In the world of business, organizations have always had to change in order to survive and thrive. But looking across the globe, it’s clear that organizations today are in an unprecedented era of transformation, driven by an array of forces ranging from globalization and outsourcing to shifting demographics and technological advances. While their specific needs and goals may differ, they share a common trait: human capital factors have become the most challenging element of change.

Organizations must be especially attuned to the human capital implications of their evolving business strategies. A human capital strategy that is closely aligned to the business strategy can be a powerful driver of business performance. As the business strategy changes, so should the human capital strategy so that it can continue to attract, motivate, reward, develop and retain the vital talent the business needs to succeed.

Mercer addresses this subject comprehensively in its new anthology, The challenge of change: Transforming business through better human capital management. Through this compilation of eight articles, Mercer experts and clients from around the world offer commentary and advice on issues ranging from HR transformation to human capital management in state-owned enterprises to the effective governance of executive remuneration.

See the options at right for obtaining a complete copy of this compelling new publication. See below to download individual articles from the anthology.

Individual anthology articles

Click on the titles below to download individual articles from Mercer’s new anthology, The challenge of change: Transforming business through better human capital management.

Introduction: The human capital factors of business transformation

Transforming human capital management in state-owned enterprises

In many parts of the world, historically state-owned enterprises are transforming to become more business- and market-focused organizations. In this article, three Mercer experts discuss how successful transformation requires significant changes in the HR function and in how the organization manages human capital.

Building the brand through better talent management

Using a concept known as workforce architecture, Philips Oral Healthcare was able to transform its talent management practices and build a world-class marketing function to support the continued success of the company’s super-premium Sonicare brand.

Effective decision making: The final frontier of responsible executive remuneration

Driven by an array of forces and influences, organizations have been transforming their executive remuneration programs in recent years. This article discusses the Minimum Analytical Standards companies should adopt to reach the final frontier in responsible executive remuneration.

HR Transformation v2.0: It’s all about the business  

A Mercer study confirms that HR transformation is alive and well around the world. But while earlier waves of transformation focused on operational excellence and improving HR service delivery, transformation today is firmly focused on how HR can make a more direct and meaningful contribution to business success.

Fast forward: Accelerating business change through effective communication

In an unprecedented era of transformation, organizations are learning that effective communication is critical – not only to ensure that employees are engaged during times of change, but to accelerate the change itself. This article describes four principles and a proven process that can help to fast-forward organizational change.

Maintaining organizational balance during a business transformation

Regardless of the scope or scale, business transformations generally have three common characteristics – and organizations tend to make good choices around two of them. This article describes the concept of organizational balance and its importance to successful business transformation.

M&A in Asia Pacific: The human capital factor

M&A activity is a big part of the remarkable economic transformation of the Asia Pacific region. This article provides an overview of several of the region’s most dynamic economies, their recent growth in M&A transactions and why effective human capital management is essential to deal success.

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