However, working in an element of flexibility into HR policies so that the employees’ function, age, gender and other unique factors in their and their family’s lives are considered need not be a monumental task. It does not require a full revamp of the company’s benefits system or a change in organizational structure. Companies simply have to give due consideration into evolving their HR practices such as work life policies or compensation so that employee have a say and are engaged in the decision that impacts themselves.

Hewlett-Packard applied the individual perspective in modernising its compensation policies which are now differentiated across several factors. An example of this is the points-based system for rewards and recognition. This allows an employee, after being nominated for recognition by managers and peers, to tailor his or her rewards from a menu that includes cash, gifts and services that are relevant to their individual wants. The company gets to keep a certain structure and predictability within their rewards system yet the employee gets to choose an incentive he thinks is most rewarding.

Another clear trend emerging from the Web 2.0 era is the blurring of lines between work and personal life. In the baby boomers’ generation, staying in the office later than the boss was considered noble. Work and personal life was clearly separated and loyalty was measured by the number of years spent with the company.

But as the workplace evolves, the notion of ‘going to work’ has become less relevant as work is no longer about the location but the results delivered. Hence, trying to balance the number of hours one spends in the office versus the home is no longer as critical. The notion of work life balance will increasingly be passé as what is truly needed will be workplace policies that propagate work life integration.

The key to capitalising on this transformation, is again, in capturing the ‘I’ component. This is possible by structuring workplace policies that is underlined by trust and respect of the individual. Concepts such as flexi-time, condensed working hours, part time or job share have been practiced for many years now but there is still need for a more progressive mindset in management to recognise and reward the benefits that these practices bring to the company.

For example, at HP, two employees share a single responsibility of managing the supply of personal computers from manufacture to sales departments. They are accustomed to using the same contact details, business notes and team members, each working on different days to the other. Their combined productivity exceeds every expectation, while colleagues and business associates benefit from diverse qualities that would be difficult to find in a single employee.

For these two individual employees, they are able to achieve fulfilment in their careers, offer their employers increased productivity yet achieve their personal life goals all at the same time. Their managers facilitate this process, not just by allowing job share to happen, but also to set appropriate performance objectives that are specific, measurable, realistic and timely.

In view of the macro trends happening around us today, HR practitioners are truly in a unique position to impact workforce engagement more than ever before. Employees today are sophisticated but are also dealing with more demands in their work and personal lives. Let us lead the way in creating workplace environments that encourage creativity and entrepreneurship by celebrating the individual employee.