HR Directors Consensus, The role of the HR Director.

In the corporate pecking order, the role of the HR Director has often played
second fiddle to the more commercially driven aspects of corporate operations. While business savvy CEO’s have long recognised HR’s strategic importance, the coronavirus pandemic has underscored the role of the HR Director as one of the most important functions for organisations worldwide.

Never have boards and executive teams relied on the calibre of their HR Directors as they do today. With this in mind, Principal Connections conducted a research programme between 19th and 30th of October 2020, to investigate the current disposition of the HR Director functional role in Ireland. The objective was to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of what the role of HR Director now means, through capturing
the views of those who understand it best.

The survey was conducted using an online survey methodology. Potential respondents were emailed and invited to participate. In addition the survey was also distributed
through social media. The survey was conducted in line with best practice as
laid down by ESOMAR – the European Market Research Organisation and AIMRO – the Association of Irish Market Research Organisations.

According to the findings of the study, the following conclusions can be drawn….

• 4 in 5 feel valued in their current role…
• 9 in 10 work more than an average of 39 hours each week…
• 4 in 10 are formal members of the board…
• Change management is the most valuable career experience…
• Strategic Vision, Transformation and Emotional Intelligence are today’s top competencies
• 7 in 10 feel there is a ‘ready now’ successor to assume their role…
• To be a Group CHRO represents the long-term career ambition of 3 in 10…
• Greater involvement in strategic planning for the business is how the role has changed       most…
• To act as a trusted strategic advisor is a CEO’s top expectation…
• Covid-19 and its impact is most likely to keep one awake at night…
• Annual Review is the top method of measuring performance…
• Conferences, Newsletters and the Internet are the top 3 ways of keeping informed…
• 1 in 3 secured their current position through an executive search firm…
• Culture and Values is the foremost consideration when considering a new role…
• 1 in 3 have a fixed remuneration in excess of €150k…
• 1 in 3 expect to receive a bonus of between 10 – 25% for 2020…
• Pension, Sick Leave and Death in Service are the most common benefits received…
• 3 in 4 have a notice period of 3 months or longer..

If you would like to receive a complimentary copy of the HR Directors Consensus 2020, please Register an Interest