Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/295251
[ 50 ] HRO TODAY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 Unlocking Key Issues New research from The Hackett Group examines HR's top priorities. By Natalie Bression, Harry Osle, and Lynne Schneider Market Insight The pressure is mounting on HR to change the balance of the services it offers while keeping costs and headcount in check. The Hackett Group's 2014 Key Issues Study reflects how HR organizations are attempting to successfully shift their service mix and the required enabling capabilities. HR must not let attention slip from integrated talent management and helping to use those processes to further the goals of the business as a whole. Key priorities for the coming year include: • Creating and enhancing partnerships with internal business customers • Effectively managing talent • Building the skills required to obtain maximum value from data The business environment continues to be characterized by high levels of volatility and risk. At the enterprise level, demand volatility has been a recurring theme since the 2008 financial crisis and remains the number-one driver of business strategy. However, other sources of risk and volatility are becoming more prominent. These are related to competition, regulation, and talent. Furthermore, the lingering risk of the global economic crisis is still factored into business strategies by 62 percent of companies participating in our 2014 Key Issues Study. Despite this persistent uncertainty about business conditions, most companies have reverted to their traditional focus on creating value for shareholders through revenue growth and margin improvement. Over half of companies cite revenue growth as their top financial