After months of discussion and 755 submissions, the final report of the independent review of the Australian Public Service (APS) was submitted in September. It is the largest major review of its kind in 40 years, and one of the key priorities for change outlined by the panel includes the continued investment into capability and talent management.
Outdated HR processes, ad-hoc workforce planning, skills gaps and a lack of focus on people assets have been recognised as barriers to creating what Prime Minister Scott Morrison has described a public service workforce with a “laser-like focus” on citizens. These trends aren’t just affecting the public service, they’re also apparent across industries in the private sector, as businesses scramble to transform and keep up with evolving work environments.
So how can the APS, along with other organisations invest in capability and talent management to retain and leverage their current workforce in an increasingly complex and technology driven environment?
Integrate HR and L&D into the business strategy
In many organisations, human resources (HR) and leadership and development (L&D) operate separately to the C-level, but to achieve success in any industry, these departments need to move from a process function to more of a strategic partner, driving people outcomes.
This is increasingly important in the current climate of technological change, forcing organisations across both the private and public sectors to transform to keep up and leverage new technologies.
Harvard Business Publishing’s 2018 State of Leadership Report showed only 50 per cent of managers consider leadership development as a significant part of reaching organisational transformation plans. But those who see leadership development as crucial to the process are 29 times more likely to have a successful transformation than those who don’t view this as a key factor.
Although financial goals are often prioritised in these strategies, working closely with HR and L&D team to ensure you have the talent required to achieve the goals is equally important.
Investment in training and mentoring
A key consideration during the APS review was the finding that a lack of career development and progression is the primary reason stated by people leaving the APS. In recent years employees have started taking a more active approach to their own professional development. In fact, research has found more than 80 per cent of employees would quit their jobs for better development opportunities, making it more important than ever to invest in training and mentorship to retain top talent.
A key driver for these changes is the increasingly younger workforce – millennials make up almost half of Australia’s workforce. They prefer flexible work options, prioritise training and development, and are staying in jobs for shorter periods than their older counterparts. So, investing in employee development through training and mentoring is an investment in your current talent, as well as attracting new talent.
Presenteeism should be discouraged
One of the most encouraged behaviours I’ve seen currently in the APS is the issue of presenteeism – when employees come to work through illness or other conditions that affect their performance. Unfortunately we still have a culture where people feel pressured to come to the office when they’re sick, because it makes you appear more dedicated.
Not only does this behaviour stop workers from getting the rest they need to recover, it’s also costly to the organisation. Research has found that presenteeism can cut an employee’s performance by a third or more, and can sometimes be invisible. Unlike when someone calls in sick, you can’t always tell when someone is unwell if they’re at work.
Sick employees aren’t just less effective, they also pose other risks including; spreading their sickness in the workplace, increased chance of accidents, and a reduced level of customer service. Discouraging presenteeism creates a healthier workplace where employees feel comfortable talking to managers, taking time off and feeling valued.
Fearless leadership should be encouraged
In the government, along with older private companies, a traditional, hierarchical model of leadership is still prevalent. In contrast, we’re seeing millennial-run start ups and global corporations like Google embracing a brave and courageous style of leadership. Aristotle called courage the first virtue because it makes all other virtues possible.
These organisations realise that fearless leaders are the ones who have the strongest vision, and the ones who will inspire and motivate their teams the most. Fearless leadership means being bold enough to challenge the status quo, and in turn create revolutionary changes. The financial crisis in 2007-2008 showed how the arrogant and self-centred actions of leaders led to the failure of their organisations. Fearless leaders put the organisation and the team first, strengthening employees’ commitment to the company’s mission.
This article, written by Kris Grant, originally appeared in governmentnews.com.au.
Ms Kris Grant joined ASPL Group in 2012 as Managing Director and was appointed CEO in January 2015. Kris oversees the strategy and execution of ASPL Group engagements, as well as developing and leading a highly talented team of industry experts.
With more than 20 years’ experience, Kris’ National client portfolio spans across State and Federal Government as well as strategic client accounts in commercial business sectors including; Telco, Banking, Retail, Aviation, Mining and Health. With each engagement, Kris works closely with the team to ensure the right mix of people, systems and process are in place to provide exceptional client outcomes. She is committed to making a difference in all ASPL engagements and bringing the clients, employees and candidates on the journey which is ASPL’s key differentiator in the marketplace.
As part of ASPL’s people centric approach, Kris specialises in working with a variety of Executives in the Australian and international markets offering leadership coaching. Her program encourages Executives wishing to progress in their careers, a personal approach to their challenges and how to overcome them. Kris is also exceptionally passionate about achieving gender equality and inclusion at every level which is deeply embedded in the fabric ASPL.
Previously, Kris held the position of CFO and COO, Asia Pacific with Drake International. With her extensive commercial experience and expertise in financial and risk management, Kris brings a wealth of experience to lead ASPL Group into the next phase of growth.
