The past few years have been anything but predictable. Whilst the recent pandemic has been one of the biggest disruptors in recent memory, business disruptions are increasing in both frequency and severity.

As a result, HR’s role has shifted from a trusted partner to the business to leading the charge. The HR function has been pushed to the forefront of efforts to survive the crisis – and, as result, has gained greater credibility and status.

The growing importance of the human aspects at work has opened a window of opportunity for HR to expand their remit and embrace ‘the future of work’ agenda. Now is the right time for HR to build on their position to re-architect work throughout the organisation through new ways of thinking about human potential and wellbeing.

As we move towards a post-pandemic era, a system based on old rules with a hierarchy that solves for uniformity, bureaucracy, and control will no longer be effective. Organisations now need a model that is more flexible and responsive, to innovate and adapt to changing organisational and consumer needs. HR will need to play the most important role in understanding the workforce need in order to take them forward.

The past several years has presented a host of challenges, but now is time for organisations to shift from a survival mindset, to one of thriving. As the organisation of the future takes shape, HR will be at the centre of many initiatives such as mapping the talent requirements, flexible working, strategic workforce planning, performance management and reskilling, developing an HR technology ecosystem.

Turning disruption from a negative into a positive gives HR the opportunity to help steer the organisation towards new innovative strategies which put them ahead of the competition. The effectiveness with which the organisation plans people management for the long-term will be critical to its long-term viability, ensuring they have the right people, with the right skills, in the right places to realise the organisation’s evolving goals.

The years to come could be truly interesting for businesses, with consumer shifts, climate change, digital acceleration and future business disruptions. HR can also help leaders push forward on establishing their purpose, improving employee experience and wellbeing, driving leadership and culture to strengthen agility and identity.

Returning to the way things were before is something that organisations should actively avoid – they must embrace the digital transformation that has begun – innovate, learn from what has happened and come out of this crisis stronger and more prepared for the future.

The pandemic proved that people and organisations are capable of tremendous growth under the pressure of crisis, the challenge going forward however, will be to sustain momentum.

People must be at the heart of the organisation and, most importantly, their development, care and leadership must become the main focus if organisations truly want to prosper.

For further information, including details on the latest HR trends, download our full HR whitepaper