Unleashing the Power of People Analytics

In today’s data-driven world, organisations increasingly recognise the importance of leveraging analytics to gain valuable insights and make informed decisions. One area where analytics proves to be particularly impactful is people analytics – using data to understand and improve employee performance, well-being, and engagement.?

To shed light on this emerging field, we had the privilege of interviewing Daniel Kusmanto, an expert in people analytics, who shared his experiences, insights, and thoughts on the future of this exciting discipline.

The Journey Begins: Introduction and Interest in People Analytics

Daniel Kusmanto, currently heading the digital HR and people analytics department at ASM, started his journey in people analytics in 2010. With a background in engineering and previous experience in IT and Sales, Daniel found himself drawn to the dynamic nature of HR and the potential to make a difference in employees' lives.?

He saw people analytics as the perfect intersection of his interests and expertise, combining his love for numbers and programming with his desire to impact employee experience positively.

Passion and Purpose: What Drives Daniel Kusmanto

For Daniel, the most fulfilling aspect of working in people analytics is the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives.?

Whether identifying factors that contribute to employee experience or crafting HR policies that promote well-being, the ability to positively impact individuals and create a supportive work environment keeps him motivated and engaged.?

Daniel believes that the power of people analytics lies in its capacity to transform organisations and empower employees to reach their full potential.

Memorable People Analytics Project: Location Analysis

One of Daniel's most memorable people analytics projects was the location analysis conducted during his early years in the people analytics journey. The company considered expanding its operations and needed to determine the most optimal location for its new facility.?

Daniel and his team analysed various factors, including labour costs, market demand, and talent supply, eventually recommending Singapore as the ideal location. This project showcased the power of people analytics in influencing business decisions and highlighted the importance of considering multiple perspectives and data sources, internal and external.

Key Skills and Mindset for Success in People Analytics

According to Daniel, stakeholder management is the most critical skill for success in people analytics. Communicating the value of data and influencing decision-makers is essential to drive change within organisations.?

Strong business acumen and an understanding of the company's goals and pain points are crucial for translating data insights into actionable strategies. Lastly, a solid understanding of data and its interconnectedness is vital for identifying relevant patterns and asking the right questions.

Favourite People Analytics Metrics and Approaches

Daniel's favourite people analytics metrics are those that positively impact employees' lives. Metrics such as internal promotion rates and leave usage are particularly meaningful to him as they reflect the organisation's focus on employee growth and well-being.?

He believes that people analytics should prioritise metrics that drive positive change and empower employees rather than simply tracking data for the sake of it.

Making People Analytics Insights Actionable

To make people analytics insights actionable for business leaders and stakeholders, Daniel emphasises the importance of understanding the business context.?

By working closely with HR partners and gaining insights into the company's operations, goals, and pain points, people analytics professionals can frame their insights in a way that resonates with decision-makers.?

Contextualising data and aligning it with the organisation's objectives are key to driving change and ensuring that analytics insights lead to tangible outcomes.

Staying Ahead: Keeping Up with Innovation in People Analytics

Daniel recommends a multi-pronged approach to stay on top of the latest innovations and best practices in people analytics. Reading books on talent intelligence, organisational analysis, and HR strategy provides valuable theoretical knowledge.?

Additionally, staying connected with fellow professionals, attending conferences, and participating in meetups offer practical insights and real-world examples.?

Learning from others' experiences and sharing knowledge can help accelerate growth and keep professionals informed about the ever-evolving field of people analytics.

Current Trends and Future Outlook of People Analytics

Daniel believes talent intelligence, strategic workforce planning, and organisation design are crucial trends in people analytics.?

Talent intelligence involves strategically planning and aligning talent with business objectives, considering the availability of talent in the market.?

Understanding how to attract and retain people in the right roles is vital for organisational success. Additionally, organisation design and change management are becoming increasingly important as businesses focus on optimising the structure and dynamics of their teams. People analytics professionals can contribute by identifying opportunities for collaboration, breaking down silos, and maximising the potential of the workforce.

The Future of People Analytics: A Vital Function

Looking ahead, Daniel predicts that people analytics will continue to gain prominence and importance within organisations.?

As the field becomes more well-known and professionals increasingly recognise its value, people analytics will be more entrenched as a crucial function within HR departments. However, where exactly people analytics sit within HR function still has many variations, with some residing within talent management or people strategy.?

He also acknowledges the possibility of a more nimble approach, where analytics experts can work as a task force under CHRO to be deployed to relevant functions to address specific critical talent-related challenges for a defined period.?

Regardless of the structure, the impact and influence of people analytics on business decisions are expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

People analytics is rapidly transforming the way organisations approach HR and talent management. By leveraging data-driven insights, businesses can make better-informed decisions and create a work environment that fosters growth, engagement, and success.?

The interview with Daniel Kusmanto, an accomplished professional in the field, offers valuable insight into the world of people analytics, highlighting its importance, key skills, and future trends.?

As organisations continue to navigate the complexities of workforce management, people analytics will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of work.