Top learning resources for People Analytics training

If you’re looking for learning resources for People Analytics training, a growing trend within the human resources field, check out our pick of the best, including Masters, courses, books and blogs.

People Analytics is one of the most popular methodologies currently available because of its practical use. Studying the people who make up an organisation is a way to make predictions on the future state of the company, and in general, make better business decisions.

Our pick of People Analytics Masters

Masters level courses require a higher level of commitment and dedication than other types of training models. However, you will obtain an overall, practical perspective on what People Analytics is and how to apply it in your daily activities.

1. MSc in People Analytics at the University of Hull

Delivered by the University of Hull, this online MSc in People Analytics is a two-year part time course designed for HR professionals who want to develop their understanding of data analytics and organisational behaviour. 

While online, the course is delivered in real-time rather than recorded video, so students will have the advantage of continuous feedback from tutors and peers, group projects and discussion forums. 

The course teaches how to analyse and visualise workplace data and connect it to an organisation’s strategic goals. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand, evaluate and design analytic tools and strategies to solve business problems. 

2. MSc Data Analytics and Human Resource Management at the University of Leeds

This Master’s degree is a full-time 12-month course at the University of Leeds. Delivered in person (Covid-permitting), the MSc in Data Analytics and Human Resource Management, combines a number of compulsory and optional modules, to provide students with a practical understanding of how data analytics principles and concepts can be applied to HR Management. 

An additional advantage of this course is the partnership with the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, which carries out cutting edge research into the use of data and analytics in HR.

Our pick of People Analytics courses

If you want People Analytics training, but don’t have much time, you could think about signing up for a short course. These all tend towards a practical approach, and by the end you should know the basics to get started.

1. People Analytics and Evidence-Based Management by openSAP

Business software behemoth SAP offers a wide variety of free, online courses via its brand openSAP. This course, in collaboration with Mannheim Business School, promises to teach you what it takes to get started with people analytics, how to address typical challenges, and how existing scientific evidence can help form management decisions. 

It is a self-paced course lasting 3 weeks, of 2-4 hours per week, and includes contributions from real-life experts in the field of HR analytics. 

2. People Analytics by The Wharton School, Coursera

This fully online course is taught by three instructors from the Wharton School, offering an introduction to the theory of data analytics. While it does not intend to prepare learners to perform complex talent management data analysis, this People Analytics training course offers an understanding of cutting edge techniques and how they can be used in practice. 

On completion of the course, students will:

• understand how and when hard data is used to make soft-skill decisions about hiring and talent development.
• position themselves as a strategic partner in their company’s talent management decisions.

3. People Analytics 101: HR Analytics Fundamentals by Udemy

The last pick of our People Analytics courses is another online option from Udemy. With 9 hours of video tuition, plus articles and downloadable resources, People Analytics 101 aims to provide a grounding in this powerful HR field, to eventually help HR managers drive the return on their investment on their employees.

The course’s step-by-step approach helps learners understand how and when to use people’s data to make decisions on:

1. Hiring
2. Recruitment
3. Talent Development
4. Employee Retention
5. Employee Satisfaction
6. Employee Engagement, etc.

Our pick of People Analytics books

Books on People Analytics may be your first contact with the subject, or perhaps you want to broaden your knowledge if you’ve acquired a taste for the topic.

1. People Analytics For Dummies

People Analytics For Dummies promises to help us start a People Analytics project, collect valuable data and find the right tools to analyse them. All these concepts are explained clearly and with a practical perspective.

The book’s author is Mike West, who was part of the first People Analytics teams at Merck, PetSmart, Google and Children’s Health Dallas, before starting his own company, PeopleAnalyst, LLC.

2. The Practical Guide to HR Analytics

The book The Practical Guide to HR Analytics uses a hypothetical HR director who is carrying out her first People Analytics project. Through her, it explains the problems that can be faced and how to resolve them. 

Shonna Waters, the author, has more than 15 years’ experience in People Analytics. She also currently teaches at the University of Georgetown.

3. Predictive HR Analytics

Finally: Predictive HR Analytics: Mastering the HR Metric, which uses specific examples to develop your understanding of how to collect and interpret data in areas such as engagement, performance, and employee turnover. 

It is written by Martin R. Edwards, Professor of HR and Organisational Psychology at King’s College London, and Kirsten Edwards, HR Lead, Advanced Analytics and Data Science.

Our pick of People Analytics blogs

Lastly, the best way to keep up to date with all the latest developments on this methodology are expert blogs. 

1. AIHR

The AIHR blog specialises in People Analytics, making it an excellent source of information and news in the field. It has an educational approach, providing several guides which are even suitable for professionals who are unfamiliar with data analysis.

2. My HR Future

MyHRfuture is a blog offering training content for HR professionals specialising in People Analytics. The platform regularly publishes high quality content on data analytics, touching on relevant subjects like HR technology or employee experience, among others.

3. OneModel

OneModel is an AI business consultancy based in Australia. Its blog focuses on some interesting trends in people analytics and offers specific points of view on how to resolve habitual problems in the HR environment.