3. Five Agile HRM Principles to Transform Your HR Processes

Agile HRM is a flexible approach to managing people and processes that have recently gained popularity. It is based on the Agile methodology used in software development and emphasises collaboration, continuous feedback, and customer satisfaction. Organisations can transform their HR processes by adopting Agile HRM principles and creating a more responsive and adaptable HR function. This article will discuss 5 Agile HRM principles to help transform your HR processes.

1.       Emphasise Individuals and Interactions Over Processes and Tools

The first Agile HRM principle prioritises individuals and interactions over processes and tools. This means valuing communication and collaboration among team members over rigid procedures and structures. By encouraging cross-functional teams to work together, HR can foster a culture of creativity and innovation (Beijerse, 2019).

2.       Focus on Continuous Feedback and Improvement

Agile HRM emphasises continuous feedback and improvement. This means moving away from annual performance reviews and adopting more frequent, informal feedback sessions. By providing employees with regular feedback, HR can help them develop their skills and improve their performance (Hudson & Kao, 2018).

3.       Deliver Value Early and Often

The third Agile HRM principle is to deliver value early and often. This means breaking down HR initiatives into smaller, manageable tasks that can be completed quickly and efficiently. By delivering value to customers (in this case, employees) early and often, HR can build trust and demonstrate the effectiveness of their processes (Schramm-Nielsen & Hislop, 2019).

4.       Embrace Change and Uncertainty

Agile HRM requires an agile mindset, which includes being open to change and uncertainty. This means adapting HR processes as circumstances change and taking risks to achieve goals. By embracing change and uncertainty, HR can be more responsive and better equipped to meet the organisation's needs (Budhwar & Debrah, 2013).

5.       Collaborate with Customers and Stakeholders

The final Agile HRM principle is to collaborate with customers and stakeholders. This means involving employees and other stakeholders in designing and implementing HR initiatives. By collaborating with customers and stakeholders, HR can ensure that their processes meet the needs of those they serve and can build trust and engagement (Collings & Mellahi, 2009).

The following table summarises the 5 Agile HRM principles:

 

Agile HRM Principles	Description
Emphasise Individuals and Interactions Over Processes and Tools	Value communication and collaboration among team members
Focus on Continuous Feedback and Improvement	Provide regular feedback to employees to develop their skills
Deliver Value Early and Often	Break down initiatives into smaller, manageable tasks and deliver value to employees quickly and efficiently
Embrace Change and Uncertainty	Be open to change and willing to take risks to achieve goals
Collaborate with Customers and Stakeholders	Involve employees and stakeholders in the design and implementation of HR initiatives

 

In conclusion, Agile HRM is a flexible and adaptable approach to managing people and processes that can help organisations transform their HR functions. By prioritising individuals and interactions, focusing on continuous feedback and improvement, delivering value early and often, embracing change and uncertainty, and collaborating with customers and stakeholders, HR can become more responsive and better equipped to meet the organisation's needs.

References:

Beijerse, R. (2019). Knowledge management and HRM. In Encyclopedia of Knowledge Management (Second Edition) (pp. 719-733). IGI Global.

Budhwar, P. S., & Debrah, Y. A. (2013). Human resource management in developing countries. Routledge.

Collings, D. G., & Mellahi, K. (2009). Strategic talent management: A review and research agenda. Human Resource Management Review, 19(4), 304-313.

Hudson, M., & Kao, K. (2018). The agile talent management playbook: A step-by-step guide for learning and development professionals. Association for Talent Development.

Schramm-Nielsen, J., & Hislop, D. (2019). Agile HRM: A hybrid form of agile work and its implications for the HR function. Personnel Review, 48(4), 993-1010.