Does HR need a new operating model? 

Before you scrap your model and start fresh, think about the HR interactions and investments in your people and technology needed to make your current model — or any model — successful.

Human resources leaders are under more pressure than ever to deliver real value for their organizations by bringing both increased efficiency and increased effectiveness to the functions they lead. Consequently, all eyes are on the HR operating model and whether it can help HR deliver against these heightened expectations.

Has the common federated HR operating model — which we define as an HR function with HR business partners, centers of excellence (COEs) and shared services — fully achieved what was expected? Should the operating model evolve to accommodate employee experience, increased automation, personalization and other demands being placed on the HR function?

Theories abound — but at Mercer, we have a strong point of view guided by data-driven insights and practical, real-world client experience on these critical issues.