurement about how you are carrying out the the process . It may provide the base to suggest improvements.
HR metrics in analytics must fulfill the following objectives:
- Helping leaders to understand in a better way, how to move forward and take intelligent business decisions.
- Tracking activity ,and as a consequence, reporting number in different domains of Human Resource Management like recruitment, on boarding, learning & development, HR operations, performance management and employee experience etc
- Quantifying costs and impacts of HR and business processes.
- Tracking the business to know:
- Where it has been ?
- Where it is going?
- When your business has reached target?
-When the target was missed?
- When something is going wrong ?
- What will be the shape of things in future ?
You can truly appreciate the significance of the above by opting for an HR certification course online and applying the learnings in your strategic decision making role.
4.0 Conclusions
We may arrive at the following conclusions, based on the above discussions.
Author has evolved a new definition as follows:
The HR metrics are specific, realistic & quantifiable indices of HR activities, which are used to measure the organisation’s performance.
HR metrics are primary & secondary. Both work together to measure the performance , & understand the patterns of what has happened for better insights.
HR metrics follow a vital role in tracking the business, to know the following:
- What has happened in the past?
- What is the present state of affairs?
- Whether the business has achieved the target?
- When something is going wrong?
In short, HR metrics have to be specific , realistic & targeted , as the ultimate goal is to track, or measure the performance. We do this in line with the organization or departments scorecard, that has already been previously set. Thus , we have to do the tracking of any business activity , in line with the larger goals of the organizations.
If you are looking to upgrade your skills in HR Analytics, you might want to consider a certification in HR Analytics by CHRMP. To learn more click here.
Do you know how you can continue learning with CHRMP? Join our CPD membership and never cease to learn. The series of CHRMP CPD masterclasses is conducted 12-15 times in a month with real life examples and case discussions, thus making ongoing learning a reality. Sign up for your CPD membership now and apply the learnings at your workplace.
