Outokumpu

Johann Steiner

Johann Steiner has been working in the field of human resources for over 25 years. Johann started his career as an HR trainee at Commerzbank AG, before moving on to Towers Perrin, where he worked as a senior consultant. In 1999, he joined EADS as VP of executive policies, and then moved to Clariant in 2002, where they became head of group HR and a member of the management board. In 2010, Johann joined Humatica AG as a senior partner, before taking on their current role as CHRO at Outokumpu in 2012. At Outokumpu, Steiner is responsible for leading the company's human resources strategy, including talent acquisition, employee development, and workforce planning. He also oversees the company's diversity and inclusion efforts, as well as its employee engagement initiatives.

What are some of the challenges impacting HR space today?

Creating an atmosphere where employees can perform at their best is the main problem facing the HR sector. This entails creating structures and offering assistance so that talent can develop and expand. Another big problem is finding talent that is in line with the goals of the business. Diversity and inclusion are crucial strategies to tapping into all the talent tools available and making the organization more welcoming and receptive to individuals from different backgrounds. However these subjects are only seen as prerequisites for the fundamental problem, which is to create a workplace where everyone can participate and help the business succeed.

"Being a good leader does not necessitate being particularly scientific or analytical; rather, it is a matter of treating people properly."

Instead of only concentrating on the organizations peripheral concerns, HR should focus more on the core business. In order to create plans and activities that promote an outstanding culture and support organizational performance, HR professionals should collaborate closely with other business executives. HR can assist in ensuring that the firm recruits and keeps the finest employees, maximizes productivity, and meets its overall business objectives by doing this.

Technology plays a critical role in enhancing HR procedures and making them more effective and practical for staff members. Yet it's important to keep in mind that technology is not a panacea for all HR issues. To succeed in their professions, HR professionals still need to provide strategic and tactical counsel to CEOs. To make sure that HR efforts complement the objectives of the organization and that HR strategies are in line with business objectives, HR professionals must collaborate closely with the leadership team.

As HR continues to evolve and change, it is more crucial than ever to manage data and give stakeholders a customer-centric experience. To make wise choices about HR projects and programs, HR professionals must gather, analyze, and interpret data. Additionally, they must make certain that HR services are created with the employee in mind, offering a great experience and satisfying their demands. By fostering a strong culture of excellence and increasing productivity through successful HR strategies and initiatives, HR should ultimately aim to promote organizational success.

What would be your piece of advice for budding professionals in the field?

As majority of company decisions are based on common sense, especially in HR companies. My recommendation is to avoid overcomplicating matters and making them appear obscure, and instead emphasize on the significance of treating people with respect, gratitude, and care. Being a good leader does not necessitate being particularly scientific or analytical; rather, it is a matter of treating people properly.