Introduction to People Analytics

Nadeem Khan is a futurist, speaker and consultant. Based in Lancaster, UK, he is Head of Strategy & Growth at Zosh Occupational Health Ltd (ZOHL) and the managing director of Optimizhr Ltd. Dave Millner has 30 years of consulting experience working with global organizations to offer a range of organizational development solutions underpinned by people analytics, based in St. Albans, UK. In 2021 he was named as one of the Most Influential HR Thinkers by HR Magazine.

Chapter - 00: Introducing the framework;


Section - Part One: Context for change;


Chapter - 01: Redefining HR: The context for change;
Chapter - 02: The age of data and people analytics;


Section - Part Two: Making the shift to a data-based approach;


Chapter - 03: The commercial HR mindset;
Chapter - 04: Developing new ways of working;
Chapter - 05: Working with data;


Section - Part Three: People analytics delivering value;


Chapter - 06: A people analytics framework: Laying the foundations through metrics, reporting and core analytical activity;
Chapter - 07: A people analytics framework: Identifying business insights from analytics;
Chapter - 08: Delivering people analytics projects;


Section - Part Four: Looking to the future;


Chapter - 09: How to be more data-driven and people analytics-focused;
Chapter - 10: The road ahead: Turning intent into tomorrow’s people function through people analytics;

"Rarely do I come across a book whose title so undersells its value, scope and practitioner insight as this 'Introduction to People Analytics'. Nadeem and Dave have distilled in a single volume all that a modern HR practitioner needs to know, do and embody to be an effective partner to their organization and a trusted advisor to their senior executives. Whilst fully informing the reader in the operational and strategic use of data and all that is required to be a people analyst it goes far beyond this to cover the broad and essential skills of the modern HR professional at the individual level and the shape, purpose and operating model for the future of the HR function itself. Full of examples of theory into practice, case studies, and thought leadership this is essential reading for every HR practitioner and ought to be the prime textbook in every undergraduate and Masters programme teaching the next generation of HR professionals."

"The second edition provides a deep insight into the world of people analytics and the importance of delivering value within HR. This book will enable HR practitioners to use the power of data to bring real value to all leaders. It's a must for all HR practitioners at all levels as the age of data, analytics and actionable insights is developing at a rapid pace, so go ahead and join the revolution! This book will help you."

"An absolute brilliant book by Khan and Millner on people analytics, and a must-read for every practitioner with the ambition to build a mature and accepted people analytics practice. The book reflects perfectly that people analytics is not only about data and methodologies, but also, or even more, about having a clear strategic alignment with your organization, and having a commercial mindset as HR. I wish I had this book when I started our journey 10 years ago."

"Khan and Millner have built a bridge between HR analytics and value creation. They demonstrate how a pragmatic use of data can help HR practitioners ensure what they are doing is based on a proper analysis of the problem and therefore guarantee that their solutions will add value to the business increasing HR's credibility and impact."

"Written by seasoned HR professionals, this book provides an insight into renowned organizations that have learnt and benefited from adopting this as part of their HR strategy. A must read for HR professionals who understand the importance of analysing data with an aim to align HR strategy with that of the broader business strategy."

"Khan and Millner have further enhanced their excellent roadmap for the HR function to be more data-oriented and analytical in this second edition. They have provided multiple case studies and examples of what HR professionals need to do to become more strategic by adopting a commercial mindset that is rooted in the business and people analytics. A must read for anyone who wants to improve their engagement and impact with the business."

"This second edition has clearly reiterated how data can be transformational in driving strategic people decisions in organizations of any size. With a whole variety of case studies that are relevant to me and my organization, this book has brought to life how data and the insight it provides are relevant for us too. This remains a game-changing contribution to the data discussion."

"This book is invaluable in understanding the purpose of data, how to interpret and analyse it and knowing how to pragmatically apply this effectively within your business. This book is a must read for any HR practitioner who wants to get to grips with understanding the commercial mindset and how data can drive the future of the HR function."

"Nadeem and Dave have managed a nearly impossible task, seamlessly merging HR domain knowledge with practical models from the growing fields of data analytics/science and human capital reporting. This is an essential title for analytics professionals moving into HR and for HR professionals that want to harness the power of analytics for their organization. The quality and clarity of the text and the rich organizational case studies will have me reaching for this book again and again."

"Does what it says on the tin! A truly 'practical guide to data-driven HR' that goes way beyond the basics of how people analytics can add value and gets under your skin to provoke real thinking and ideas. It challenges you to consider what this means for you as a HR professional, for your team, the organization you work in, and the individual experience of each employee - leaving you in no doubt that people analytics is a no brainer."

"This second edition provides a road map and guide to creating a modern people management function within any organization. I particularly liked the model of the HR Service Station vs. the HR Power Station...what would you rather be running? This book is for businesspeople who work in HR and the learnings within this volume will take you to the top of your game allowing you to be the best while managing a constantly changing environment. Just buy it!"

"Data and people analytics are increasingly becoming an important part of the HR function and this book clearly and comprehensively outlines what to do, how to do it and importantly how the HR practitioner needs to change their mindset to embrace more of a data driven approach. It's a must read."

"I commend Khan and Millner for encouraging HR to adopt a commercial approach, and acknowledging that the journey towards data-driven decision-making takes time. Because of the included case studies and thought leadership insights, the book effectively caters to executive needs regardless of where they are on their analytics journey. Everyone can leverage the book's content to make a meaningful impact. In my opinion, this book deserves a prominent place on the bookshelves of all decision-makers."

"Resources are dispensable but people are not! I congratulate the authors on structuring a new view of 'people and analytics' in organizations - a pleasing step ahead of the human resources school. The content is well balanced with graphics and illustrations and this work should be high value reading for practicing managers and scholars of business."

"It is a thought-provoking yet clear narrative that can serve as an excellent starting point for any Strategic HR Manager to think about what the changes in the modern world mean for their function and their business, and how to future-proof them - all based on solid evidence from analytics. The book will be of interest both to HR Managers, Strategic Managers, and consultants working in the area."