Agile HR: Definitions & Benefits
Considering how quickly the business environment changes, companies of all sizes and industries must consider becoming Agile — and this doesn’t apply only to tech teams.
Though Agile initially aimed at improving the efficiency of software development teams, it was soon made clear that Agile also needs to be applied in HR to help an organization’s Agile efforts succeed.
With Agile HR, organizations move closer to success, as Agile HR practices serve as a pillar of support, boosting team performance and thereby leading to the creation of superior product value.
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What is Agile HR?
Unlike traditional HR, which is characterized by lengthy bureaucratic procedures, Agile HR emphasizes efficiency and productivity, all while keeping customers and employees at the center of its processes.
Human Resources Generalist at CAKE.com , Isidora Mirosavljevic , emphasizes how Agile and traditional HR cater to different types of organizations:?
“Agile HR is much more flexible than traditional HR, and its application is practical in organizations that operate in fast-growing industries and adapt to ongoing changes. Traditional HR is more applicable in organizations with a strong hierarchy, strict processes, and procedures essential to their business.”
Agile HR aims to do all the usual HR activities, such as recruitment and performance management, but in a more dynamic and adaptive way. To achieve these goals, Agile HR may use different approaches, such as Scrum or Kanban.
Isidora further explains how Agile HR allows you to improve processes as you’re using them:?
“Agility actually breaks down the main task into smaller tasks, where each step may be adjusted and improved during the process. We don't wait for the final result to get feedback; the goal is to introduce changes during the process itself, in a timely manner, so that the end result is the best possible.”
Here are some of the Agile HR characteristics :?
What are the benefits of Agile HR?
Agile HR practices have many benefits that collectively contribute to the creation of a truly valuable product.
For instance, an improved hiring process gives access to a wider talent pool, while a positive work environment motivates the employees. Furthermore, satisfied employees are more likely to find innovative solutions and perform better in their roles.?
All these factors combined result in the creation of a superior final product and increased customer satisfaction.
Now, let’s cover some of the most common benefits of Agile HR in more detail.
Benefit #1: Refined selection process
The time-to-hire process in Agile is shorter and more efficient, with continuous improvements throughout the selection process based on candidate feedback.
Isidora shares how our company's Agile approach has enabled us to receive awards for our selection process for several years in a row:
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“It is essential that candidates feel comfortable during the selection process, have all the necessary information, and gain a true understanding of the company.”
Isidora also shares a specific practice used at CAKE.com to improve the selection process based on candidate feedback using a questionnaire:?
“The process is improved based on a questionnaire sent to all candidates who have been part of the selection process. This way, we obtain feedback from them on what went well and what could be improved. With the data received, HR collaborates with hiring managers to adapt the process according to the new insights.”
Benefit #2: Increased employee satisfaction
It’s up to the Agile HR team to foster a healthy and comfortable work environment.
When employees participate in a company’s decision-making process, they feel empowered and take ownership of their work, which ultimately boosts their productivity.?
Such a positive work environment where employees feel happy serves as a fruitful ground for value creation, a core element of any business strategy.?
Benefit #3: Improved workplace culture
Agile HR accelerates culture transformation by embracing a mindset of flexibility and continuous improvement.?
It allows teams to become more responsive to changing customer requirements and continuously identify areas for improvement.?
Isidora explains the Agile principle of continuous improvement:?
“The goal of the Agile approach is to continuously seek ways to improve. Through the ongoing enhancement of processes and procedures, team members have the opportunity to learn new skills and become more proficient in their fields of work… Mistakes are not viewed harshly but rather as opportunities for improvement and learning.”
Benefit #4: Enhanced cross-team collaboration
Agile HR promotes open communication and improves collaboration across teams.
According to Isidora, proper communication in Agile is characterized by transparency:?
“Transparency in Agile implies that the team has insight into what other team members are doing, so they are constantly aware of how the task is progressing and at what stage it is.”
Another characteristic of Agile she emphasizes is open feedback:
“Open feedback in Agile implies promoting continuous feedback during work, without waiting for a specific project to be completed to see the final result and provide feedback.”
Agile HR: A critical factor for business success
Given that Agile HR practices directly or indirectly contribute to the creation of higher value for both customers and employees, all businesses should consider implementing them.
Combined with the wide-reaching impact of Agile HR on all aspects of a business, we may freely say that Agile HR represents a crucial factor that drives business success.
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