People Analytics Deconstructed

In this special episode, co-hosts Ron Landis and Jennifer Miller discuss what's on the horizon for the field of people analytics in 2022. They first set the backdrop by discussing recent events, including the impact of the ongoing pandemic and recent exodus of people from the workforce. Next, they discuss what to watch for in people analytic for 2022.   

In this episode, we had conversations around these questions:  

• How does the ongoing pandemic contribute to changes in the field of people analytics?  
• What impact will the 'Great Resignation' have on people analytics?  
• What trends can we look forward to in 2022?  

Key Takeaways:  

• There have been several changes in the business landscape in 2021 that contribute to the trends we will see in people analytics. First, companies transitioned to new ways of working. Some went completely remote while others tried a hybrid approach by reopening the office. The pandemic and ongoing variants of COVID-19 continue to challenge ways in which work gets done. Towards the end of 2021, another challenge presented itself with The Great Resignation. While the Great Resignation is not impacting all industries, it will have a last impacting in the broader world of work.  
• Ron and Jennifer identify and discuss four people analytics trends for 2022. First, data-driven decision making will continue to be in the spotlight. Second, there will be a greater emphasis and focus on defining and assessing the employee experience. Third, there will be continued focus on measuring diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Finally, the unknowns of work environments will continue to challenge people analytic functions. 

Related Links  

• Millan Chicago 
• Harnessing the power of analytics and technology 

In the inaugural episode, co-hosts Ron Landis and Jennifer Miller introduce their podcast, People Analytics Deconstructed. They discuss the ever-growing field of People Analytics, sometimes also commonly referred to as HR Analytics or Workforce Analytics.  

In this episode, we had conversations around these questions:  

• What is People Analytics?  
• What are some of the challenges that organizations face in the area of People Analytics
• What are some clear steps that HR professionals can take in the field of People Analytics to make the most out of their data?  

Key Takeaways:  

• The term 'People Analytics' has been growing in popularity since its arrival around 2005 and has joined other terms like HR Analytics, Workforce Analytics, and AI Data to represent the use of data driven insights about an organization's workforce. The term 'People Analytics' can be broken down into two components. First, analytics refers to the four step process of using data including determining what we want to know, collecting the right data to answer the question, using an appropriate technique to analyze the data, interpreting the analysis, and making a decision based on the question that was asked. Second, people refers to any aspect of the employee's experience at an organization from interviewing to leaving the organization.  
• Ron and Jennifer identify and discuss four challenges that organizations face in the field of People Analytics. First, organizations need to ask the right question. Ensuring that the question is specific enough and will lead to insights and next steps is key to ensuring success. Second, organizations need to ensure what they're measuring is meaningful, replicable, and valid. Third, organizations have struggled obtaining talent to complete the 'People Analytics' function; individuals need to have skills in both human behavior and analytics. Finally, organizations need a robust data culture. 
• At the end of the episode, Jennifer and Ron recommend steps for folks just starting out in this space all the way to the more advanced HR professional.  

Related Links  

• Millan Chicago 
• What is People Analytics