A Logical, Proven Framework for Understanding the Economic Value of Human Resources Investments
- How to choose Human Resources investments that deliver optimal strategic value–and eliminate those that don’t
- Best-practice metrics and analysis techniques for talent management, performance management, health and wellness programs, and much more
Investing in People introduces a breakthrough approach to Human Resources (HR) measurement that systematically aligns HR investments with organizational goals and helps make HR the true strategic partner it needs to be. Wayne F. Cascio and John W. Boudreau show exactly how to choose, implement, and use metrics to improve decision-making, optimize organizational effectiveness, and maximize the value of HR investments.
You’ll master crucial foundational principles such as risk, return, and economies of scale–and use them to evaluate investments objectively in everything from work/life programs to training. Cascio and Boudreau also introduce powerful ways to integrate HR with enterprise strategy and budgeting and for gaining commitment from business leaders outside the HR function.
If you truly want “a seat at the table”–or if you want to keep the one you have–you’ll find this book utterly indispensable.
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Foreword xi
Acknowledgments xiii
About the Authors xiv
Preface xv
Plan for the Book xvii
Chapter 1: Making HR Measurement Strategic 1
Chapter 2: Analytical Foundations of HR Measurement 21
Chapter 3: The Hidden Costs of Absenteeism 43
Chapter 4: The High Cost of Employee Separations 67
Chapter 5: Employee Health, Wellness, and Welfare 99
Chapter 6: Employee Attitudes and Engagement 125
Chapter 7: Financial Effects of Work-Life Programs 151
Chapter 8: Staffing Utility: The Concept and Its Measurement 171
Chapter 9: The Economic Value of Job Performance 195
Chapter 10: The Payoff from Enhanced Selection 223
Chapter 11: Costs and Benefits of HR Development Programs 245
Chapter 12: Talent-Investment Analysis: Catalyst for Change 271
Appendix A: The Taylor-Russell Tables 285
Appendix B: The Naylor-Shine Table for Determining the Increase in Mean Criterion Score Obtained by Using a Selection Device 297
Index 309
Wayne F. Cascio is US Bank Term Professor of Management at the University of Colorado Denver. A Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources, Academy of Management, and American Psychological Association, he has received the Distinguished Career award from the Human Resources Division of the Academy of Management. He authored the classic Costing Human Resources.
John W. Boudreau is Research Director at the Center for Effective Organizations, and Professor of Management and Organization at the Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California. A Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources, he has received scholarly contribution awards from the Academy of Management. He is recognized worldwide for breakthrough research on links between human capital and competitive advantage.
