Most people realize they should make use of HR analytics, but they might not know how to make it happen if they're not good with numbers.

In this article, we'll explore why the misconception of needing to be good with math isn’t true.

First, we'll examine why you should embrace HR analytics even if you're not naturally inclined towards numbers. Then, we'll explore how working with HR analytics is really about understanding the business. Finally, we'll discuss some ways to get started in using HR analytics.

‍You don't need fancy math to understand HR analytics

Don't worry if you don't know the difference between standard deviation and variance or if you think that HR analytics is another area of study for math geeks.

Everyone in the company will be able to benefit from HR analytics and you can help them!

Here's why:

Understanding HR analytics comes down to skills you already have!

HR analytics is all about recognizing patterns, trends, and correlations across a wide range of data.

That doesn’t mean crunching numbers and pulling out 100 lines of code, it means being curious, digging deeper, and having a keen eye for the things that matter. 

The actual technical skills related to HR analytics can be taught and don't require any complex mathematical theories or equations.

In fact, many of the best HR analysts have degrees in liberal arts or other non-STEM disciplines. You’ll find many of the most powerful metrics are easy to understand and very approachable with a little study.

So, if you feel like HR analytics is out of your reach, it’s not. Your math skills are more than likely good enough to get started.

The most important thing is to actually have the desire and to take the time to ask questions about the things you don’t understand. 

‍Knowing the business will set you up for success

Sure, having all the complex practices is good but having a fundamental understanding of the business is sometimes more useful.

In HR analytics having a sound understanding of the business is sometimes more important than making use of the latest technology.

When working with HR analytics, it’s important to take a big picture approach, considering all of the different departments and functions within your company.

This knowledge and perspective will help you to identify patterns and trends within the business that the data can’t tell you.

Read: HR Analytics as a Key Driver of Business Success

It’s a bit of an art and a science and every business is unique.

The more time you take to understand the business the more powerful your ability to analyze the data will be.

This is something that has a huge multiplier effect - as you continue to analyze the data, you’ll discover patterns and inefficiencies and you’ll understand the workings of your company even more. 

‍You can get started quicker than you think

Getting started with HR analytics at your company can seem challenging at first. However, there are a few things you can do to get started.

First, read up on the basics of HR analytics and understand the different concepts that make up this field.

This can be done by reading books, blogs, or articles on the topic. 

P.S. We at eqtble have an entire page dedicated to HR metrics so you can know where to start!

Second, find ways to practice your skills.

Start small - you can begin by looking at the data you already have and trying to understand some of the causes that may have led to it. 

For example, let's say you have access to recruiting metrics, such as how many candidates apply for open positions.

You may find that you can start to identify and predict some of the factors that impact your candidate pool, such as which job sources receive more applicants or if certain parts of the organization receive more applications than others.

Or, you might try and look into your exit survey data and try to identify the main reasons that lead to employees leaving your company.

By doing this, you'll be able to build your knowledge base and confidence in working with HR analytics.

‍Wrapping it up

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the thought of HR analytics, don't worry - you already have the skills you need to be successful.

The more you learn about business and how different departments interact with each other, the better equipped you'll be to understand and analyze HR data.

And if you want to get started quickly, there are a few things you can do today to start honing your HR analytics skills.

So, embrace your analytical and creative thinking skills and get started on a path to understanding more about your company and the people within it today!

Want to get up and running quickly? 

Eqtble connects all your HRIS, ATS, and other HR data sources to build a unified view of your workforce.

In just a few clicks, you can gain insights into your workforce that would take weeks – or even months – to uncover using spreadsheets and manual processes.

Click here to get started.