What are Human Resources OKRs?
The OKR acronym stands for Objectives and Key Results. It's a goal-setting framework that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s, and it became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s. OKRs helps teams has a shared language to set ambitious goals and track progress towards them.
Formulating strong OKRs can be a complex endeavor, particularly for first-timers. Prioritizing outcomes over projects is crucial when developing your plans.
We've tailored a list of OKRs examples for Human Resources to help you. You can look at any of the templates below to get some inspiration for your own goals.
If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.
How to write your own Human Resources OKRs
Option 1. Turn ideas into OKRs with Tability AI
While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here.
You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Click on the "Generate goals using AI" button
- 3. Use natural language to describe your goals
Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.
Watch the video below to see it in action 👇
Option 2. Optimise existing OKRs with Tability Feedback tool
If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Add your existing OKRs (you can import them from a spreadsheet)
- 3. Click on "Generate analysis"
Tability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRsTability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.
You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.
Option 3. Use the free OKR generator
If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.
Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.
Human Resources OKRs examples
You will find in the next section many different Human Resources Objectives and Key Results. We've included strategic initiatives in our templates to give you a better idea of the different between the key results (how we measure progress), and the initiatives (what we do to achieve the results).
Hope you'll find this helpful!
OKRs to complete holistic roadmap for human capital management 2024
ObjectiveComplete holistic roadmap for human capital management 2024
KRDesign 75% of HCM strategy encompassing recruitment, skills development, and retention
Outline tactics for employee retention- Develop a comprehensive recruitment plan
- Design a strategy for skills development
- KRValidate roadmap with 10+ HR experts and incorporate feedback for improvement
- Identify and reach out to 10 HR experts for roadmap review
- Gather and analyze feedback for potential improvements
- Implement feedback into roadmap revisions
- KRIdentify all roadmap components and essential factors in the planning process
- List all components required for the roadmap
- Prioritize components based on their significance
- Identify important elements for strategic planning
OKRs to promote and cultivate a diverse and inclusive workplace culture
- ObjectivePromote and cultivate a diverse and inclusive workplace culture
- KRIncrease the representation of underrepresented groups by 10% in all departments
- Implement mandatory diversity and inclusion training for staff
- Revise promotion policies to ensure equity
- Develop recruitment strategies targeting underrepresented groups
- KRConduct and achieve a 90% participation rate in diversity and inclusion training
- Develop a clear, compelling case for why diversity training is necessary
- Set and communicate clear participation expectations to all employees
- Promote the training through engaging communications
- KRImprove inclusivity score by 15% as measured in quarterly employee engagement survey
- Increase representation across all levels & departments
- Implement regular diversity and inclusivity training workshops
- Foster an open, transparent communication culture
OKRs to improve team performance through effective teamwork and collaboration
- ObjectiveImprove team performance through effective teamwork and collaboration
- KRReduce conflicts within the team by 50% by implementing conflict resolution strategies
- Encourage active listening and empathy among team members during conflicts
- Establish a clear communication protocol to address conflicts promptly
- Implement a mentorship program to provide guidance and support during conflict resolution
- Conduct a team-wide conflict resolution training session
- KRDevelop team members' skills by organizing at least two team-building workshops focused on enhancing collaboration and problem-solving abilities
- KRIncrease team productivity by 20% through enhanced communication and coordination
- Provide effective communication tools and train team members on how to use them
- Implement regular team meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and goals
- Encourage collaboration by assigning cross-functional projects and fostering teamwork
- Develop a centralized system for task tracking, deadlines, and accountability
- KREnhance employee satisfaction and engagement by achieving an average team happiness score of 8 out of 10
- Implement employee recognition programs to celebrate achievements and boost team morale
- Analyze survey results to identify areas for improvement and develop targeted action plans
- Provide regular opportunities for employee feedback and implement suggestions for enhancing happiness
- Conduct quarterly employee satisfaction surveys to measure team happiness score
OKRs to enhance the effectiveness of people management practices
- ObjectiveEnhance the effectiveness of people management practices
- KRIncrease team productivity by 20% through refined people management practices
- Develop communication protocols to streamline information flow
- Introduce peer recognition and reward systems
- Implement weekly team-specific training and skill development sessions
- KRReduce turnover rate by 15% through improved management strategies
- Implement comprehensive management training programs
- Foster a positive and inclusive workplace environment
- Develop clear communication channels between staff and management
- KRImplement feedback collection system for 100% of team members
- Train all team members on how to use the feedback system
- Establish a regular schedule for feedback collection and review
- Select an effective feedback collection tool suitable for the team
OKRs to scale and ensure long-term success of the new team
- ObjectiveScale and ensure long-term success of the new team
- KRImprove team performance by implementing at least 2 training programs to enhance skills
- Implement the selected training programs and track progress through regular evaluations and updates
- Research and select two training programs that align with the identified skill gaps
- Communicate the importance of the training programs and obtain buy-in from team members
- Identify key skill gaps within the team through assessments and evaluations
- KRIncrease team size by hiring and onboarding 3 new members
