In many organizations, the terms “People Operations” and “Human Resources” are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion among employees and even HR professionals themselves. However, there are key differences between the two functions that are important to understand in order to effectively manage and support employees.

Traditionally, Human Resources (HR) has been responsible for handling administrative tasks related to employees, such as payroll, benefits, recruitment, and compliance with labor laws. HR departments focus on managing transactions and enforcing policies, with a primary goal of mitigating risk for the organization. While these tasks are important for maintaining the operational functions of a company, they often fall short in fostering a positive and engaging work environment for employees.

People Operations, on the other hand, takes a more holistic approach to managing the workforce. Instead of focusing solely on administrative tasks, People Operations aims to create a positive employee experience by emphasizing employee engagement, development, and well-being. People Operations departments focus on building a strong company culture, fostering employee growth and development, and creating systems and processes that support the entire employee lifecycle.

One of the key differences between People Operations and HR is the mindset and approach to managing employees. HR tends to view employees as resources to be managed, while People Operations views employees as valuable assets that drive the success of the organization. People Operations is focused on creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work.

Another difference between the two functions is the strategic focus. While HR tends to be more reactive and transactional, People Operations takes a proactive and strategic approach to managing employees. People Operations departments are focused on aligning the organization’s people strategy with its overall business goals, and are constantly looking for ways to improve the employee experience and drive business results.

In summary, the main difference between People Operations and HR lies in their approach to managing employees. While HR focuses on administrative tasks and policy enforcement, People Operations takes a more holistic and strategic approach to creating a positive employee experience. By understanding the differences between the two functions, organizations can better support and engage their employees, ultimately leading to a more productive and successful workforce.