The role of the Chief Human Resource Officer has evolved rapidly to meet the human capital needs of organizations operating across multiple regulatory and labor environments. Whereas CHROs once focused on organizations human resources in just one or two countries, today many oversee complex networks of employees on more than one continent and implement workforce development strategies on a global scale. CHROs are especially important now in helping companies navigate the workforce issues associated with expanding into emerging markets, and in developing labor policies to suit different regions of the world while preserving a company’s core culture.
The strategic role of the CHRO has also expanded as workforces are increasingly composed of knowledge workers, and companies have required better systems to compete for scarce high-skilled workers. Rather than focusing exclusively on human resource issues and service delivery, CHROs today must concentrate on creating strong talent pipelines to both enhance organizational decision-making and secure future growth.[6] These changes in the business landscape have required the CHRO to heighten the focus on talent, capabilities and company culture.