Seeking Advice: Is HR Analytics a Smart Move for HR Pros? Which Institutes Stand Out?

Dear All Senior HR Professionals,

Greetings. This is Pranita M, and I am currently working as an HR in an IT Company. I want to upgrade my knowledge and enhance my skills in HR while searching for updates.

HR Analytics: A Trending Course

I came to know about HR Analytics, which seems to be a trending course, but I would like to ask for your valuable suggestion: Is this course worth doing?

Suggestions for Institutes and Courses

Could you please suggest any institute that has good weightage for HR Analytics or any other course that is good for HR professionals? IIM Rohtak is providing an online course with a duration of 3.5 months and fees somewhere around 70k. Is it worth it? I would appreciate your valuable suggestions.

Thank you in advance.

Regards,
Pranita M
Human Resource
Aurangabad.

The Importance of HR Analytics

HR Analytics is definitely a sphere that will help any HR professional. Are you planning to pursue it because it is trending these days? Do you have an interest in HR Analytics? Do you think it will be a part of your KRAs in the near future?

I would suggest you start with a good book on HR Analytics to learn the basics. Recommended Reading

"Predictive HR Analytics: Mastering the HR Metric" by Martin R. Edwards and Kirsten Edwards (Kogan Page) is a good book. Then, start applying the knowledge in your current job, and if you still feel the need, go ahead with a course.

Course Recommendations

IIM Rohtak’s course is comprehensive. Aon also offers a good course. Most importantly, practice whatever you learn. Don’t pursue a certification just because it is popular.

Dear Sir, thank you so much for sharing your valuable guidance. I have read articles about how HR Analytics will be useful and trending in the coming days. However, I couldn't find detailed information about it anywhere online, which is why I am considering taking a course. There are several online courses available, but I am unsure about their validity.

Rather than simply obtaining a certification, I am eager to learn and apply HR Analytics in my current job. Thank you for recommending the book; it will help me understand the basics and clarify my concepts.

Sir, I would also appreciate it if you could suggest some of the best books for HR professionals to enhance my knowledge.

Thank you so much!

Regards, Pranita M

Dear Pranita, good to know that you would like to enhance your skills in the HR domain. The following needs to be noted in this connection:

a) HR Analytics demands a basic understanding of math, especially statistics. Therefore, please check whether you have upgraded or refreshed your knowledge of basic statistical methods.

b) HR Analytics also requires mastery over MS Excel. What is your competence in Advanced Excel?

c) Most of the tools of HR Analytics are driven by software. Have you worked in any software-driven environment where advanced HR tools and techniques are used?

d) Though HR Analytics is gaining momentum, it is restricted to top-notch companies only. It is yet to penetrate Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Therefore, please check the kind of company you work in. To implement HR Analytics software, will you get support from your management?

e) Knowledge of HR Analytics or even competence in it is one thing, and having the authority to implement that knowledge is another. In many companies, the HR Department is nothing but the good old Personnel Department. They are forced to play second fiddle. So what is the value of HR in your company?

f) ROI on HR Analytics: Most HR professionals are unable to calculate ROI on their HR interventions. They are known more for hobnobbing with jargon than calculating the business impact. Against this backdrop, please be clear on how the introduction of HR Analytics will save funds or at least how to calculate the ROI.

My above views need not be construed as negative. Yes, one should strive to upgrade knowledge. But then, at the same time, one should be clear about the end result also.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Dear Sir,

Thank you, @Dinesh Divekar, for helping me understand the scope of HR Analytics and what I need to prepare at the ground level. Although I work in an SME where HR Analytics may not be required, I am keen on enhancing my skills and knowledge in this area. I plan to start by improving my Excel and statistical skills.

Thanks again!

Regards,

Pranita M
HR Executive