Welcome to the HR realm, the heartbeat of any thriving Tech enterprise, where the essence lies not just in the code but in the people crafting it. These aren't ordinary folks; they are the crème de la crème, the maestros of their craft. Each demands a bespoke approach, a personalized touch.
In the grand tapestry of HR departments, there exist two extremes: the "People-centric" HR, led by psychologists, where the system falters, and the "Bureaucrats," driven by HR administrators, where the human touch is somewhat amiss. While I won't pretend to have a cure for the latter, I do have a magic wand for the former – it's called the Employee Journey Map (EJM). Today, let's embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of this transformative tool.
Meet the Guide: Alex Starlight
Greetings! I'm Alex Starlight, a seasoned IT manager and a captain navigating the waters of HR intricacies. Having sailed through countless collaborations with HR departments, I've been the architect of HR processes, steering the ship as an HR Director. In my experience, the most effective HR units were a symphony of individuals with a psychological background – empathetic and people-oriented. Of course, the flip side to this professional deformation is a lack of systematization. Luck favored us in some instances, as in my last company, but not everywhere.
The EJM Magic Unveiled
Employee Journey Map (EJM) – the roadmap of an employee's expedition. Adapted from marketing's Customer Journey Map, it's the ingenious tool that charts a course through the employee's various touchpoints with the company. These touchpoints, carefully curated, navigate the employee seamlessly from one interaction to the next, all the way to their farewell dance.
However, there's a nuance compared to its marketing counterpart. While Customer Journey Maps often culminate in a sale, EJM concludes with an employee's departure. The cycle loops within, urging us to ensure employees don't exit prematurely.
The 6 Stages of EJM:
- Hiring
- Onboarding
- Effective Work
- Development
- Termination
- Post-Termination Interaction
The Art of EJM Navigation
Constructing EJM
To embark on this adventure, we must first construct the EJM. Analyze each of the 6 stages through four lenses:
- Touchpoints: Moments and methods of interaction.
- Company's Goals/Issues: Purpose behind the interaction, the problem it solves.
- Employee's Goals/Issues: Employee's expectations and needs.
- Employee's Experience and Feelings: The emotional journey through the interaction.
For example, at the Hiring stage, we encounter points like Company Information, Resume Submission, Recruiter Contact – each a crucial touchpoint in the employee's journey.
Analysis of EJM
With the map in hand, it's time to dissect and decode. What gems does EJM analysis reveal?
- Spot the Strengths and Gaps: Identify well-handled touchpoints and the potential pitfalls.
- Address Duplication: Weed out redundant touchpoints; clarity is key.
- Resolve Conflicting Interactions: Unravel points of conflict, ensuring a smooth journey.
EJM not only paints a vivid picture of HR processes but also unveils areas for improvement and fine-tuning.
Crafting HR Processes
Armed with insights, the next step is to sculpt HR processes. What should your recruiters and HR Business Partners do to ensure positive, effective interactions with employees?
So, there you have it – a joyful, unforced guide to crafting your HR system using EJM. A system that ticks like a clock, propelling your employees along a well-planned trajectory. It's not just efficient; it's the Goldilocks of processes – not too many, not too few, just the right amount.
As you traverse the Tech wonderland, remember, with EJM as your compass, the journey is not just productive; it's a masterpiece in the making.
Bon Voyage on your HR Odyssey!
