What is People Operation
People Operations, or “People Ops,” is a modern way of handling and improving how a company manages its people. It’s all about making sure everyone is their most productive self and feels good at work. This includes creating a happy workplace, helping employees grow, and making sure they’re engaged. It’s like the buddy system for companies!
Here, we will discover:
Structure of people operations team
In small companies, one person might do everything, such as being People Operations, Human Resources, and Talent Acquisition all at once. But in bigger companies, the People Operations team gets bigger too, with different people focusing on different parts of how employees experience their time at work. Let us categorize this based on companies’ size
Smaller companies
- Individual specialist: one person meaning all People Ops tasks, including HR and talent acquisition
Medium to large companies
- People operations manager: Overseeing the entire People Ops function, and coordinating different areas
- Talent Acquisition specialist: Focusing on hiring and recruitment
- HR Generalist: Handling employee relations and day-to-day HR tasks
Very large organizations
- Chief people officer (CPO) or head of people: Leading the entire People Operations department
- Specialized teams: further division of roles like Employee Relations Team, Recruitment team, Learning and Development.
This structure may vary, and some organizations may use different titles or combine roles based on their specific needs and industry.
People Operations Role and Responsibilities
In organizations and companies, having clear roles and responsibilities is like having a game plan for everyone. It helps people know what to do, work together smoothly, and create a happy and successful team. Here is an insight on People Ops:
- Update and make old HR systems digital, like the computer programs for paying people and tracking job applicants.
- Treat employees like special customers and make sure they are happy.
- Help employees every day with questions about benefits and company rules.
- Keep an eye on important figures like how many people leave the company and how long it takes to hire new ones.
- Welcome new employees and make sure they have everything they need to work.
Overall, people operations are about making work life better for everyone. Depending on how big a company is, there might be one person doing this job or a whole team taking care of everything from welcoming new folks to making sure everyone is happy at work.
Difference between HR and People Ops
HR (Human Resources) and People Operations are terms often used interchangeably, but some organizations make distinctions based on their approach. Here’s a simple breakdown of the difference:
HR (Human Resources)
- Does paperwork and admin tasks.
- Enforces rules and policies.
- Focus on following organizational laws and regulations.
People Operations
- Modern approach.
- Cares more about people and the big picture.
- Aims to create a happy work culture.
- Focus on keeping employees engaged and making sure everyone feels good overall.
In simpler terms, HR is like the rule-keeper, making sure everyone follows the company’s rules. On the other hand, People Operations is more about making sure everyone feels happy and works well together. It’s like the friendlier side of managing a team.
Conclusion
People Operations is all about making work a great place for everyone. It’s the modern way of managing employees, focusing on happiness, teamwork, and creating a positive work culture. From updating old systems to welcoming new team members, People Ops aims to empower employees and make their daily work life better.
The role can vary, with some companies having one specialist or an entire team dedicated to enhancing the entire employee journey. In a nutshell, People Operations is the friendly face of managing a team, ensuring everyone feels valued and works together happily.
FAQs
What does a People Operations Specialist do?
A People Ops Specialist makes sure all the paperwork about employees is correct and updated. They check data, answer questions, and help new people get started. They also team up with others, like the hiring team, to make everything smooth for everyone.
What skills do you need for a People Operations Specialist position?
To be good at the People Operations Specialist job, you need certain skills. You should be good with computer stuff like Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. It’s also helpful to know about HRIS and payroll systems.
You should be able to figure out and solve problems and know a lot about Human Resources rules and laws. Basically, you need to be a pro at using computers and know a lot about making sure everyone at work is treated right.