HR Leaders Get a Structured Way To Assess and Improve HR, With AIHR’s New 5SL HR Effectiveness Model
Built on insights from more than 2,500 HR leaders, AIHR's diagnostic model gives HR teams a structured way to evaluate their function and act on what they find.
Rotterdam, July 10, 2026 — Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR) has introduced the 5SL HR Effectiveness Model, a diagnostic tool that assesses how well an organization’s HR function is set up to deliver business value and helps translate that assessment into targeted improvements. AIHR’s subject matter experts built the model using insights from more than 2,500 HR leaders and their organizations.
The 5SL model addresses a gap that many HR leaders face: a rigorous, consistent way to evaluate the full HR function rather than a single dimension. Most effectiveness models for HR focus on one area in isolation, such as service delivery efficiency or strategic alignment. The 5SL HR Effectiveness Model examines six interconnected components, strategy, structure, systems of work, stakeholders, and skills (the five S’s), together with HR leadership (the L). Assessing them together shows organizations where HR is performing well, where gaps exist, and where to focus first.
The model is built to drive action, not only diagnosis. Working with AIHR’s advisory team, organizations move from a structured assessment to a prioritized roadmap: a clear view of current effectiveness, the improvement areas that matter most, and concrete next steps. AIHR supports this across a range of initiatives, including operating model reviews, leadership alignment, capability planning, HR transformation, and HRBP effectiveness assessments.
Derivco, a global technology company, worked with AIHR to assess and strengthen its HR function. “AIHR’s guidance provided invaluable insights into our HR competency levels, enabling us to align more effectively with business needs,” said Lauren Du Preez, Chief People Officer at Derivco. “Their expertise offered clear direction on where to focus and how to develop our HR strategy, to drive tangible business results.”
“HR leaders are under real pressure to demonstrate the value of their function, but most lack a consistent basis for evaluating where they actually stand,” said Dr. Dieter Veldsman, Chief HR Scientist at AIHR. “A diagnosis on its own changes nothing. The value comes from acting on it, which is why our experts work directly with HR teams to prioritize what matters and strengthen the function.”
More information is available at aihr.com/hr-effectiveness-model.
About AIHR
Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR) is the global online learning platform that helps HR professionals and teams build the practical, strategic skills the modern HR function demands. Its 16+ certificate programs and 85+ courses span every HR domain, from AI in HR and people analytics to HR business partnering and organizational development. Members also have access to ready-to-use templates, tools, and hands-on labs to apply what they learn at work, as well as a global HR community.
AIHR is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs). Its programs are also eligible for HRCI, HRPA, CPHR, and ATD credits, and CPD-accredited by CPD UK, allowing CIPD members to record AIHR programs as verified Continuing Professional Development.
Through these programs, AIHR helps HR professionals and organizations worldwide build the skills the modern HR function demands. Learn more at aihr.com.
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