Six Sigma in HR

We have seen many companies using the six sigma concept till now for improving the processes and getting the optimal output using it. Six Sigma is a Business Improvement Methodology. While searching through the internet, I found many applications of Six Sigma across various internal departments but the least considered is Human Resource. Also if they are considered in HR, the typical Project Goals are : Reducing Overtime, Talent Acquisition, Reducing Safety Violation, Retention and Service Delivery. I think a very important aspect is being left out where this can be applied i.e. Talent Management

Talent Management in itself is a vast field which includes aspects like Performance Evaluation, Appraisal, Training & Development, Employee Relations etc... If these areas are handled properly, most of the other areas (mentioned above) will handle themselves. In order to properly set-up the processes for getting optimal output, DMAIC is one alternatives which can be applied. 

Let us take an example, say, Performance Evaluation & Appraisal. Below you will find a simplified way of explanation on how to use DMAIC here.

Based on the KPIs (as shown above) proper data driven appraisal process can be carried out. Such processes will also become more transparent which will give clear idea to the employee on the areas he needs to improve. The "Control" part of DMAIC takes care of the regular monitoring as well. This again will help employees know well in advance about their areas of improvement rather than just knowing during the yearly review processes.

Top IT giants like Google, Adobe, HCL, Infosys, Wipro, Accenture, Microsoft, Cisco, IBM (Reference: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/10-IT-giants-who-changed-their-appraisal-system/HCL-Technologies/itslideshow/51920681.cms) have shed away the traditional way of performance evaluations (Bell Curve Theory) and have gone more dynamic in their approach. The new performance evaluations systems like iCount or Checkpoint introduced by Infosys and IBM respectively, are based on these approach.

I am not sure if they used the DMAIC approach or have re-designed their systems on other frameworks but these systems can also be studied using the DMAIC. A good case study can be made from these provided we have the full data.