As the pace of change accelerates in today’s business environment, HR’s role has evolved into a strategic driver of organizational success. McLean & Company’s HR Trends Report 2025 Preview highlights the growing challenges HR faces, including economic uncertainty, legislative changes, and the demand for workforce adaptability.
The global HR research and advisory firm emphasizes the critical need for a well-aligned HR strategy to enhance departmental effectiveness and support organizations in navigating sociopolitical, economic, technological, and environmental changes. To aid HR leaders, McLean & Company has introduced the Create an HR Strategy research snapshot, a concise guide to building impactful HR strategies.
The Importance of an Aligned HR Strategy
Key Insights from McLean & Company Research
- HR teams aligned with organizational strategy are:
- 2.8x more likely to provide a great employee experience.
- 3.3x more likely to shape a strong organizational culture.
- Organizations with highly effective HR teams are:
- 2.2x more likely to excel in workforce productivity and innovation.
- 2.0x more likely to adapt effectively to change.
Expert Insight:
“A well-aligned HR strategy ensures HR initiatives support broader organizational goals, enabling meaningful contributions to evolving business needs,” says Amani Gharib, PhD, Director of HR Research & Advisory Services at McLean & Company.
Four-Step Process to Create an HR Strategy
McLean & Company’s research snapshot outlines a structured four-step process for HR leaders to develop an effective strategy:
1. Assess the Current State
- Conduct an external scan of the environment.
- Perform an internal assessment of HR practices and their alignment with organizational goals.
2. Establish Strategic Pillars and Outcomes
- Define what HR aims to achieve.
- Align HR’s objectives with organizational priorities.
3. Identify HR Initiatives
- Evaluate existing initiatives and identify gaps.
- Assess HR’s capabilities to implement initiatives effectively.
4. Create an Action Plan
- Develop a detailed plan and communicate it to key stakeholders.
Supporting Tools for HR Leaders
McLean & Company provides additional tools to support the strategy creation process:
- Diagnostics: HR Management & Governance Diagnostic, HR Organizational Alignment Diagnostic.
- Templates: HR Strategy Summary and Presentation Templates.
- Workbooks: HR Strategy Workbook and Current-State Assessment Working Document.
Further Resources
- Access the full Create an HR Strategy research snapshot for detailed guidance.
- Participate in McLean & Company’s Create an HR Strategy workshop to accelerate project implementation.
- Register for the upcoming webinars inspired by the HR Trends Report 2025 on:
- January 16, 2025, at 1 PM ET.
- January 23, 2025, at 1 PM ET.
McLean & Company’s HR strategy framework equips leaders with actionable steps to align HR with organizational goals, driving productivity, adaptability, and innovation. By leveraging these resources, HR teams can build impactful strategies that navigate today’s challenges while positioning organizations for future success.
