HR Roles Change After Outsourcing Occurs

As reported by HRI, to get the most value out of HR outsourcing, firms should plan for how the roles of retained HR staff will change, according to HR consulting firm Buck Consultants. A 2006 Buck survey of 85 U.S. employers, "Retained HR After Outsourcing: Optimizing Performance," found that HR staff who were kept on after the outsourcing decision tended to become "significantly more involved in consultative and decision support." More than half of firms reporting success in their outsourcing initiatives had planned ahead for role changes when they formulated their strategy (54%) and had provided training in consulting skills and business skills. Bruce Barge, a Buck managing director, said, "Our survey shows that planning ahead for the changed roles of retained HR staff results in maximum business value." ("Buck Consultants Survey" [Buck Consultants], June 14, 2006)