"HR plays such a pivotal role. Now is the chance for HR to be the strategic player in the boardroom.”
That was the message from SuccessFactors global vice president of product marketing Rob Bernshteyn as he kicked off his keynote on Day One of the SuccessConnect conference in Paris. “We're in a completely different situation today than we were two or three years ago. The situation is somewhat bleak. We face a global recession. It means some confusion and some decision paralysis. It means change in the way you deal with human capital in your business.
“There are some initial reactions from companies. One is defensive. Let's reduce budgets. Let's retain key customers and get greater share of wallet. Let's cut headcount without thinking about long term. Some take offensive posture. Let's seize buying opportunities and unify the workforce. Whatever the reaction, the workforce will have to do something completely different. We all know that the workforce is 70% of the operating expenses of company. You want to hold on to your top talent.