In any reputed organization, every member of the team plays an essential role, apart from the CEO. Amongst them, the role of a Chief human resources officer (briefly known as CHRO) has become one of the game-changing roles! For almost decades, the HR department was perceived as a back-office activity only emphasizing on tedious administrative tasks of managing remuneration & other plans. But over the past few years, it has observed a spectacular change altogether! Now, what exactly does this role involve?

The Chief human resources officer or known as CHRO is a C-level executive who manages the human capital management of the particular organization. Aside from being the CHRO, he may be the business owner for additional human resources responsibilities. The Chief human resources officer plays a pivotal role in making sure the organization is compliant with the government rules & regulations related to human resources. The CHRO wears different hats, such as setting up the company’s talent strategy, which includes acquisition, development & planning of the succession. The Chief human resources officer is also responsible for selecting the human resource management (usually referred to as HRM) and talent management software. Other responsibilities include explaining & creating programs to retain professionals.

However, the Chief Human Resources Officer’s role is very different than a top HR position. It’s a modern & advanced role which has many functional areas including branding, IT and strategy.  

The Importance of the Chief Human Resources Officer:

The dynamic C-Suite leader is often linked to the organization they present. They’re responsible for the overall brand reputation for any organization. Alongside, the Chief human resources officer also contribute to the brand equity of the organization. The C-Suite leader is responsible for the talent brand and retaining the top-notch talent for the organization.

Challenges in the role of the Chief human resources officer:

The biggest challenge that any CHRO faces is how to deliver the value. Handling the HR functions of a large organization isn’t a cake walk. Chief Human Resources Officers need a leading & efficient team to manage recruiting, hiring, training of a productive workforce.

Establishing a defined succession plan is essential for any organization as it gives leverage to the long-term vision of the organization. The Chief human resources officer has to ensure that a clear succession plan is made and delivers significant value to the company.

CHROs in the present age face many challenges such as creating an engaging culture & environment within the company which is a major area to deal with. Keeping up with the evolving business dynamics is also perceived to be a real challenge for a Chief Human Resources Officer.

Companies now want CHROs who are strategic, data-driven & analytical. They believe a CHRO should emphasize on the role of handling compensation, benefits and compliance.

Conclusion

The role of Chief human resources officer has earned an increasing respect from the senior leaders. The responsibilities of the role have changed a lot over the years. But it has achieved more visibility with higher expansion. It has also raised the bar of the role of a Chief Human Resources Officer, now that the future of this modern and sophisticated role seems so bright.