Right now, all over the world, CEOs are sitting with their most trusted leaders to draw up a post-Covid recovery strategy. HR plays a vital role in this conversation. There are so many human capital issues to discuss, like training and support for employees, facilitating the move to remote, and the unfortunate need for some firms to restructure. And yet, HR isn’t always at the table. Often, the senior leadership make strategic decisions and leave HR to figure out the logistics. So, how can HR ensure that they have a voice in these crucial discussions? In a word: trust.

Covid-19 has made us all appreciate the things we used to take for granted, like having all your people in one office. When everyone was together, you could swing by someone’s desk to check in or gather the whole team for a meeting. That’s no longer possible in an age of remote working.  

An important member of your team has recently left your company. The role is essential to the function of your company. Yet, you are unsure where to begin your recruitment efforts. Additionally, you feel as though you have a limited bandwidth, time, resources, and overall expertise. Given these reasons, you feel partnering with a recruitment agency would be your best option for finding the most qualified candidate for your vacancy. However, prior to selecting an agency, take into consideration a few of the following factors.

With the uncertainty that COVID-19 brings, employers are reacting in a variety of ways. Some have an immediate response and cut staff, while other employers shift seamlessly to a telework model to save on operational costs. There are companies that implement a hiring freeze, and some use innovative ideas to create a “business as usual” environment. Current staff and future potential employees are watching and evaluating the decisions employers make today, and they base employment choices on what they see and hear. 

Why It Is Important Your business is no longer solely defined by the products or services you sell. Businesses have an obligation to uphold ethical standards and be socially responsible. Consumers are cautious of where they spend, and employees are cautious of where they work. People want to see your response as a business to movements such as #MeToo, the global pandemic, and Black Lives Matter. Your brand messaging, voice, and actions will largely impact whether someone will choose to work with or for you.

Embarking on an organizational wide effort to increase DEI, which means diversity, equity and inclusion, requires a dynamic approach. DEI in all its forms as an HR function, organizational values and culture, strategic direction, supply chain management, etc. differs from other organizational initiatives.