Understanding the Employee: A Qualitative Study on Human Resources Analytics Practices

In this study, it is aimed to examine the HR analytics practices applied in different businesses by utilizing the views and experiences of HR professionals. Within the framework of this aim, the research was constructed with qualitative method. The participants of the study consist of human resources professionals who work/are working in private sector organizations in Turkey. In this research, people from different ages, genders, sectors and positions were reached through purposive sampling method. Within the scope of the research, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 people from different positions and sectors. The data analyzed by content analysis method are presented as themes. Maxqda Analytics Pro program was used to visualize and present the data. Retention, turnover, exit interviews, recruitment, training, performance and compensation management, employee engagement and satisfaction were identified as themes. According to the results of the study, it is seen that the main aim of HR analytics practices is to obtain data about the employee, to retain and understand the employee. It has been revealed that more descriptive HR analytics are used. It can be stated that there are many metrics developed for recruitment and different employee retention practices. It is hoped that this study will expand the discussions on HR analytics and shed light on practitioners.