Sara Cooper, talent director at OMERS Ventures, spoke to us about changing attitudes towards HR...
The evolution of HR has seen what was once a paper-based system transformed into one of the most technologically advanced sectors of our age. And it’s not just the process that’s changing – it’s people’s attitudes toward it.
Speaking to Sara Cooper, talent director, Portfolio Companies at OMERS Ventures, she revealed to us the reasons behind HR’s recent transformation, and explained how the changing business landscape has made this year an exciting one for HR: “For a long time, HR was either seen as a necessary evil or a function that didn’t provide much value, beyond keeping companies on the right side of employer legislation. In the past few years, I think we’ve seen the reputation of HR evolve and there’s a real understanding of how strategic and impactful it can be with the right person, or people, on the team.
“There also seems to be more of a willingness to invest in people-related programs and tools as companies see a bigger return for their dollars thanks to a more data-focused approach.”
HR has always been the catalyst for change in an organization, but securing Board buy-in has always been tricky. Through advancements in Big Data and analytics, HR leaders are now able to offer quantifiable proof of the processes they have been utilising for years – one of which is measuring diversity and inclusion.
“One of the things I often speak to our companies about is the importance of diversity around the table,” added Cooper. “Having a workforce of people with different lived experiences, skill sets, education, experience, age etc, means that you have a better representation of the broader consumer base.”
Cooper will be speaking at HRD Canada’s Diversity & inclusion Masterclass, March 8th 2018. For more information on our speaker line up and agenda, click here.
Related stories:
How one woman used diversity and risk to her advantage
Top leaders join forces to “hack” diversity gap
Speaking to Sara Cooper, talent director, Portfolio Companies at OMERS Ventures, she revealed to us the reasons behind HR’s recent transformation, and explained how the changing business landscape has made this year an exciting one for HR: “For a long time, HR was either seen as a necessary evil or a function that didn’t provide much value, beyond keeping companies on the right side of employer legislation. In the past few years, I think we’ve seen the reputation of HR evolve and there’s a real understanding of how strategic and impactful it can be with the right person, or people, on the team.
“There also seems to be more of a willingness to invest in people-related programs and tools as companies see a bigger return for their dollars thanks to a more data-focused approach.”
HR has always been the catalyst for change in an organization, but securing Board buy-in has always been tricky. Through advancements in Big Data and analytics, HR leaders are now able to offer quantifiable proof of the processes they have been utilising for years – one of which is measuring diversity and inclusion.
“One of the things I often speak to our companies about is the importance of diversity around the table,” added Cooper. “Having a workforce of people with different lived experiences, skill sets, education, experience, age etc, means that you have a better representation of the broader consumer base.”
Cooper will be speaking at HRD Canada’s Diversity & inclusion Masterclass, March 8th 2018. For more information on our speaker line up and agenda, click here.
Related stories:
How one woman used diversity and risk to her advantage
Top leaders join forces to “hack” diversity gap
