Moves to standardise HR processes suggest nine out of 10 US firms are preparing to outsource HR

[BPO Business Intelligence]

Nine out of 10 US firms are primed for HR outsourcing after
standardising and improving the department, according to research.

HR services company Hewitt Associates found that 91% had taken steps in
the past year to transform their HR functions. And nearly six in 10
companies believe HR processes and policies must be standardised before
implementing outsourcing activities.

"Companies are realising that they need to standardise HR processes and
policies as a first step in their HR transformation," said Mark Oshima,
director of HR outsourcing strategy at Hewitt.

"This is often a precursor to outsourcing, since outsourcing enables
both HR and line management to focus on issues vital to the business's
strategic initiatives, instead of being burdened with HR
administration."

The survey also found that the main pressure facing US HR executives is
talent management. Two-thirds listed attracting, retaining and growing
talent as a major concern.

Half of the HR dpeartments polled staff listed supporting the business
by focusing HR on core capabilities as a pressure.

Source: www.personneltoday.com 08/12/2006