HR Shared Services

An internal resource that treats you like a customer

More than any time in recent memory, the human resource (HR) function has an opportunity to step up to a more strategic role, helping their organizations grapple with changing workforce demographics, globalization, new working styles and new technologies. Sounds great–after all, HR has been pushing for a seat at the strategy table for years. But it can seem nearly impossible given the time-drain of day-to-day service delivery. That’s why many companies are giving renewed consideration to a shared services HR model that not only helps improve cost, efficiency, and service, but can also generate organizational capacity to focus on big-picture issues that make a difference.

HR Shared Services can be the vehicle that helps turn a mere “need to have” function into a competitive advantage, helping companies save money, make services more consistent and react quickly to business changes. With a shared services approach, business units can have better internal “customer service” access to HR when they need it, resulting in more consistent levels of service and a higher degree of customer satisfaction. But to achieve these benefits, simply deciding to combine disparate services isn’t enough. An HR Shared Services operation creates clear definition and structure, uniform standards of operation, and direct alignment with the larger business.

Understanding how to position and leverage HR Shared Services in the context of a broader transformation of the HR function is key. Effectively addressing HR service delivery from all angles enables companies to drive improved business performance and increase shareholder value. Today, CHROs are facing challenges and pressures unlike any we have seen for decades–delivering value with fewer resources and lower investments, maintaining positive corporate culture in the face of downsizing, attracting and retaining the right talent in the right positions, and delivering high-quality service at lower costs. HR Shared Services is a critical component of the solution required to address an organization’s needs.

How we can help

With access to a network of more than 7,500 practitioners globally, Deloitte is recognized as a human capital leader, consistently ranked among the top global human capital practices, as reported by Kennedy Information Services. Our breadth and depth of strategy, process, and technology services distinguishes us from other professional services organizations. Our approach uses tools and templates for every stage to facilitate not only operational changes, but also thought leadership and knowledge transfer.

Our capabilities start with concept and carry our clients into actual design and then through implementation. But because we do not provide outsourced solutions themselves, we can offer advice independent of sales pressure, whether your ultimate solution lies in-house, in an outsourcing agreement, or in a combination of core internal services with outside vendors.

Our comprehensive HR Shared Services offering incorporates Deloitte’s broad and deep advisory capabilities, including:

• Human Resources Service Delivery
• Change Management
• Organization and Talent
• Outsourcing Advisory
• Technology Integration
• Enterprise Applications
• Risk Management
• Security and Controls
• Compliance and Tax Services

Bottom-line benefits

An effective HR Shared Services strategy, design, and deployment can help an organization in its efforts to:

• Deliver routine transactional and administrative services more efficiently and consistently, helping to drive lower HR delivery costs and enhanced levels of customer satisfaction, control, and legal compliance
• Deliver higher-value operational and consultative services (e.g., recruitment, employee relations) more effectively, helping to realize better-quality outcomes, employee satisfaction, and lower cost to serve
• Drive transformation efforts in other areas of its HR service delivery model
• Turn HR generalists into strategic HR business partners
• Turn an HR department into an HR Center of Excellence

Five ways to get more value now

Delivering HR through a shared services organization takes more than a broad knowledge of HR organization and process redesign. It also requires linking that knowledge to an organization’s business strategies and objectives. Here are some principles organizations often apply to achieve this link.

Data driven. Everyone has an opinion. That’s why it’s important to have a rational, fact-based analysis of current capabilities and future opportunities guiding your decisions – not guesswork or emotions.

Avoid analysis paralysis. Value begins with execution. Once you’ve set a course of action, don’t get sidetracked by overanalyzing the roadmap. Start putting it into action, be careful to monitor progress and modify your approach accordingly as you move ahead.

Accelerate deployment. Begin thinking now about how new solutions will be deployed later. Account for existing processes, systems, new organizational competencies and capabilities. That’s a smart way to minimize business disruption and manage risks.

Get out of the bubble. The success of any organizational transformation strategy will rely heavily on participation from customer groups throughout an organization. Actively engage HR and business leaders throughout your enterprise from the start.

Understand the linkages. Shared services initiatives are typically among an organization’s most important endeavors, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only ones. It’s important to know about other enterprise initiatives to guard against any unplanned surprises on the path to implementation.