It's Not the What, It's the Why. Steps to Evidence-Based HR: Rob Briner

In this episode, Siân Harrington speaks with Rob Briner about the challenges and benefits of adopting an evidence-based approach in HR. They discuss the focus on HR fads and the need to shift towards a more informed and effective HR practice. They explore the role of data and analytics in evidence-based HR and the mindset and skills required to implement this approach. They also highlight areas of HR that are poorly evidenced and discuss how taking an evidence-based approach can lead to more meaningful, healthy, inclusive and sustainable work.

 Key takeaways

·       Why HR fads are often ineffective and can be corrosive to the profession

·       How evidence-based HR involves looking at multiple sources of evidence, including data, personal experience, stakeholder input and scientific research

·       Challenges in implementing an evidence-based approach 

·       How data and analytics play a crucial role in evidence-based HR but it is important to consider the quality and relevance of the data

·       Areas of HR that are poorly evidenced include diversity and inclusion, employee engagement and leadership development

·       Some organisations are leading the field in evidence-based HR but there is still a need for more widespread adoption

·       Taking an evidence-based approach can help make work more meaningful, healthy, inclusive and sustainable by focusing on what is important and making better-informed decisions.

·       Three steps to help you start on the journey towards an evidence-based approach.

About Rob Briner

Rob is professor of organizational psychology at Queen Mary, University of London and associate research director at Corporate Research Forum (CRF). He is also currently a visiting professor of evidence-based HRM at Birkbeck (University of London) and professor at Oslo Nye Høyskole. He was previously co-founder and scientific director of the Center for Evidence-Based Management and has held positions at the Institute for Employment Studies, London School of Economics, King’s College (University of London), Bath University and University of Edinburgh. For more information on his recent work with the Corporate Research Forum on evidence-based HR please check out the Evidence-Based HR Knowledge Hub. 

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