CHRO IN ACTION Putting data to work Numbers have always been a factor in human resources, but today’s CHROs have access to more, better and deeper data than ever before. And as access to it has changed, so has its impact. “Data and insights are paramount for our jobs,” says Donna Morris, Chief People Officer at Walmart. “Years ago, we didn’t have it as real-time, or as accessible as it is today ... If I had to go back 15 years, I’d say it took a lot longer to get predictive insights. And often it was predictive in outcomes, not actually insight. So, if an outcome happened, we assumed it would happen again. It wasn’t as if we could apply logic to data to give us different formulated outcomes and insight.” Now, CHROs are experimenting with artificial intelligence, machine learning and other technological tools that can uncover hidden truths in the numbers—and all faster than ever. Morris’ team put this into play with its 2022 Associate Engagement Survey. By using internal technology to drive the survey in real-time, they were able to draw responses from nearly a million employees in just five days. They then used AI and machine learning capabilities to segment the data and distill qualitative comments into actionable categories and insights. As a result, they could act on the survey results right away, instead of the typical three to five weeks it would normally take to do so. “And, when it comes to DEI and representation,” Morris says, “we are now able to report every six months—armed with real- time data that enables us to be transparent about where we’re at and to be even more accountable to drive progress and change.” Over the years, Morris says the CHRO role has pivoted from a focus on talent and retention to a role focused on furthering the business through organizational growth and people. 26