From Overstretched to In Control: Scaling HR Delivery During Major Change
HR Change Insights Series
Even the best HR functions hit breaking-point when change peaks – redundancy consultations, data requests, TUPE preparation, documentation, multiple stakeholder demands. The key isn’t to work harder; it’s to scale smarter. This article explores practical ways HR leaders can plan for, and manage, delivery capacity during large-scale organisational change.
Forecast the Delivery Load, Not Just the Headcount Impact
Most HR plans start with headcount numbers, but few forecast delivery effort. Every consultation, meeting, and communication requires planning, people, and time. Mapping delivery workload helps identify early where your team will be stretched too thin.
Build a Delivery Map
A delivery map breaks your programme into stages: planning, consultation, documentation, completion. Assign ownership for each stage before the project starts. This gives visibility and accountability, and prevents duplication or missed steps.
Decide What Your Team Must Lead vs. What Can Be Partnered
Not every task needs to sit within your core HR team. Define what requires in-house expertise, such as leadership messaging or strategic alignment, and what can be managed by experienced delivery partners. This clarity protects focus and quality.
Create Surge Capacity in Advance
Large-scale change creates short-term demand peaks. Having trusted partners or delivery consultants pre-onboarded means you can flex capacity quickly without the delay of new procurement or onboarding. It’s the difference between being ready and reactive.
Track Team Load in Real Time
Use simple metrics, such as meetings scheduled, consultations completed, documents issued, as an early warning system.
If progress stalls, it’s often a sign that your team is overwhelmed. Visibility allows early intervention and reallocation of resource.
Scale your HR delivery without stretching your team
Our embedded delivery consultants help you expand HR capacity quickly and effectively, ensuring critical change milestones land on time and to plan.
