The role of human resources (HR) has evolved significantly, transforming from a department focused on administrative tasks like payroll and benefits to a key player in shaping company culture, talent acquisition, and employee retention. As the former head of human resources at both BGI and BlackRock, Jeff Smith has seen this evolution firsthand and understands the strategic importance of HR in today’s business world.
The Changing Face of HR Careers
In the past, HR was often viewed as a purely administrative function that ensured that workplace policies were enforced, employees were paid on time, and benefits were distributed. According to Jeff Smith, former HR Executive at Blackrock, HR departments were often seen as static and unchanging. “For years, I think it was easy just to have administrative HR departments because I don’t think people saw a need for anything else. There was no real imagination about it because there was no perceived issue or need,” he explains.
However, the rise of knowledge work has created the need for a more dynamic HR approach. HR departments are now responsible for aligning talent strategies with business goals, promoting company culture, and supporting leadership teams in achieving long-term objectives. HR professionals have become essential players in the modern workplace, helping companies navigate the ever-changing landscape of remote work, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and fierce competition for top talent.
The Skills Required for Modern HR Success
Today, the skills needed to succeed in HR go far beyond traditional administrative capabilities. With remote work becoming more prevalent, an increased focus on diversity and inclusion, and the need to attract the best talent, HR professionals must continually adapt to stay relevant. According to Jeff Smith, the days of rigid career paths within HR are over. “In today’s workplace, the most valuable HR professionals often tend to have diverse educational and business backgrounds and a genuine curiosity about people and how organizations work,” he says.
Smith emphasizes that the right fit for HR today depends more on personality, skills, and cultural alignment than on industry-specific knowledge. “It’s much easier to learn an industry than to change your skills, personality, and fit for the culture,” he adds. This has shifted how organizations approach HR hiring, focusing more on emotional intelligence, adaptability, and leadership capabilities.
Mastering the Art of Interviewing and Hiring
One of the core responsibilities of HR is finding and hiring the right people. However, this task has become more challenging in recent years. Skilled candidates often juggle multiple offers, making it more difficult to secure top talent. As Smith points out, successful hiring is a two-way street. “I always point out that this is a conversation, and we are looking for fit in both directions. In other words, I care as much that the candidate is evaluating me and my team and organization as we are evaluating them. For it to work, it needs to work both ways.”
To navigate these challenges, HR professionals must evaluate candidates for fit and sell the company’s culture, mission, and employee value proposition. With many interviews now taking place virtually, HR teams must be adept at using video platforms and ensuring the remote hiring experience is as smooth and engaging as possible. Additionally, understanding current compensation trends, flexible work arrangements, and what candidates value in a potential employer can give companies a competitive edge.
Retaining Top Talent
Once an organization has secured top talent, retaining it becomes the next major challenge. Employee retention is more critical than ever as job-hopping has become more common in today’s workforce. HR professionals must go beyond standard perks and performance reviews to keep employees engaged and motivated. Smith advocates cultivating a culture of feedback and continuous development to keep employees satisfied and growing within the organization.
“I think it’s a huge advantage to have the best talent motivated and incentivized to make decisions for the company in a way they would about themselves,” says Smith. Tailoring career paths, providing mentorship opportunities, and creating customized growth plans can enhance employee loyalty and discourage turnover among top performers.
Navigating the New World of Remote Work
The COVID-19 pandemic revolutionized how many organizations operate, with remote and hybrid work models becoming the new norm. While some companies have implemented return-to-office policies, a significant portion of the workforce prefers remote flexibility. Smith believes crafting hybrid workforce models that align with company needs and employee preferences is one of HR’s most critical challenges today.
“I am a believer in hybrid,” says Smith. “Ultimately, it comes down to the job, the company, and what needs to be done. The hard part is if you let every group and manager decide, you will have uneven and likely biased processes and policies. Hence, you must balance that with some central policy and have flexibility and exceptions.” He emphasizes gathering qualitative and quantitative data to create fair and effective remote work policies that maximize productivity.
Shaping Organizational Culture
HR professionals have played a much more significant role in building and maintaining healthy organizational cultures. Toxic work environments can severely hinder productivity, innovation, and engagement. In contrast, a culture that promotes transparency, psychological safety, and open communication leads to sustainable high performance. Jeff Smith advocates creating forums where employees can share ideas, feedback, and concerns without fear of retribution.
HR teams can use tools like anonymous surveys, focus groups, and skip-level meetings to monitor the organization’s culture and address any issues early on. Holding leadership accountable for fostering a culture of openness and transparency ensures employees feel heard and valued.
The Future of HR
The modern HR role has become one of the most dynamic and essential functions within any organization. HR professionals are no longer confined to administrative tasks—they are strategic partners who shape the company’s culture, support leadership teams and drive talent strategies that ensure long-term success.
“It’s important to build a foundation,” says Smith. “Pay people right, have great hiring practices, develop your leaders, have a culture of feedback, ensure leaders know their expectations. Then innovate on top of that.”
As HR continues to evolve, professionals like Jeff Smith remain at the forefront. They help organizations navigate the complexities of the modern workplace while building environments where people thrive.