Do you know what HR should learn from Netflix?
Instead of asking, I can confidently say you probably open Netflix without a specific movie in mind! Why?
Okay, let me take you back to the pre-Netflix era! Do you remember those Friday nights spent at Blockbuster, hunting for the perfect movie? It feels like a lifetime ago, right? Blockbuster was once the go-to for movie rentals, a titan in its industry. But along came Netflix, and in what felt like the blink of an eye, Blockbuster was out of business. The reason?
Netflix's innovative recommendation engine.
At its core, Netflix didn’t just offer convenience—it offered a personalized experience. By analyzing viewing habits, Netflix could predict what you’d want to watch next, keeping you hooked with tailored content. This approach wasn’t just about giving customers what they asked for—it was about anticipating their needs and desires, often before they even realized them. Isn’t that interesting?
So, now you ask, what does this have to do with HR? Quite a lot, I’ll tell you!
There’s a powerful lesson here about the importance of personalization and the value of recommendations, especially in this age of AI.
I am going to share 3 areas where we most definitely need a recommendation engine.
Personalized Learning Paths
Imagine if we applied Netflix’s recommendation logic to our learning and development programs. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, we can create personalized learning paths for each employee. By analyzing data on employees’ current skills, roles, and career goals, HR systems can recommend specific courses and training modules to help them grow in their careers. This will boost engagement and ensure that your team members are continuously developing the skills they need to succeed.
For example, if an employee has shown an interest in project management but hasn’t yet completed any formal training, the system can suggest relevant courses, webinars, or workshops. This kind of personalized learning pathway not only benefits the employee but also ensures that your workforce is evolving in ways that align with the company’s strategic goals.
Tailored Job Opportunities
Similarly, we can revolutionize how we manage internal job opportunities. Just as Netflix suggests what you might want to watch next, HR systems can recommend job openings that align with an employee’s skills, experience, and career aspirations. This proactive approach to career development helps employees see a clear path forward within the company, reducing turnover and increasing job satisfaction.
For instance, if someone in your marketing department has expressed interest in analytics, we could alert them to a new role in the data science team that matches their emerging skill set. By making these tailored recommendations, you will empower employees to take charge of their career development and find fulfilling roles that keep them engaged.
Curated Mentorship
Mentorship is another area ripe for innovation. Traditionally, finding a mentor can be a bit of a guessing game. But by using data to understand an employee’s goals, skills, and personality, you can build a recommendation engine that suggests mentors who are the best fit for their development. This ensures that mentorship relationships are more meaningful and productive.
Imagine an employee who wants to move into leadership. AI algorithms match them with a mentor who has successfully navigated that transition within your company, providing insights and guidance that are directly relevant to the mentee’s goals.
Why This Matters
The bottom line is that “PERSONALIZATION” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a powerful tool for engagement and development. By taking a cue from Netflix, you can transform your HR practices to be more proactive, personalized, and effective. This approach not only benefits your employees but also drives the overall success of the organization.
Let’s start thinking like Netflix and bring the power of recommendation to our HR strategies. Together, we can create an environment where every employee has the tools, opportunities, and support they need to succeed.