Machine learning will enhance our profession – say HR leaders

Almost half of HR leaders say predictive analytics and machine learning would improve their HR function, according to a new survey*.

Only one in ten (11 per cent) of respondents currently use advanced analytics techniques, but the research indicates a clear desire among HR professionals to implement predictive analytics to upgrade and enhance almost all aspects of their role.

The Censuswide survey of 161 HR experts from medium to large UK businesses revealed:

  • Only 11 per cent already measure employee engagement by using advanced analytics techniques such as employee sentiment analysis but 50 per cent say predictive analytics.and machine learning would help them analyse employee sentiment to improve employee wellbeing and engagement.
  • 30 per cent say predictive analytics and machine learning would help their succession and talent flow planning.
  • 45 per cent say predictive analytics and machine learning would help them detect payroll, expense or timesheet fraud.
  • 48 per cent say predictive analytics and machine learning would help them predict employee retention or identify flight risks.
  • 42 per cent already use HR and payroll data to drive their organisation’s strategy and decision-making, and 34 per cent are planning to do this.

 

Laura Timms, MHR Analytics’ Product Strategy Manager, said

The results mirror the conversations we are having with our 750 customers – there is a real step-change in how HR professionals see their roles evolving and becoming more sophisticated.

While most organisations still use spreadsheet-based data, they are aware that harnessing predictive analytics and machine learning tools will enable them to spend much less time on admin and manual tasks and become valuable and efficient business strategists.

As we approach the next decade, it’s clear that organisations in general, as well as the HR experts employed within them, are thinking about how they can climb the data maturity scale to remain competitive, using HR analytics, workforce planning systems and even AI.

*Censuswide survey commissioned by MHR Analytics.

Interested in HR analytics? We recommend the Mission Critical HR Analytics Forum 2019.

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Aphrodite is a creative writer and editor specialising in publishing and communications. She is passionate about undertaking projects in diverse sectors. She has written and edited copy for media as varied as social enterprise, art, fashion and education. She is at her most happy owning a project from its very conception, focusing on the client and project research in the first instance, and working closely with CEOs and Directors throughout the consultation process. Much of her work has focused on rebranding; messaging and tone of voice is one of her expertise, as is a distinctively unique writing style in my most of her creative projects. Her work is always driven by the versatility of language to galvanise image and to change perception, as it is by inspiring and being inspired by the wondrous diversity of people with whom paths she crosses cross!

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