Talent management systems tend to work well at the senior management level but are often not achieving desired results across the board because of a lack of communication on how to make best use of them according to think tank the Ochre House Network.

The Ochre House Network is made up of over 650 major employers including Aviva, Balfour Beatty, EDF Energy, Microsoft, Morgan Crucible and TNT. According to the think-tank, part of the problem is the use of too much jargon.

HR specialists need to simplify their language to better engage with line management at all levels. "There is a general call in the Network for the capability of HR to be 'up-skilled'", said Ochre House director and think-tank leader, Helena Parry, "so that it can better handle the communication challenge, together with a warning that HR professionals should not lose touch with the basics of the function in the search for commercial and strategic credibility.

"Attention to delivery on these basics and the championing of the employee might actually bridge the gap between the tactical and the strategic and end up achieving the desired level of credibility through delivery. Businesses are no longer willing to have faith in ideas and theories. There is a hardening of attitudes across the board, intangibles are out of fashion and senior management wants all support functions to 'show me the money'".