The HR Operating Model

This book is all you need to know about operating models and the ultimate solution, HR 3.0.
Perry Timms is exactly the people scientist, future thinker, HR trend setter and legendary thought leader that this book needed and he has delivered with a unique masterpiece that will stand the test of time for many years to come.

I see this book as a catalyst for progression with the introduction of a modernized HR operating model.


HR 3.0, rooted in people science, with a human-centred approach, encourages the concept of Futures Thinking. Perry takes us on a journey through the history of the workplace and HR's role in how our work environments have evolved, through to the present day and beyond, while exploring the HR operating models that have arrived in the last couple of decades.


HR 3.0 is here to help us reimagine and reengineer HR by putting in place an optimized operating model that guides businesses successfully into the future. Introducing new roles such as the HR Product Manager, taking its inspiration from Agile working principles and putting a spotlight on evidence-based practice by taking us from basic HR metrics to predictive people analytics.


This book is a call to action; it is time for us to think differently. Whether you are someone who is currently operating in a more traditional HR space or already a progressive people professional who is ambitiously carving out new ways of working, you will glean all the inspiration you need, through Perry's work along with a plethora of recommended books and resources to delve deeper into the science.

The HR Operating Model is a significant guide to HR Professionals, and their C suite collaborators, enabling them to co-build the people system for the next decade.

Perry Timms is both professionally and soulfully diligent as he guides the reader through the evolutions of HR models, aiming at presenting a systems thinking model for the modern, futures-thinking HR professional. In parallel, he highlights the identity shift in HR towards shaping the ecosystem rather than solving problems; towards forward thinking rather than responding.

Using the future to make decisions today is a mantra amongst futurists and futures thinkers, and this is just what Perry Timms does: Using the ideas, trends, movements and disruptions that currently shape the business world to imagine scenarios and futures for the HR function. From that, his HR 3.0 Operating Model emerges, as an enabler for the futures-ready organization.

Perry has always had the ability to influence HR professionals, but this book takes it to a new level-redefining how our profession could be organized in order to have impact, on a global scale, into the future. Perry has given us the tool to seize the moment and turn the HR function on its head-together.
By the final page, you'll not only believe in the need for change-you'll be equipped, inspired and ready to lead it with confidence and purpose.