McLean & Company’s latest research, Get Started With Lean in HR, provides a practical roadmap for HR teams to adopt Lean methodology, traditionally used in manufacturing, to enhance process efficiency in functions like recruitment and onboarding. By focusing on continuous improvement and respect for people, the research empowers HR leaders to drive strategic value and improve employee experiences.
McLean & Company’s Get Started With Lean in HR outlines how Lean’s core principles—mindset, tools, and competencies—can streamline HR functions. By targeting inefficiencies, such as complex interview scheduling or onboarding workflows, HR teams can achieve measurable improvements without compromising employee experience. The research emphasizes starting small to build momentum, offering practical steps for HR leaders to implement Lean effectively.
“Lean offers a scalable, human-centered framework for doing more with less, without sacrificing the employee experience,” said James Kim, manager, HR Research & Advisory Services at McLean & Company. “By reducing inefficiencies and empowering HR teams to focus on what truly adds value, Lean helps improve both organizational performance and employee wellbeing.”
The 2024 McLean & Company HR Trends Survey reveals that 47% of HR professionals face increased stress, with 95% of HR leaders citing excessive workloads as a primary challenge. Capacity constraints hinder HR’s ability to deliver on strategic priorities. Lean methodology addresses these issues by minimizing process waste, allowing HR teams to focus on high-value tasks. The research also notes that highly effective HR teams, using Lean principles, are over twice as likely to drive innovation, adaptability, and productivity.
The research clarifies that Lean is not solely for financial crises or headcount reductions. Instead, it promotes a continuous improvement mindset that engages employees in meaningful work. By applying Lean, HR can streamline processes like recruitment and onboarding, reducing stress and enhancing outcomes. McLean & Company provides a reflection guide and a catalog of Lean tools, alongside examples of global organizations successfully implementing Lean in HR.
Get Started With Lean in HR positions HR as a key driver of organizational agility. By adopting Lean’s toolkit, HR teams can align with strategic goals, reduce workload pressures, and foster high-performing workplaces. The research encourages HR leaders to embrace Lean to unlock capacity and deliver long-term value.
McLean & Company pairs evidence-based research and immediately applicable tools with deep HR expertise to position organizations to meet today’s needs and prepare for the future. The global HR research and advisory firm’s member organizations enjoy comprehensive resources, full-service diagnostics, workshops, action plans, and advisory services for all levels of HR professionals, from executive leadership to HR leaders to HR team members, that help shape workplaces where everyone thrives.
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