The HR function is increasingly referred to as “Talent” or “People,” signaling a shift away from the traditional term “Human Resources.” This evolution has been gradual, shaped by a changing socio-economic landscape. The new terminology reflects the organization’s culture and subtly indicates its priorities.

The Talent Ecosystem

The talent ecosystem has experienced a profound shift since COVID, with an intensified focus on employee experience and engagement. As a result, talent functions, programs, and roles are evolving to align with these essential employee touchpoints.

In today’s always-connected world, digitalization and social media have blurred the lines between work and personal time, leaving many feeling like they are perpetually ‘on.’ The pandemic further amplified this reality, with remote work bringing its own set of challenges. While remote work offers flexibility, it also fosters a persistent sense of needing to be ‘present,’ leading to fears of missing out or being perceived as less engaged compared to onsite coworkers. This techno-stress, still palpable post-pandemic, significantly impacts employee well-being.

The workplace has transformed dramatically, especially compared to 2020, and even more so since the start of the century. With a multigenerational workforce, a CULTURE-FIRST approach is crucial for maintaining productivity. Every employee touchpoint is an opportunity to reinforce organizational culture and build trust, directly contributing to a positive bottom line. While HR doesn’t own the culture, it is responsible for leading the conversations and creating and supporting the framework for a collaborative and productive work environment.