Advocating and promoting HR

The reputation of the function as a whole is built by everyone within HR, with every initiative and every interaction. Stakeholders judge and evaluate HR every day, either consciously or subconsciously. Our Enabler Focus helps to clarify how HR can add more value and prove it. Self-promotion doesn’t sit comfortably with HR people, but HR’s reputation is a key enabler of the results it can deliver. In our 2021 survey on HR’s reputation, we explored how HR people at all levels see this. We revealed many insights into what helps; e.g. strong communication; trusting relationships; proving business value; having a seat at the top table; delivering operational efficiency. There was little evidence of a planned approach to consciously managing HR’s reputation. We recommend that you add this to HR’s strategic plan and your own regular activities. It’s a vital enabler.