About Janna
Who is Janna Hartsock?
Janna Hartsock is a distinguished expert in Human Resources (HR) with over 28 years of comprehensive experience, specializing in HR systems and Human Capital Management (HCM) implementation. Her career spans various critical aspects of HR, including recruiting, benefits administration, compensation, performance management, and HR Information Systems (HRIS).
Currently, Janna Hartsock serves as a Manager in the Technology Modernization division at Grant Thornton. In this role, she leverages her extensive background to advise organizations on navigating complex HR technology landscapes, ensuring successful implementations and fostering strategic HR transformations. Her work at Grant Thornton focuses on guiding clients through the intricacies of HCM system changes, emphasizing the strategic benefits beyond mere technological upgrades.
Her reputation is built on a consistent track record of enabling companies across diverse sectors—including healthcare, public sector education, federal government contracting, and finance—to optimize their HR functions through advanced system solutions. Hartsock is recognized for her practical, results-oriented approach, which prioritizes aligning HR technology with overarching business objectives.
What is Janna Hartsock known for?
Janna Hartsock is widely recognized for her deep expertise in HR systems, particularly her ability to lead and execute successful HCM implementations. With over two decades dedicated to human resources, and more than 10 years primarily focused on HR systems, she possesses a nuanced understanding of how technology can drive efficiency and strategic value within an organization. Her insights are particularly valued in the complex area of talent management suite implementations, where she advises on best practices for preparation and execution to avoid common pitfalls such as increased costs and delayed timelines.
She is known for advocating a holistic approach to HR system implementation, emphasizing that software alone cannot fix flawed processes. Hartsock stresses the importance of thorough preparation, including rigorous RFI (Request for Information) processes, scripted demos, and a clear understanding of the Statement of Work. Her contributions frequently highlight the critical role of well-defined competencies and effective change management techniques in maximizing the return on investment from HR technology.
In her role at Grant Thornton, Janna Hartsock has been instrumental in shaping discussions around HCM transformation. She has contributed to significant reports, such as "The Runway to HCM Implementation," where she shares practical advice on how organizations can prepare for and execute successful HR system changes. Her expertise also encompasses a wide range of HR functions, including performance management, benefits administration, and strategic HR practices that support organizational growth and employee engagement.
What is Janna Hartsock's background and experience?
Janna Hartsock brings robust and varied experience to her role as a leader in HR systems. Her career in human resources spans over 28 years, during which she has cultivated deep expertise across multiple HR domains. This includes significant time dedicated to recruiting, developing and managing benefits administration programs, overseeing compensation structures, and implementing performance management systems. Her foundational experience in these areas provides a comprehensive perspective on the broader impact of HR technology solutions.
A substantial portion of her career, specifically the last 10 years, has been focused on HR Information Systems (HRIS). This intense specialization has equipped her with the technical acumen and strategic insight necessary to navigate the complexities of HR technology at all levels. She has worked with organizations ranging from those with 450 employees to large enterprises employing 22,000 individuals, adapting HR system solutions to diverse organizational scales and needs. Her exposure to various HR systems, from smaller platforms like ABRA to extensive ERP solutions, underscores her versatility and breadth of knowledge.
Prior to her current role at Grant Thornton, Janna Hartsock served as an HRIS Manager at the American Institute of Research, an experience that provided practical, hands-on insights into managing HR systems within a research-focused environment. Her 20-plus year record of successful HCM implementations across a multitude of business sectors—including healthcare, public sector education, federal government contracting, cooperative utility, finance, hospitality, retail, and insurance—demonstrates her adaptability and consistent ability to drive impactful HR technology changes.
What topics does Janna Hartsock speak and write about?
Janna Hartsock is a recognized voice in the field of HR technology and human capital management, regularly sharing her expertise on critical topics related to HR systems and implementation. Her presentations and writings consistently focus on the strategic aspects of HR technology, moving beyond mere software functionality to address the deeper organizational implications.
Key topics she addresses include the intricate process of Talent Management Suite implementations, with a particular emphasis on crucial preparatory steps organizations should undertake before an implementation project begins. This includes advice on selecting the right HR system, understanding contractual agreements, and recognizing that technological solutions must be paired with optimized business processes. She frequently highlights that "a bad process is a bad process" regardless of the software used, advocating for process re-evaluation as a prerequisite for successful implementation.
In her work, Janna Hartsock also delves into the importance of competencies within an organization as a foundational element for effective talent management systems. She explores how these systems can be leveraged to facilitate cultural change and enhance employee engagement within an organization. Her insights extend to comprehensive HCM implementation strategies, performance management system design, and the broader context of strategic HR practices that drive organizational development and change.
Janna Hartsock has contributed to important discussions through webinars, such as her presentation for the Best Practice Institute titled "What to do the year BEFORE a Talent Management Suite Implementation." Additionally, her expertise is reflected in reports like "The Runway to HCM Implementation," published by Grant Thornton, where she offers guidance on preparing for large-scale HR system transformations. Her contributions provide valuable perspectives for HR executives, managers, and anyone involved in the selection and deployment of HR technology.
How does Janna Hartsock contribute to the Best Practice Institute?
Janna Hartsock contributes her extensive expertise to the Best Practice Institute (BPI) as an expert faculty member, sharing her deep knowledge of HR systems and talent management with BPI's professional community. Her involvement primarily centers around educating leaders and practitioners on best practices for implementing and optimizing Human Capital Management (HCM) solutions.
One of her notable contributions to BPI includes a webinar presentation titled "What to do the year BEFORE a Talent Management Suite Implementation." This session provided attendees with critical insights into the comprehensive preparation required for successful HR system deployments. Her practical advice, drawn from years of hands-on experience, helps organizations avoid common pitfalls and maximize the return on their technology investments.
Through her presentations and association with BPI, Janna Hartsock helps to advance the institute's mission of fostering leadership and organizational excellence. She offers valuable guidance on topics such as selecting appropriate HR systems, interpreting implementation contracts, and ensuring that technological upgrades are supported by robust organizational processes and effective change management strategies. Her work with BPI enriches the institute's resources by providing expert perspectives on the strategic integration of HR technology and talent management practices.