A technology-based framework to foster the lean human resource 4.0 and prevent the great resignation: The talent management lift

In the context of Industry 4.0, this paper stresses the importance of prioritizing human resources in technological innovation to tackle the Great Resignation phenomenon. It proposes a technology-driven framework inspired by the Harada Method®, known for its Lean excellence in human capital development. This framework aims to implement organizational processes that nurture and retain talent, centered around the Protean Career Attitude (PCA), which has been empirically proven to enhance work engagement and organizational commitment. To achieve this goal, the study employs an innovative co-design methodology, involving interviews and field visits across three multinational diverse-sector companies. Following conceptualization, the tool undergoes prototyping, development, and real-world validation through usability testing. Rooted in the Harada Method®, the framework seeks to align training, ambitions, roles, and recruitment processes while fostering self-reliance and self-direction among individuals. A Lean leader, incorporating principles from five leadership styles, assists users in implementing and applying this framework. In summary, the article introduces a technology-driven framework that advances human resource development in the digital era, bridging the gap within Lean methodologies between respecting people and ensuring operational efficiency.