Looking Ahead to 2009
In talking with our clients in the last two months, one thing is sure – everyone is looking at 2009 with at least caution if not down right trepidation. How will the economic downturn impact our business, our HR Department, even our jobs?
Remember that times like these also present opportunities. The C-suite knows that this is a time for action! Initiatives designed to increase efficiency that may have had trouble finding the light of day in the past will get top billing as the organization responds to changing market conditions. Do you have “shovel ready” projects that will help you better leverage existing technology investments?
Perhaps in the face of impending budget cuts, now is the time for an HR assessment. An objective review of your HR team, their strengths and weaknesses, and how HR should adapt to best support the organization will mean that you make the right adjustments now to position for a strong 2010.
It will be hard to sell the current economic conditions as an “opportunity” but I agree with your post. We should look at the current economic situation as an opportunity to assess our processes and make them more efficient — now is the time for HR to show the value it drives for the whole organization.