Organisations want greater operational efficiency from their HR departments, according to findings from Henley Business School.

The research shows that firms require operational efficiency through slimming down existing processes and policies in line with cutbacks, and finding creative ways of delivering lower cost alternatives that are not too different in quality.

Firms also want HR to focus on what is important through making fact-based HR decisions and providing real emotional support to workers by helping everyone through the lows of the recession - managing not just the process, but also the sentiment.

Michael Bolger, director at HR recruiter Badger Associates, told Recruiter: “HR professionals certainly need to reflect the recession and be aware of the effects of it.

“In terms of moving into areas of organisational development and organisational efficency within a company, it would be a new departure for HR managers.”