The Power of Systemic Business Analytics
The Josh Bersin Company
Research, advisory, and education on the trends, technologies, and best practices for the new world of work.
The world of People Analytics has evolved tremendously over the last two decades, growing from a niche HR function into a cornerstone of organizational strategy. In our newly released report, The Definitive Guide to People Analytics: The Journey to Systemic Business Analytics, we shine a light on this transformation and offer a roadmap for companies to unlock the true potential of analytics. Read on for the highlights!
From HR Metrics to Systemic Business Analytics
Only 10% of companies today operate at the level of "systemic business analytics," expanding people analytics from an academic, research-focused HR discipline to a pragmatic, action-oriented business function. This advanced state goes beyond traditional HR metrics and aims to solve critical business problems such as productivity, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
The growth in people analytics is no coincidence. As human capital became a central driver of business success, organizations began to pair this shift with the exponential rise in available data. People analytics teams, now often staffed by data scientists, industrial psychologists, even AI experts, are gradually moving from supporting HR to being indispensable to core business operations.
Despite this progress, most organizations are stuck in earlier stages of maturity. They focus narrowly on internal HR efficiency while senior leaders demand insights that address broader business challenges. Closing this gap requires a fundamental rethinking of how data is used, shared, and acted upon.
What Does "Systemic" Mean?
At its core, systemic business analytics involves weaving data-driven decision-making into the fabric of the organization. Mature teams don't just report metrics—they act as "data consultants," integrating insights from people, work, organizational, and financial data, including datasets from outside the organization such as labor market insights. The focus is set on solving problems and influencing action.
In our report we identify a few key hallmarks of high-performing teams in this space:
Proactive Problem Solving: Teams collaborate closely with leadership to identify and prioritize pressing business challenges.
Root Cause Analysis: These organizations "fall in love with the problem, not the solution." They dig deep to uncover underlying causes.
Accountability and Action: Insights are useless without action. Top teams empower stakeholders to take ownership and drive change.
Why Does Systemic Business Analytics Matter?
The business case for systemic analytics is compelling. Organizations excelling in this area are more likely to exceed financial targets, adapt to change, and achieve high levels of productivity and engagement. They also lead in fostering innovation—critical in today's fast-moving business environment.
But getting there isn’t easy. It requires more than advanced tools or skilled analysts. Success demands a shift in culture, where data is democratized, and decision-making is grounded in evidence. Leaders must embrace technologies like AI and predictive analytics to scale insights and make forward-looking decisions.
Steps to Maturity
So, how can companies move toward systemic business analytics? In our report we outline several actionable steps:
Adopt a Data-Driven Culture: Democratize access to data and empower teams at all levels to use it in decision-making.
Focus on Business Outcomes: Shift from measuring HR processes to addressing strategic business challenges.
Leverage Technology: Invest in tools that enable predictive analytics and real-time insights.
Commit to Learning and Iteration: Analytics is a journey, not a destination. Continuous improvement is key.
The Definitive Guide to People Analytics presents a comprehensive framework for Systemic Business Analytics, detailing five elements and 19 dimensions for success. We also categorize organizations into four maturity levels, helping leaders benchmark their progress and identify next steps.
A Call to Action for Leaders
Systemic Business Analytics isn't just a function—it's a strategic capability that can transform how companies operate and compete. As our research report emphasizes, it’s not about the size of your analytics team or the sophistication of your technology. It’s about how you use your data to make better decisions and drive meaningful outcomes.
Leaders must take the reins in championing this shift. By prioritizing analytics as a critical enabler of transformation, they can ensure their organizations are prepared to meet today’s challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities.
Where to Begin?
The journey starts with asking the right questions:
Are we aligning our analytics efforts with the most critical business priorities?
Do we have the right mix of technology, talent, and culture to enable systemic analytics?
How can we democratize data and foster a mindset of curiosity and problem-solving?
As companies begin to address these questions, they’ll uncover new ways to innovate, grow, and deliver value.
Final Thoughts
The Definitive Guide to People Analytics serves as a practical guide for organizations looking to embrace systemic business analytics. With actionable insights, a clear maturity model, and real-life case studies from leading organizations, it serves as an invaluable resource for leaders ready to take their analytics capabilities to the next level.
As the business landscape grows increasingly complex, the ability to leverage data for proactive, systemic decision-making will separate the leaders from the laggards. The question is: Where does your organization stand today, and how far are you willing to go?
It’s time to elevate people analytics from a back-office function to a driver of transformation. The tools, talent, and technology are ready. The next move is yours.
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The Definitive Guide to People Analytics: The Journey to Systemic Business Analytics report is available to exclusively to members in the portal. Interested but not a member? We invite you to inquire about Corporate Membership on this page.