David Green chats with Laurence Collins, Global Lead for HR Transformation and Workforce Analytics Consulting at Deloitte, for the final episode of thie season.

As People Analytics gradually becomes part of the workings of HR departments around the world, the concept of decision-making based on employee data has growing implications for people’s working lives.

As co-author the People Analytics chapter in the recent Deloitte Global Human Capital Trends report, Laurence is more in touch than most people with the global strategic direction of analytics in HR. The report is in many ways a go-to point for professionals around the world for learning about the current business landscape and where they stand in relation to other organisations. There are few areas more fast-changing than analytics and data-crunching technology, and the knock-on effect can often be that the long-term questions are sidelined in favour of more immediate operational challenges.

This was a fascinating conversation between two people advising global businesses at the highest level – a great opportunity to hear about opportunities and challenges that are likely to affect all organisations at some point in the future, if not already.

They cover:

• The main trends in the market
• The common obstacles that companies typically have to overcome
• What separates those companies who are successful from those that aren't
• Innovative projects that are taking place around the world
• Advice for HR and Analytics leaders on growing their capability
• The old vs new rules of People Analytics, and recalculating the route (as alluded to in the GHCT Report)
• AI and cognitive technology, and the likely impact on employee experience
• The changing expectations of employees
• Trust and privacy
• The outlook for People Analytics, and advice for leaders on Digital Transformation.