In case we're all still confused what SHRM is...
SHRM is the acronym for Strategic Human Resource Management. Academics definite SHRM as alignment of strategic business goals of the organization with human resources, so as to foster innovation and improve motivation, satisfaction, productivity, and eventually overall performance. Its very different from our ol' traditional human resource management as traditional HR managers work reactively, strategic HR managers work proactively. A strategic HR manager is focused on forming a long-term strategy. For example, when they are looking to hire for a position, they are considering future growth projections and goals of the company. It is common knowledge that existing companies should strive towards long term goals as compared to short term goals (however, that depends on the current situation of the company).
So why is SHRM better than the traditional?
Funnily enough, about 20 years ago, there was an increasing fear of HR being secluded from business goals and as a separate part of the organizations. There was an increasing need felt across sectors of HR playing a vital role in improving productivity in organizations to achieve a competitive edge. So, strategic HRM came into existence. Traditional HR has a narrow focus on issues like basic personnel management and labor relations. Their goal is to take care of employees and keep them happy and satisfied. The HR team doesn't educate workers about responsibilities or how things are done. That's something they assume employees will pick up on the job or from their managers.
Examples Strategic HR responsibilities:
- Employee recruitment or headhunting
- Training and developing employees
- Drafting an employee handbook
- Finding ways to steer employees so the company can meet its productivity and profit goals
Here's a food for thought; did you know Netflix is also famous for their approach on strategic human resource management after their powerpoint slide went viral? (check it out here)