August 29, 2024
In my opinion, the HR department within an iGaming company is not a back-office function - it’s a strategic pillar that drives the company's success by aligning talent management with business objectives. As someone who has spent years helping iGaming companies align their talent acquisition strategies with growth objectives, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact your HR team can have on your bottom line.
A top-tier HR team isn't just about filling roles, handling payroll or managing training programs; it's about driving your business forward through strategic talent management, employee engagement, and organisational development.
The Critical Role of Top HR Talent
If you’re an HR professional you’re probably nodding your head in agreement. However, not everyone understands the strategic value HR brings to the table. So bear with me while I explain. When you have the right HR talent, you unlock the full potential of your entire workforce. They are the ones who ensure that your business attracts, retains, and engages the best talent (the people that can directly impact bottom-line results), leading to a motivated, productive and innovative workforce.
The bottom-line impact is undeniable. Companies with strong HR teams see higher employee satisfaction, reduced turnover, and better overall performance. In iGaming, where the battle for top talent in specialisms like tech, product and data is fierce, I don’t need to explain why this is so important.
Key Qualities to Look For in Your HR Team
Whether you’re building an HR team from scratch, or are looking to hire new talent, what exactly should you be looking for?
While different roles will call for different qualifications, attributes and experience, to have a positive impact across your organisation you need a team with these key qualities:
1. Strategic Thinking: Your HR team must be more than a back office function; they need to be strategic partners who can align HR initiatives with the company’s business goals. This means contributing to the HR strategy and implementing this across all talent management activities. They should also have the foresight to anticipate industry trends and the agility to pivot strategies as needed.
2. Project Management Skills: iGaming is a dynamic industry, requiring HR professionals who can juggle multiple projects and deliver results under pressure. Whether it's executing a diversity, equality and inclusion plan or supporting new market entry activities with hiring at scale, effective project management is crucial.
3. Coaching and Mentorship: An exceptional HR team will not only manage talent but also develop it. HR leaders must be able to coach and mentor high-potential employees, creating an environment of continuous learning and growth. This is particularly important in an industry where innovation and adaptability are key.
4. Communication and Relationship Building: The ability to build and maintain relationships is vital for any HR professional. Whether it's guiding senior leaders, supporting employees, or liaising with external providers, effective communication is a must. This extends to ensuring timely completion of performance evaluations and handling sensitive employee relations issues with tact and professionalism.
5. Technical Acumen: In today’s digital world, your HR team must be adept at using technology to streamline processes. This includes managing Learning Management Systems (LMS), Performance Management Systems (PMS), and overseeing payroll operations.
6. Cultural Alignment: As ambassadors for your company culture, a strong cultural fit is essential. Without this they will struggle to execute employer brand and culture strategies or identify and attract candidates who will thrive in your environment.
The Advantage of Industry-Specific HR Talent
I'm often asked whether it's advantageous to hire HR talent with previous industry experience, and my answer is generally yes. While in some cases an injection of talent from outside of iGaming brings refresh perspectives and proven experience, 99% of the time a background in iGaming is highly beneficial. These individuals understand the unique challenges and fast-paced nature of the industry, from complex regulatory demands to the constant push for innovation; and their experience allows them to anticipate and navigate potential issues, making them invaluable in reducing risk and driving efficiency.
Most importantly, they come with established industry networks that can supercharge your talent acquisition efforts and help you compete more effectively for top performers. Plus, their familiarity with the iGaming culture means they’ll integrate quickly and be more effective at communicating that culture to potential hires and the existing team.
Given the advantages of having industry-specific HR professionals, the competition for such talent can be intense.
Enhancing Your HR Team with Human Capital Solutions
Competition for talent is one of the reasons why your HR team can benefit from partnering with a human capital provider like Pentasia. While traditional talent acquisition services remain a cornerstone of our offering, we also provide Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) and other human capital solutions designed to enhance your internal HR capabilities.
Our goal isn’t to replace your HR team but to empower it. By partnering with us, you can access specialist solutions, scale your HR function more effectively, address talent shortages, and expand your team’s capabilities without the need for a significant internal investment. Our services allow your HR leaders to focus on strategic initiatives, knowing that they have the support needed to handle day-to-day operations and complex projects.
Working with a human capital provider like Pentasia means you can amplify your HR team’s impact, align your HR strategies with your business goals, and ultimately drive better bottom-line results. Whether you need support in talent acquisition, diversity initiatives, or employee development, you can access the support you need to elevate your HR function.
If you’re interested in learning more about how Pentasia can enhance your HR team’s capabilities and drive your business forward, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact me directly for a conversation about how we can tailor our solutions to meet your specific needs. kerry.gillitt@pentasia.com