Beyond the numbers: humanising data to drive meaningful workplace change

At the end of 2024, we hosted Flexa's Evolution of Work Summit, where an exceptional panel of industry leaders came together to tackle a vital question:  How do we transform workplace data into meaningful changes that actually improve employee experiences?

Our expert panel included:

• Ailish McLaughlin, Head of Product at Flexa, bringing academic rigour and practical innovation with her background in data analytics
• Alex Her, Co-Founder of The EB Space, offering rich expertise in employer branding and recruitment marketing
• Debbie Fraser, Head of Talent Acquisition EMEA at Boomi, sharing practical perspectives on using data to drive recruitment success

In an era of big data and analytics, organisations are collecting more workplace data than ever before. Yet many struggle to translate these insights into meaningful changes that improve employee experiences. Our expert panel shared their insights on bridging the gap between data points and human impact.

Here are the key takeaways from our discussion:

People first, data second

Our panelists emphasised that while data is crucial, the human element should never be lost. As Debbie Fraser noted, "We're a people function first and foremost. People make decisions about joining companies based on the relationships they form with the hiring team." This reminder helps ground data-driven decisions in human experience.

Key challenges in HR data

The panel identified several critical challenges organisations face:

• Measuring quality of hire effectively
• Balancing diversity data collection with privacy concerns
• Understanding varying work preferences across different demographics
• Integrating multiple HR systems while maintaining data integrity

Making data meaningful

Alex Her shared a powerful perspective, comparing data to public speaking: "You always get butterflies in your stomach because it needs to be impactful. If you're throwing numbers out there, you better have a story to tell with that." The panel emphasized the importance of:

• Moving beyond vanity metrics to focus on business outcomes
• Creating feedback loops for continuous improvement
• Using data to enhance, not replace, human judgment
• Measuring what truly matters to employees

Looking forward

The future of workplace data isn't about collecting more information—it's about making that information work for people. Our experts stressed the importance of:

• Using third-party providers for sensitive information gathering
• Creating transparent communication about data usage
• Balancing efficiency with empathy
• Maintaining relationships at the center of decision-making

The session highlighted that while data provides valuable insights, the most successful organisations are those that can effectively balance data-driven decisions with human-centered approaches. As Ailish McLaughlin noted, "We're seeing twice as many Gen Z prioritize diversity in the work environment than millennials. These are all things that are becoming more pertinent and prominent in workplace planning."

Rewatch our 2024 Evolution of Work Summit

In November 2024, we hosted the Evolution of Work Summit, covering a range of impactful topics. Want to explore more? Here are some of the standout sessions from the event:

• Cultural DNA: unlocking aligned talent with your unique company identity
• Mission Possible: Transforming corporate purpose into an irresistible EVP
• Breaking Barriers: Revolutionising inclusive hiring for a diverse tomorrow
• The Parent Trap: is your organisation helping parents thrive, not just survive?

You can watch all the sessions here.