At least, that is the rather striking conclusion of an extensive global survey executed by ADP Research Institute on human capital management in the world.
The survey looks at the significant disparities between the perceptions that employees may have versus those human resources departments (HR) have with regards to human capital management. Whether it's the quality of management, performance evaluation or how issues concerning HR and benefits are treated, HR officials believe they are more in tune with their employees that they actually are. Differences of opinion between HR and managers also exist with respect to these questions.
The institute explains its results by looking at gaps in the communication of information. Still, it was noted in the White Paper subject of the study, the progresses made over the last 20 years to facilitate this deficiency should have, at least in part, resolved these problems. “The observed significant differences […] indicate the need to further improve things — and that companies operate with insufficiently engaged workforces,” concludes the survey.
The survey is based on three 2013 global studies conducted online among a sample of 8500 people. The latter is composed of employees, HR managers and executives.
“A little strong”
“I find the term ‘disconnected’ a little strong,” says Francine Sabourin, profession development director for the Quebec order of Certified Human Resources Advisors (CHRP).
According to her, the identity of the survey’s authors must be taken into account in the evaluation of its results. “ADP is a firm that offers solutions based on HR services. The questions asked as part of the study are not fortuitous,” she says.
The same applies to the international nature of the inquiry, which necessarily induces certain biases. “Labour laws and markets are not the same everywhere,” she says. “What is considered a competitive offer in one place is not elsewhere. Is this reality being reflected in the ADP study? It does not seem so.”
Nevertheless, the ‘gap’ between HR and employees does exist. And it may actually be due to an inability to transmit and explain relevant information. “The value of what is offered in organizations is not well communicated to employees,” says Sabourin. The effectiveness of HR practices, which is reflected in their development, would be at fault here.
Are the gaps highlighted by ADP Research Institute surprising? “No. On the contrary, it is well known that organizations do not communicate what HR has to offer well. HR departments, as well as managers, still have a long way to go.”