Editor’s Note

Blockchain technologies have great potential to transform business and is already influencing digital transformation journeys of organizations. But what could the technology do for HR?
 

 

Blockchain – the decentralized ledger technology most commonly known as the foundation for Bitcoin and hundreds of other digital currencies – looks like it will soon change the way the HR industry operates. While we may still be a few years away from seeing any useful applications of it, there are potential benefits including managing cross-border payments and enhancing cybersecurity in HR. For a general outlook on what can HR expect, read our cover article by Tim Griffiths, Understanding Blockchain And Its Potential Impact On HR.
 
Today HR teams are under pressure to deliver better employee experiences to match those offered by digital consumer services. The implications of not doing so are simple: You’ll fail to recruit the employees your business needs. All businesses need to start modernizing their HR processes if they’re to secure the talent they need to grow. Read Jill K. Goldstein’s article, Employee-Centric HR, to know more about starting steps to successful HR transformations.
 
The purpose of a strategic plan is to move your organization forward toward its ultimate vision of success. However, when things go wrong in the process, it can have disastrous results, and much of the fallout can land on the doorstep of the HR department to clean it up. So, how do you know when your strategic planning isn’t working? Read Cecilia Lynch’s article to know more about the tell-tale signs that you may be in for a rocky ride.
 
Workplace safety has become a focal point in recent months, given the recent shootings at YouTube, the Capital Gazette Newspaper, and other places of employment. For many employees, especially those who work in HR, these incidents have brought up questions about whether their own organizations can ensure a safe working environment. Read Kate Benediktsson’s article, Workplace Safety: What Can HR Do? for more insights on this topic.
 
Like good journalists, HR leaders often need to investigate and shed light on previously unquestioned ideas. Read Max Bitel’s article, Data Journalism For HR to know more on how HR leaders can be good data journalists.
 
Also, read interesting articles on workforce planning and HR trends in this issue. We hope our magazine will help create a better experience for your workforce. Happy reading and do send your feedback!