Forward-thinking companies understand the value of having HR at the top table, acknowledging the pivotal benefits they bring. However, some may struggle to justify a permanent appointment to exploit these advantages.

Benefits of having HR in the board room

Strategic Alignment – aligning HR strategies with overall business objectives ensures that practices like recruitment, training, and performance management support the company’s strategic goals.

Talent Management – advising on attracting, developing, and retaining top talent helps them identify skill gaps, design training frameworks, and implement strategies for team growth.

Employee Engagement and Productivity – cultivating a positive work culture and enhancing employee engagement helps boost morale, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

Risk Management and Compliance – with expertise in employment laws and regulations, HR professionals ensure compliance and minimise legal risks.

Change Management – Efficient introduction of organisational change, whether due to restructuring or operational advancements, is facilitated by HR expertise.

Employee Well-being and Diversity & Inclusion – advocacy for employee well-being initiatives and promotion of D&I fosters a more inclusive and attractive workplace.

While these benefits are significant, what can businesses without an HR Director or Head of HR do to harness these advantages?

Increasingly, companies are turning to fractional HR Directors to leverage strategic HR leadership without the commitment to a full-time resource.

Benefits of Fractional HR Directors

Cost-effectiveness and Flexibility – scalable involvement based on fluctuating HR needs, meaning you only pay for the required time based on your tailored specifications.

HR Team Development – providing learning opportunities for existing HR teams and aiding their professional development.

Expertise and Experience – bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions from working with diverse clients across different industries.

Focus on Strategic Priorities – freeing internal resources to focus on core business activities and strategic priorities.

Compliance and Risk Management – keeping abreast of evolving HR regulations and compliance requirements to avoid legal and financial consequences.

Access to Specialised Skills – expertise in specific areas of HR, such as talent acquisition or employee relations, providing added value.

Objectivity and Impartiality – offering an unbiased perspective on HR issues and conflicts within your organisation.

Bringing HR to the forefront of your business strategy will ensure you build people practices aligned with your growth plans in the long term. While a full-time HRD is not always an option, hiring a fractional HR Director presents a cost-effective, flexible, and scalable solution for businesses seeking to leverage HR expertise without a full-time commitment.

To learn more about how Corvus People can support your business with its HR requirements, check out our HR Consultancy services or contact us at [email protected].

Written by Ian Weatherup.