How to save HR — Introduction

Human Resources is perched on the edge of falling into irrelevance. Companies are outsourcing typical HR functions to India. Management often doesn't take HR seriously, viewing them as the nice, social-workerish people (usually women) who take care of the I-9 forms and the orientation tours. Last year's cover story in Fast Company "Why We Hate HR" showed how dire the HR situation is.

[If you haven't read the article, written by Keith H. Hammonds, click here and read it now. I'll wait. The story touched off a firestorm, offending most HR professionals. It is essential reading for anyone who cares about HR.]

So how do we save HR? As an employment lawyer who deals with HR professionals constantly, I've been gathering ideas for a solution. A manifesto, if you will, for keeping HR relevant. Over the coming few weeks, I'll share with you my keys to saving HR. To get you thinking, I'll preview the first step:

Step 1 — Change the altitude: Move HR to C-level

Stay tuned ...