HR's Expanding Role
In the latest episode of The Purple Acorn HR Morning Show, hosts Serge Boudreau and Dan Riley discuss the ever-expanding role of HR professionals. They highlight a recent study by OpenAI that analyzed over 800,000 corporate ChatGPT prompts. The study found that "69% of all occupational messages submitted by HR professionals involve execution on non-HR tasks." > 69% of all occupational messages submitted by HR professionals involve execution on non-HR tasks. This statistic underscores the scope creep that HR departments, especially smaller ones, often face.
Serge points out that HR is frequently seen as an administrative catch-all, noting that "everything seems to fall, especially in small companies, to HR." > Everything seems to fall, especially in small companies, to HR. — Serge Boudreau Dan adds that while HR should be strategic, the reality often involves handling tasks beyond their traditional scope.
Navigating AI in HR
The episode also delves into the complexities of integrating AI into HR practices. While AI can streamline tasks, it also poses the risk of HR becoming an internal service desk for non-HR functions. Serge expresses concern that as AI enables HR to execute more tasks, it might dilute their strategic value. Dan emphasizes the importance of HR professionals asking "why" when tasked with non-HR responsibilities to ensure that their efforts align with strategic goals.
Authenticity in Professional Transitions
The hosts also discuss the evolving nature of professional transitions, particularly how executives and employees communicate job changes. Dan mentions that "there's a difference between being nice and kind," suggesting that authenticity should not be sacrificed for the sake of politeness. Serge echoes this sentiment, noting that LinkedIn posts often lack authenticity when people leave jobs. He advises focusing on the value one can bring to future employers rather than excessively praising past ones.
Embracing Change and Asking Questions
Guest Mindy, co-founder of Alt-HR Hive, joins the conversation to discuss her Signal Framework, which equips HR professionals to handle change effectively. She emphasizes the need for HR to "stop reacting" > Stop reacting. — Mindy and start asking powerful questions to drive meaningful change. This approach aligns with the show's overall message that HR should focus on strategic contributions rather than being overwhelmed by non-core tasks.
