In the continually-evolving world of work technology and software consulting, one question remains constant: What distinguishes a top consultant? Erica Niesse, Executive Vice President of Implementation at HRchitect, shares her insights into the characteristics that define successful HR consultants. Interwoven with HRchitect’s core principles, Erica provides a practical roadmap for companies entering their HR software implementation journey.
Understanding HRchitect
HRchitect is a prominent consulting firm specializing in Human Capital Management (HCM). Their expertise in guiding businesses through the entire HR technology lifecycle has helped thousands of customers of all sizes and industries, strategize, select, implement and support their HCM systems over the past two decades.
More than half of their consulting team comes from a Human Resources practitioner background, allowing them to pair real-world knowledge with consulting expertise.
Erica, with an 11-year tenure at HRchitect, plays a pivotal role in leading the firm’s implementation practices and concierge managed support services. Erica, sharing her perspective on the company’s ethos, believes that HRchitect transcends conventional consulting; they are industry insiders who possess a deep understanding of the complexities of HR technology.
“At HRchitect, we’re not just consultants; we’re HR practitioners who have expertise with HR technology.”
Importance of Leadership and Work-Life Balance
Erica’s professional journey provides valuable insights into the qualities of an organization that matter. When discussing her move to HRchitect, she emphasized leadership and the company’s robust organizational culture, which places a strong emphasis on work-life balance, as the primary factors influencing her decision to become part of the team. In a field where consulting frequently involves exhaustive travel and burnout, HRchitect has always distinguished itself by offering remote work options – a rarity over a decade ago, showcasing the company’s forward-thinking approach.
“When I joined HRchitect, it was the emphasis on leadership and an environment that celebrated work-life balance which truly resonated with me.”
Global Footprint with UKG
Since 2006, HRchitect has firmly established itself as a premier resource for all things related to UKG.
UKG, having undergone recent mergers and acquisitions, has consistently pioneered advancements in HR, payroll, and workforce management solutions. As Erica pointed out, UKG’s recent expansion into global payroll through its acquisition of Immedis reinforces its formidable global presence in the HR industry.
“Our partnership with UKG is about more than technology. It’s about helping customers to drive genuine business transformations.”
UKG’s innovations align seamlessly with HRchitect’s implementation expertise, building synergies that ensure clients succeed.
Maintaining Consistency and Quality
HRchitect stands out among their peers for having the highest volume of customer reviews, consistently receiving five-star ratings and maintaining a remarkably low project team turnover rate. This level of consistency doesn’t happen by chance. According to Erica, the key to HRchitect’s success is their unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service. They aim for long-term partnerships with their clients rather than short-term contracts. Their consultants, who are experts in the UKG ecosystem, bring extensive experience to the table, offering valuable guidance and effective solutions to clients.
“Our vision isn’t about wrapping up a project. It’s about weaving long-lasting relationships that thrive on trust, quality, and mutual growth.”
The Art of Hiring: HRchitect’s Approach
Hiring the right people for your organization is not just about finding individuals with the right skills, but also those who align with your company’s values and culture. Erica highlighted a noteworthy aspect of their hiring approach is that a substantial portion of their members have a background as HR practitioners. These individuals, who have firsthand experience in running UKG payroll processes from the client’s perspective, bring invaluable practical knowledge to the forefront.
These consultants can offer best practices and strategic insights derived from the dynamic nature of HR roles. In addition to their technical expertise, HRchitect places great importance on a strong cultural fit and a collaborative spirit when evaluating potential new hires.
“We don’t just hire for skill; we bring onboard individuals who’ve lived the HR journey and have faced and learned from its challenges.”
The Five Pillars of Excellence
Raven’s project evaluation framework for assessing customer experiences focuses on five key attributes: system expertise, implementation process, responsiveness, consultant quality, and flexibility & adaptability.
When it comes to responsiveness at HRchitect, effective communication is paramount to achieving success. Clients should feel heard, and regular interactions with consultants are instrumental in building trust. With an average of 10 years of expertise in HCM systems, HRchitect’s consultants ensure that clients are guided by experienced professionals who possess in-depth knowledge of the system. HRchitect’s ability to pivot and adapt is invaluable in the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology.
“For us, responsiveness isn’t just about answering a call. It’s about understanding, empathy, and timely guidance.”
Recognizing and Retaining Top Talent
A low project turnover rate often signals high levels of employee satisfaction, indicating that consultants are content and dedicated to their roles within the organization. At HRchitect, a culture of continuous recognition is cultivated through various means such as “shout-outs”, congratulatory emails, and rewards. This, coupled with a strong emphasis on work-life balance, fosters an environment where consultants not only excel but also thrive.
Employee retention speaks volumes about a company’s ethos. Erica reflected,
“Every ‘thank you’, every shoutout, every small token of appreciation – they’re not just gestures. They’re our commitment to going above and beyond for the people in our organization.”
Final Thoughts
For companies embarking on their HR software implementation journey, Erica’s advice is to prioritize long-term organizational strategy.
“Your HR software’s success isn’t in its implementation but in its alignment with your long-term vision and the change management your organization adopts.”
An effective change management process, coupled with comprehensive user training, lays the foundation for a successful implementation. A clear understanding of the current state is equally critical before envisioning the future.
Erica Niesse’s insights, interwoven with HRchitect’s core principles, provide an clear roadmap. HRchitect is a partner that isn’t just about consulting, but about relationships, expertise, and commitment.
“In the ever-evolving world of HR, we don’t just navigate change; we architect it.”