The world of work is in a constant state of flux, with shifting employee expectations, hybrid working, and AI and automation being key drivers of change. With this rapid pace of change showing no sign of abating, we explore how the HR function should be organised to serve organisations and their people - both now and in the future. 

In this series, we analyse current thinking to understand how and why people teams are reimagining their operating models. We interviewed senior people professionals across the private, public and third sectors, in organisations ranging from 1,000 to 330,000 employees, to find out:

  • what factors are driving operating model transformations
  • whether current operating models serve future needs
  • which new models are emerging
  • what makes an effective HR operating model transformation
  • how the role of the HR business partner is evolving.

Our podcast and first thought leadership article provide insights gained from pioneers who are leading the way in HR operating model transformation, reflecting on current practice, the key drivers of change and emerging models.

Our growing series of accompanying case studies reflects the real-life experiences of people functions that have recently evolved their operating model, exploring why it was necessary, the changes implemented and the outcomes achieved - both for the function and the organisation – as well as the challenges faced and their top tips on how to make any transformation successful.  

Read on if you are considering a review of your own operating model.

What makes an effective HR
operating transformation?

We look at how investing in digital technologies, HR skills and culture drive success in restructured people functions

View thought leadership
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More in this series

Thought leadership

Critical role of HR business partnering in HR operating models

How can people teams balance line managers’ need for operational people management support while growing their team’s strategic influence through the HRBP role?

Thought leadership

What makes an effective HR operating model transformation?

We look at how investing in digital technologies, HR skills and culture drive success in restructured people functions

Thought leadership

How are organisations transforming their HR operating models?

We look at the main focus areas and share practical examples from organisations who are optimising their HR operating model

Thought leadership

Do current HR operating models serve future needs?

We look at what’s driving change in HR structures, what emerging models look like and what to consider when evolving your current model

Podcast

HR's next top operating model

Is the traditional HR operating model still fit-for-purpose or do we need to consider a new model?

Case study

Transforming the HR operating model: Homebase

A case study on moving to a lean, strategic HR model that operates more efficiently to support business objectives

Case study

Transforming the HR operating model: Firstsource

A case study on maturing the HR model to align to the changing needs of the business, building capability, and introducing a dedicated team focused on employee engagement

Case study

Transforming the HR operating model: Peabody

A case study on developing strategic partners, aligning teams, increasing data analytics skill, and transitioning the L&D team into an internal academy

Case study

Transforming the HR operating model: Tesco

A case study of a people function shifting to a four-pillar model to deliver a more consistent employee experience throughout the organisation

Case study

Transforming the HR operating model: NatWest Group

A case study of an HR function shifting from an Ulrich+ model towards an employee experience-driven model

Share
your experience

Have you transformed your operating model?

The CIPD would love to hear about your journey.

Get in touch
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Earlier research on changing HR
operating models

A collection of thought leadership articles from lead thinkers, academics, practitioners and consultants on the future of the HR function

View our 2015 research
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Topics A-Z

Browse our A–Z catalogue of information, guidance and resources covering all aspects of people practice.

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Bullying
and harassment

Discover our practice guidance and recommendations to tackle bullying and harassment in the workplace.

View our resources

More on this topic

Thought leadership
Critical role of HR business partnering in HR operating models

How can people teams balance line managers’ need for operational people management support while growing their team’s strategic influence through the HRBP role?

Thought leadership
What makes an effective HR operating model transformation?

We look at how investing in digital technologies, HR skills and culture drive success in restructured people functions

Case study
Transforming the HR operating model: NatWest Group

A case study of an HR function shifting from an Ulrich+ model towards an employee experience-driven model

Case study
Transforming the HR operating model: Tesco

A case study of a people function shifting to a four-pillar model to deliver a more consistent employee experience throughout the organisation

More thought leadership

Thought leadership
How L&D can create value: Focusing on skills development

How can L&D teams create value and impact and improve performance through focusing on skills development?

Thought leadership
Critical role of HR business partnering in HR operating models

How can people teams balance line managers’ need for operational people management support while growing their team’s strategic influence through the HRBP role?

Thought leadership
Analysis | Quantifying the impact of generative AI on HR

We examine and outline recent research investigating the impact of generative AI tools on the HR profession

Thought leadership
What makes an effective HR operating model transformation?

We look at how investing in digital technologies, HR skills and culture drive success in restructured people functions