The Josh Bersin Company

Inside Microsoft HR's Skills Strategy: A Lesson In Innovation & Investment

May 17, 2024

Discover how Microsoft is revolutionizing HR with its innovative skills strategy and tools like Viva Skills. The integration of the Microsoft Graph helps gather vital data for personalized employee experiences. Learn about the role of AI, particularly through Microsoft Copilot, in transforming HR practices. Challenges of skills platforms are addressed, showcasing the importance of AI strategies for companies to remain competitive in a fast-evolving landscape. Microsoft's approach sets a benchmark for HR innovation and investment.

20:30

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Quick takeaways

Microsoft's innovative employee experience strategy exemplifies an agile, experimental HR model that fosters collaboration and growth.

The integration of AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and Viva Skills significantly enhances skills management and personalized employee development opportunities.

Deep dives

Microsoft's Innovative HR Strategy

Microsoft is implementing an innovative employee experience strategy that emphasizes agility and cross-functional collaboration. With around 660,000 projects underway, the organization focuses on an iterative approach in HR, led by Kathleen Hogan. The HR function is characterized by its willingness to experiment and adopt new ideas, making Microsoft a role model in effective HR practices. The case highlights the organization's commitment to creating an adaptable environment that not only enhances employee engagement but also accelerates product development.

Innovating Employee Experience through Data and Skills Integration

9min

Exploring Microsoft's AI Integration in HR Technology

10min

In this podcast I discuss Microsoft’s exciting new internal skills strategy, with a focus on Viva Skills, the role of the Microsoft Copilot, and how Microsoft is “inventing new products for HR” as Customer Zero. Customer Zero is Microsoft’s way of “eating their own dogfood” and making sure their new products are well designed before the hit the streets.

Video version of podcast: https://youtu.be/6VuOYUBT2KA

Takeaways

Microsoft is a role model for HR, with an innovative and experimental approach.
They are leveraging the Microsoft Graph to gather skills and HR data for better decision-making.
Viva Skills and Eightfold are being used to build a skills infrastructure and provide personalized recommendations.
Microsoft is integrating AI agents like Galileo into the Microsoft Copilot, showcasing the importance of AI in HR.
Companies need to develop their own AI strategies to stay competitive in the evolving HR technology landscape.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Microsoft and their HR Function 02:06 Building a Skills-Based Employee Experience 05:34 Challenges of Skills Platforms in HR Technology 10:38 Integrating AI Agents into Tools and Systems 15:36 The Significance of AI Technologies in HR Redesign

Additional Information:

Building A Skills-Based Organization: The Exciting But Sober Reality

Enterprise Talent Intelligence Arrives, Disrupting The HR Tech Market

Here Come The Copilots!