Right person, Right job, Right time

Workforce Management

We are well aware of the rapid pace of change underway in today’s business. New technologies, emerging business models, shifting customer demands and turbulent economic conditions are forcing executives in almost every industry and business function to fundamentally rethink the way they operate.

In response, most organizations have moved quickly to reconfigure their internal functions in IT, finance, supply chain etc, to meet the demands of the new business reality. As the business world evolves, so too have the skills and capabilities required to successfully operate and manage it. 

The opportunities being created by all this change cannot be converted into real business value unless organizations have the right people in the right place at the right time. 

Workforce management (WFM) is all about optimizing how, where, and when work gets done, and who is best suited to do the job. Effective workforce management is a continuous planning process that can streamline operations across all aspects of business. There’s a lot of pressure involved when it comes to finding the right person with the right personality, drive and skill set for a company. 

Defining roles, requirements, and responsibilities in a holistic way across the company and in focused ways for specific projects helps to identify the right people for the job. It may point out a need for new hires in certain areas or a reassigning of existing talent.

Hiring people is one of the most difficult things leaders do, but if done in the right way, it makes everything immensely easier. But most of the time we get in a rush because we are desperate for help and try to take the easy and quick way.  Hiring the right employees can make or break the business.  If a candidate is not loyal to the company, hiring this person could definitely be a problem for the business. Using different methodologies to assess the learning and analytical skills of the candidates is essential. A candidate with confidence is great, but what is really required is a candidate who has the right skills and educational qualifications. 

Organizations that pay close attention to hiring practices are wise to do so.  It is important to ensure that the company hires people with not only the right skills and education, but also the passion for the profession, are intrinsically motivated, and whose values are in alignment with the organization’s culture.

Aiyan Thiruvalluvar says 

செய்வானை நாடி வினைநாடிக் காலத்தோடு

எய்த உணர்ந்து செயல். (516)

कर्ता का लक्षण परख, परख कर्म की रीति ।
संयोजित कर काल से, सौंपों सहित प्रतीति ॥ (५१६)

Explanation by Scholars

Let him act, after having considered the person (whom he is to employ), the deed (he desires to do), and the time which is suitable to it.

செயலாற்ற வல்லவனைத் தேர்ந்து, செய்யப்பட வேண்டிய செயலையும் ஆராய்ந்த, காலமுணர்ந்து அதனைச் செயல்படுத்தவேண்டும்.