CRC Press Lean Human Resources: Redesigning HR Processes for a Culture of Continuous Improvement, Second Edition

Lean Human Resources addresses a critical issue facing organisations undertaking lean transformation or attempting to create a lean culture of continuous improvement. People are the single biggest factor necessary to ensure success, but it is common for the role of the HR department to be overlooked. Cheryl M. Jekiel, who has been implementing Lean initiatives out of HR offices for more than 20 years, defines the people-related approaches and practices required for success. She explains how the HR function must work hand-in-hand with senior leaders to alter the cultural dynamic that keeps employees from leveraging their peak abilities, analysing why so many companies allow this sort of waste to exist and how traditional HR departments have not been especially effective in combating waste. The book provides continuous improvement professionals, executives and business owners with the means to maximize employee potential by showing them how to increase the improvement power of their HR departments. It also helps them understand what lean transformations can achieve with the correct investment of time, funds, resources and leadership approach. It is also the perfect introduction to lean for those working in HR, explaining the role they should take to support lean implementation and help their colleagues achieve their full potential. Much has been learned since the first edition published five years ago based on the hundreds of conversations the author has had about Lean HR with people from all over the world. This new edition brings Lean Human Resources right up-to-date. Review "Businesses succeed or fail on the backs of their people, and particularly by their level of motivation and inspiration from leadership. Leaders who wish to practice lean need to read, study and understand the thinking and practices provided by Lean Human Resources." Ron Harper, President/CEO Cogent Power Inc. "People are the single biggest factor necessary to ensure business success. They drive results, access to capital and innovation. Jekiel’s powerful combination of Lean practice with the functional impact of Human Resources, for organizations who embrace this principle, creates sustainable growth and value creation." Sylvia Wulf, CEO AquaBountysino "Seek to create an organization that attracts and retains top performers? It begins with building the foundation for excellence―and not just operationally. Human resource’s role in an organization must shift from transactional work to being vital partner in the transformation process. Jekiel’s Lean Human Resources is a must-read for accomplishing this transition and places HR where it should be―at the center of transformation." Karin Martin, TKMG "Lean at its core is a people development system. Further the objective of Lean is to create an adaptive culture that makes continuous improvement a way of life. This is why HR must be ‘at the table’ and be a true partner of any Lean transformation. The author provides clarity of HR’s role and a path to get there. Cheryl’s rich experience fuels a powerful and passionate voice. It is a must read for anyone interested in creating a highly performing HR function in his or her organization." Drew Locher, Change Management Associates About the Author Cheryl M Jekiel is the Founder of the Lean Leadership Resource Center (LLRC). Her team helps innovative companies and organizations weave principles of operational excellence into the fabric of their company culture to get sustainable, improving results. Ms. Jekiel has held senior executive roles as a Chief Operating Officer, Vice President of HR and several other leadership roles in manufacturing. Ms. Jekiel has developed an expertise in Lean manufacturing with a particular focus on Lean cultures. As the author of "Lean Human Resources: Redesigning HR Practices for a Culture of Continuous Improvement", Ms. Jekiel is committed to building Lean HR as a recognized field