5 Ways HR Can Influence Business Decisions

When it comes to business leadership and strategic planning, sometimes HR is overlooked as a needed contributor. But as stewards of the human component within the workplace, HR teams are uniquely positioned to drive impactful decisions that resonate across every level of the company. Here's how HR can leverage its expertise to empower teams and guide strategic initiatives:

1. Leveraging Data

In the realm of business, data reigns supreme. HR, representing the human component of the workplace, can counter the perception of being "fluffy" or intangible by harnessing data. Whether it's facts, statistics, or performance metrics, being data-driven enhances the credibility and efficacy of HR's involvement in decision-making processes. By showcasing tangible evidence, HR can solidify its position as a strategic partner in driving company decisions.

2. Listening and Observing

Proactivity is the name of the game for HR. Instead of waiting for personnel issues to surface, HR professionals can take the initiative by actively listening and observing. By immersing themselves in team meetings and discussions, HR can spot emerging trends and address potential issues before they escalate. This proactive approach equips HR with valuable insights to contribute informed input to significant company decisions.

3. Ensuring Company Alignment

A thriving company is one where every individual aligns their work with the organization's mission and core values. HR plays a pivotal role in fostering this alignment by holding leadership accountable for prioritizing and embodying these fundamental principles. Clear communication and direction from HR ensure that company goals resonate throughout the organization, guiding decision-making processes toward collective success.

4. Balancing Ambition with Realism

While innovation and ambition drive progress, HR serves as a voice of reason, tempering lofty ideas with realism. By offering pragmatic perspectives, HR prevents decision-makers from veering off course into impractical territories. This role isn't about stifling creativity but ensuring the sustainability and viability of strategic decisions in the long run.

5. Anticipating Needs

HR professionals possess a unique ability to anticipate future needs and implications of strategic decisions on the workforce. Whether it's forecasting resource requirements or identifying potential challenges, HR plays a crucial role in guiding leaders to consider the human aspect in their strategies. By proactively planning for contingencies and adapting to evolving circumstances, HR ensures that decisions align with the organization's capacity and capabilities.

In conclusion, HR is more than just a support function within a company; it's a strategic partner that drives decision-making processes toward success. By leveraging data, actively listening, ensuring alignment, balancing ambition with realism, and anticipating needs, HR empowers organizations to make informed, people-centric decisions that propel them toward their goals. Embracing the full potential of HR can be the difference between merely surviving and thriving in today's dynamic business landscape.

Looking for more strategies on how to be people-focused with your company decisions? Check out The Retention Process: Create a Culture of Worth in the Workplace.

Amanda Painter is the Co-founder and CFO of Joy of Pursuit, a consulting agency that provides business builders and nonfiction authors a clear path to amplify results faster and easier. Amanda is the author of The Team Solution Series: HR Coaching to Grow Teams and Profit and The Author Solution Series: Tools and Guidance to Write, Publish, Market, and Build a Business Around Your Message.