Ep 6. Evolving the CHRO Role with Shari Chernak, Executive Consultant @ Mercer
Mar 24, 2024
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Shari Chernak, an Executive Consultant at Mercer specializing in HR leadership, shares her insights on the changing landscape for CHROs. She discusses findings from Mercer's "Voice of the CHRO" survey, highlighting the evolving challenges and opportunities in HR. Shari emphasizes the importance of digital HR integration and the necessity for CHROs to expand into strategic areas like diversity and risk management. She also offers practical advice on personal career ownership and fostering mental health in leadership, underscoring empathy's crucial role in today’s workplace.
The evolving CHRO role requires leaders to adapt to new responsibilities and engage more with board members on critical issues beyond compensation.
Technology integration, particularly AI, is crucial for CHROs to enhance HR efficiency while ensuring a focus on human-centered practices.
Deep dives
Changing Responsibilities of CHROs
The role of the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) has evolved significantly in response to recent significant changes in the workplace, including the pandemic, the great resignation, and shifts in macroeconomic trends. Many CHROs have found themselves tackling tasks that were outside their initial job descriptions, requiring them to adapt rapidly without additional resources. A recent survey revealed that while 86% of experienced CHROs felt prepared for their roles, a notable number expressed uncertainty about navigating the complexities of their responsibilities. This indicates a pressing need for ongoing professional development and support for HR leaders as they face an unprecedented work landscape.
The Importance of Board Interaction
Nearly 40% of CHROs indicated a desire for more interaction with their boards prior to assuming their roles, as they often faced topics beyond compensation that are now of growing interest to board members. Historically, discussions predominantly focused on financial matters, but issues such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), risk management, and talent strategies have become increasingly important. This highlights a gap in preparation for new CHROs, who may have limited prior experience in communicating with boards on these critical topics. Empowering promising HR leaders with exposure and opportunities to engage with board-level discussions can enhance their readiness to lead at a strategic level.
Navigating Digital Transformation in HR
The integration of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), into HR practices is becoming vital as organizations look to enhance efficiency and adapt to modern challenges. While only 17% of CHROs expressed a need for more knowledge about technology in the past, 60% acknowledged the growing significance of tech and automation in their operations. CHROs are encouraged to bridge the gap with IT leaders while maintaining agency over technology-related decisions that directly impact the workforce. Embracing AI tools can lead to considerable improvements in HR processes, but it is essential that HR remains involved to ensure that technology complements human-centered practices rather than replacing them.
In this episode we sit down with Shari Chernak, an Executive Consultant with Mercer that specializes in HR leadership and organizational transformation. Drawing from her extensive career at top consulting firms and in-house roles, Sherry shares insights from leading the research of Mercer's "Voice of the CHRO" survey, highlighting the evolving challenges and opportunities facing CHROs today. From navigating board interactions to embracing technology and fostering a culture of coaching, Sherry offers actionable advice for HR leaders looking to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. Tune in as we explore key trends and strategies shaping the future of HR leadership.
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