2026 Power Learning Series - HR Analytics for the Public Sector - Starting 6/12/2026

Course Syllabus

Course Overview

This fast-paced, three-part course introduces foundational concepts in HR analytics and strategic data storytelling. Participants will learn how to identify actionable questions, test hypotheses using HR data, and communicate insights with impact—using visualizations and ROI-focused
storytelling techniques.

Format: 3 Micro-Sessions (60 minutes each)

Audience: Public sector HR professionals, analysts, supervisors, and decision-makers

Learning Objectives

Identify: Analytics concepts, data types, and common HR metrics 
Develop: Hypotheses based on real HR challenges
Analyze: Data using a structured, outcome-oriented approach
Visualize & Communicate: Data-driven stories with clear business value
Apply: Analytics and storytelling to HR decision-making

Session 1: HR (People) Analytics – Getting Started
Duration: 60 minutes
Learning Topics:
- What is HR analytics?
- Qualitative vs. quantitative data
- Key HR metrics (turnover, quality of hire, time-to-fill, etc.)
- Four levels of analytics: descriptive → prescriptive Activity:
“Right Question” Exercise – Identify a pressing HR issue and craft a question that analytics can help solve.
Outcomes:
- Define the purpose and value of people analytics
- Learn how to spot opportunities for data-informed HR decisions

Session 2: Formulating a Hypothesis and Building a Mini Project
Duration: 60 minutes
Learning Topics:
- What is a hypothesis? What makes it testable?
- Determining metrics, interventions, and data needs
- Understanding correlation vs. causation, reliability, and statistical significance
Activity:
Project Planning Exercise – Define a hypothesis, outline an intervention, and identify relevant data and metrics.
Outcomes:
- Draft a mini HR analytics project plan
- Understand how to evaluate data quality and test assumptions

Session 3: Storytelling, Visualization & Application
Duration: 60 minutes
Learning Topics:
- The structure of a compelling data narrative (Setting →Issue → Data → Solution → Success)
- Choosing the right visual (bar charts, scatter plots, heatmaps, etc.)
- Basics of dashboard design
- Communicating ROI and business impact
Activity:
Mini Project Presentations – Present your analytics project using the storytelling structure.
Outcomes:
- Gain confidence in communicating data insights
- Leave with a completed, actionable mini-project plan

Course Materials:  Slide deck with sample dashboards.

Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.  

All your course materials will be found on your course dashboard.

Meetings:

• Course Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will receive your Individual Zoom Link before the course starts.

Course Design:

The course will be delivered over three-weeks with three one-hour sessions per week.  You will receive details about the dates, times, and your course URL.

Time Commitment:

Plan for 1 hours for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the course meetings to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).

Course Meeting Schedule (subject to change):

• Start Date: 6/12/2026
• Completion Date:  6/26/2026
• Course Meeting 1:  6/12/2026 - 2:00 -3:00 pm ET
• Course Meeting 2:  6/16/2026 - 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET 
• Course Meeting 3:  6/26/2026 - 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET

Certificate of Attendance:

You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

Cancellation Policy:

Professional Development Cancelation Policy

Recertification Points:  

PSHRA-5 and HRCI-5

Making public sector work better®.