
Traditionally, HR has focused on these first two areas – organizational/employee advocate and compliance. These areas remain important, perhaps even more so given the attention being focused on issues such as employee well-being as well as today’s increasingly complex legal and regulatory environment. At the same time, there is greater emphasis today on the latter two areas: HR professionals are expected to demonstrate functional/technical excellence in terms of developing and implementing a people strategy that aligns with and supports organizational goals. Also, HR professionals are expected to serve as advisors to the business – working with line management to solve business challenges. Influence is a critical skill for HR professionals. When done well it will positively engage leaders, employees and peers, build trust and foster relationships, all intended to create a productive workplace.