- Conduct effective interviews and assessments to select the most qualified candidates for the team
- Advertise job openings through various channels to reach a wide pool of potential candidates
- Update job descriptions and qualifications to attract suitable candidates for new team members
- Implement a thorough onboarding process to ensure smooth integration and successful transition for new members
- KREstablish a sustainable workflow that consistently meets team's productivity goals
- Continuously analyze data and adjust workflow as needed to improve productivity and efficiency
- Identify productivity goals and define clear metrics for measuring success
- Streamline workflow processes to eliminate inefficiencies and reduce manual tasks
- Implement regular team meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and brainstorm solutions
- KRAchieve a 90% retention rate of existing team members through effective engagement efforts
OKRs to streamline the entire recruitment process for efficiency
- ObjectiveStreamline the entire recruitment process for efficiency
- KRImprove offer acceptance rate by 10%
- Enhance job descriptions to appeal to more prospective candidates
- Implement faster decision-making in the hiring process
- Provide competitive salaries and benefits as incentives
- KRAchieve a 15% increase in qualified candidate flow
- Enhance employee referral program incentives
- Develop robust, enticing social media recruitment strategies
- Implement a more strategic job posting and advertising plan
- KRReduce average hiring cycle time by 20%
- Regularly update and optimize hiring strategies
- Use technology for efficient candidate screening
- Implement streamlined application and interview procedures
OKRs to enhance the efficiency of internal team communication
- ObjectiveEnhance the efficiency of internal team communication
- KRIncrease usage of team collaboration tools by 30%
- Implement training sessions highlighting tool benefits and functionalities
- Launch a company-wide communication promoting tool usage
- Offer incentives for employees who regularly utilize the tools
- KRImplement weekly team catch-up meetings, achieving 90% attendance
- Track attendance to maintain rate above 90%
- Schedule weekly meetings during common free time
- Send reminders about meetings two days prior
- KRReduce email response time by 50%
- Set dedicated times for checking and responding to emails
- Prioritize emails based on urgency and importance
- Use email templates for common responses
OKRs to develop a high-performing, cohesive team
- ObjectiveDevelop a high-performing, cohesive team
- KRBoost team satisfaction score to above 80% through regular feedback and improvement
- Implement weekly feedback sessions for open team communication
- Provide training resources to improve skills
- Establish a recognition system for excellent work
- KRIncrease team productivity by 20% through effective collaboration tools and training
- Monitor and review team productivity post-implementation
- Arrange training sessions on utilizing these tools effectively
- Implement collaboration tools that streamline communication and teamwork
- KRAchieve less than 5% turnover rate with better onboarding processes and work culture
- Organize regular team-building activities
- Initiate quarterly feedback and improvement sessions
- Implement a comprehensive onboarding process for all new hires
OKRs to enhance feedback system for increased 360, recurring and upward feedback
- ObjectiveEnhance feedback system for increased 360, recurring and upward feedback
- KRAchieve 75% participation rate in upward feedback sessions every month
- Develop engaging and accessible feedback sessions
- Implement incentives for session participation
- Regularly communicate the importance of participation
- KRIncrease the frequency of feedback session to twice a month
- Train staff to give effective feedback
- Establish clear feedback session guidelines
- Schedule regular bi-monthly feedback sessions
- KRImplement a monthly 360 feedback system for all team members by end of Q2
- Train team members on feedback system usage
- Develop a feedback schedule for all team members
- Research and choose an appropriate 360-degree feedback tool
OKRs to assemble an outstanding professional team
- ObjectiveAssemble an outstanding professional team
- KRIdentify and recruit 5 top performers from the industry within the deadline
- KRAchieve a team satisfaction rate above 90% via effective team-building activities
- Regularly assess team satisfaction through anonymous surveys
- Facilitate open communication to address team concerns
- Implement weekly team-building exercises to promote collaboration
- KRImplement a new training program to improve team skills by 30%
- Design a comprehensive, focused training program
- Identify necessary skills for team productivity improvement
- Schedule and conduct training sessions
Human Resources OKR best practices
Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.
Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇
Tip #1: Limit the number of key results
The #1 role of OKRs is to help you and your team focus on what really matters. Business-as-usual activities will still be happening, but you do not need to track your entire roadmap in the OKRs.
We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.
Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins
Don't fall into the set-and-forget trap. It is important to adopt a weekly check-in process to get the full value of your OKRs and make your strategy agile – otherwise this is nothing more than a reporting exercise.
Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.
Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row
Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.
As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.
Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.
How to track your Human Resources OKRs
OKRs without regular progress updates are just KPIs. You'll need to update progress on your OKRs every week to get the full benefits from the framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:
- It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
- It will highlight poorly set OKRs
- It will surface execution risks
- It improves transparency and accountability
Most teams should start with a spreadsheet if they're using OKRs for the first time. Then, once you get comfortable you can graduate to a proper OKRs-tracking tool.
If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.
More Human Resources OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to enhance individual skill set through learning and development
- OKRs to boost website conversion rate
- OKRs to implement Cloud-Ready Applications
- OKRs to bolster Finance Department's role in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) drives
- OKRs to increase LinkedIn brand engagement
- OKRs to increase market penetration for DTC products