What is HR Strategy?
HR strategy refers to the overarching plan and set of principles that guide an organization's human resources practices and decisions. It aligns the management of the workforce with the company's business goals and objectives. HR strategy addresses the long-term vision for talent acquisition, development, and retention, and it outlines the desired culture and employee experience.
What is HR Tactics?
HR tactics are the specific actions, initiatives, and procedures put in place to execute the HR strategy effectively. These are the day-to-day activities that HR professionals and departments undertake to achieve the goals outlined in the HR strategy. HR tactics involve tasks like recruitment, training, performance evaluations, compensation planning, and employee relations activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the main differences between HR strategy and HR tactics?
Scope and focus
HR Strategy has a broad and long-term focus. It outlines the overarching goals, vision, and direction of HR activities and how they align with the organization's overall business objectives.
HR tactics are narrower in scope and focus on the specific tasks and activities required to implement the HR strategy. Tactics deal with the day-to-day operational aspects of HR.
Time horizon
HR strategy typically has a long-term perspective, often spanning several years. It's concerned with shaping the future of the workforce.
HR tactics are short to medium-term in nature and involve immediate actions. They are about executing HR plans to meet the current HR needs.
Level of detail
HR strategy is high-level and doesn't get into granular details. It provides guidance and principles.
HR tactics are detailed and specific. They outline the steps, resources, and processes needed to implement HR initiatives.
How do HR strategy and HR tactics complement each other?
Alignment
HR tactics are aligned with the overarching HR strategy, ensuring that daily HR activities contribute to the long-term vision. This alignment helps maintain consistency and coherence in HR efforts.
Execution
HR tactics translate the strategic vision into actionable steps. Without effective tactics, a well-defined strategy remains a theoretical concept. Tactics bring the strategy to life.
Flexibility
While HR strategy provides a stable framework, HR tactics allow for flexibility and adaptation to changing circumstances. Tactics can be adjusted as needed to respond to immediate HR challenges.
Measurement
HR tactics include metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress. This data is crucial for evaluating whether HR efforts align with the strategy's objectives.
What are some examples of HR strategy?
Talent acquisition strategy
An HR strategy might involve developing a comprehensive talent acquisition plan. This plan outlines how the company intends to attract, hire, and retain top talent. It might include strategies for employer branding, recruitment marketing, and candidate experience enhancements.
Diversity and inclusion program
Many organizations prioritize diversity and inclusion as part of their HR strategy. This involves creating a program aimed at fostering a diverse workplace. The strategy outlines objectives, such as increasing workforce diversity, promoting inclusivity, and eliminating biases in hiring and promotions.
Leadership development plan
Another critical aspect of HR strategy is leadership development. An organization may have a strategy to identify and nurture future leaders from within its ranks. This could involve leadership training, mentorship programs, and succession planning to ensure a pipeline of capable leaders.
Can you provide examples of HR tactics?
Employee training workshops
As part of talent development, HR may organize employee training workshops. These workshops focus on improving specific skills or knowledge areas. For example, leadership skills training, technical skill enhancement, or compliance training can be tactical approaches to meet the strategic goal of talent development.
Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs)
When addressing underperforming employees, HR employs tactics like Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs). These are detailed, time-bound action plans that outline expectations, goals, and support mechanisms to help employees improve their performance.
Employee satisfaction surveys
To gauge immediate concerns and improve overall employee satisfaction, HR conducts regular employee satisfaction surveys. These surveys provide real-time feedback, allowing HR to take tactical actions to address issues promptly, which aligns with the broader strategy of creating a positive workplace culture.
