HR Transformation: How a Skills Based Approach Will Future Proof Your Organization

Wylie Burke discussed the shift in HR towards a skills-based approach to future-proof organizations. She emphasized the need for a shared language around skills, capabilities, and competencies, and the role of technology and data in supporting this approach.

Wylie Burke, an innovation consultant facilitator and leadership coach, led a webinar on the topic of HR transformation and how a skills-based approach can future-proof organizations. The discussion covered the evolution of work from a job-centric structure to a skills-based model, the importance of building a shared language around skills, capabilities, and competencies, and the role of technology and data in supporting a skills-based strategy. Wylie also highlighted the shift from traditional bureaucratic structures to more fluid and open models, and shared the example of Unilever's Uwork initiative, which allows employees to work on projects based on their skills and interests.

They focused on conducting an assessment of senior leaders to identify their successful skills and then employed technology to understand the skills gaps within the organization. To support this work, they hired vendors and built an internal hub for employees to update their profiles. Wylie highlighted the importance of resourcing and the role of technology in this process. They also mentioned other organizations, such as Morningstar and ING, that have adopted a skills-based approach. Wylie emphasized the need for a clear outcome, a compelling narrative, and a reasonable pilot project to implement such an approach. They also discussed the role of HR leaders in initiating this conversation and gaining buy-in across the organization. Wylie also touched on the importance of creating a common language, redesigning key HR processes, and the potential challenges such as legacy mindsets and technology assessment. Towards the end, they responded to questions about the impact on compensation, leadership evolution, and the approach in a unionized environment.