What Makes a Virtual CHRO Different from an HR Consultant?

In an increasingly competitive business ecosystem, more so in India’s vast SME landscape, HR has become indispensable in delivering business success. Both Virtual CHROs as well as HR consultants can provide HR support, however their methodologies, range and effectiveness vary greatly.

Understanding the Roles

HR Consultant:

An HR (human resource) consultant is hired to work on special projects or to deal with certain HR issues. Their job is advisory, where they offer expertise on topics such as compliance or recruitment strategies or policy development. After the recommendations have been presented it’s then down to the internal team to execute.

Virtual CHRO:

A Virtual CHRO, in contrast, is a strategic partner located within the organization (just not on site). They provide leadership and ensure that HR strategies are aligned with business units and the HR programs in support of business strategies are implemented. This role is one that's kind of like having a spare, part-time CHRO, who has deep experience in a company's journey to scale.

Key Differences

Scope of Engagement:

●     HR Consultant: Short term projects work concentrating in specific areas.

●     Virtual CHRO: Single source involvement that is consistent throughout all HR functions – all the way from sourcing talent to shaping the organization.

Strategic Involvement:

●     HR Consultant: Advises without responsibility for execution.

●     Virtual CHRO: Actively involved in development of strategy and monitors its execution taking care of its alignment with the business targets.

Integration with the Team:

●     HR Consultant: Works externally with limited communication with in house team.

●     Virtual CHRO: An effective team member, collaborating across departments with all the members of the leadership team.

Cost Implications:

●     HR Consultant: Usually cheaper because they don't have to stay for so long.

●     Virtual CHRO: They require a larger investment but require only a couple visits a month which will save a TON of money compared to a full-time CHRO.

The OrgEvo Advantage

At OrgEvo, our Virtual CHRO offering is designed to suit the specific requirements of Indian SMEs. We know that companies are people-powered and HR is more than just payroll and compliance. Our approach includes:

Organizational Design: Creating a clear org chart, defining roles and creating the connections between departments.

Performance Management: Building systems that establish goals and performance expectations, ensure continuous communication and feedback processes, and provide opportunities for employee development.

Talent Acquisition & Development: Plan & develop strategies to recruit, retain, and develop the right talent that fits with the company's culture.

HR Governance: Setting of policies, SOPs and compliance policies to smoothen operations.

Our Virtual Chief Human Resources Officers are able to integrate into your business model, with the options for virtual meetings or semi-regular face to face visits. And this provides evidence that our HR strategies are not just well-designed but also well-executed, and therefore to the business benefit.

Conclusion

HR consultants can suggest great solutions to particular problems, but a Virtual CHRO is a full strategic partnership that can help a business grow. If you’re a business looking to scale responsibly and cultivate a strong company culture, hiring a Virtual CHRO could be a game changer.

Ready To Take Your HR Strategy To The Next Level?

Learn more about how you can make your HR a strategic powerhouse with OrgEvo’s Virtual CHRO Services.

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