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By Gary Epstein, EasyBiz Technologies Managing Director
Gary is a seasoned entrepreneur and corporate executive. He is currently the MD of EasyBiz Technologies, which provides technological solutions and training services for small-to-medium sized enterprises.
Since I first started my business 20 years ago, technology has grown in leaps and bounds. This technological advancement was accelerated by the pandemic, and with the consequent introduction of the new hybrid working model, it has become clear that businesses are in the unique position of having to adapt and innovate their day-to-day operations.
The digital transformation of an organisation needs to take into consideration the human element of conducting business, whilst ensuring that business targets are met. The department at the centre of this balancing act is human resources (HR).
In a digital world with continuous advancements and hybrid working models proving they are here to stay, HR teams need to ensure they remain effective. HR must now be able to manage employees in multiple locations and sometimes even time zones. They must ensure that employee wellbeing is prioritised and that staff are able to access HR products and services easily even though they may not be in the same building as the HR manager anymore.
Employee Wellbeing Remains Key
Employee wellbeing is as important now – if not more important – since the pandemic. Despite an increase in the use of technology to perform organisational tasks, a company’s driving force remains its employees, and it is crucial to ensure they are taken care of no matter their location. This is one of the areas of HR where advancements in technology have proved fruitful.
For example, organisations are making use of virtual and telephonic mental health services for employees who need assistance dealing with difficult circumstances.
Improving Productivity
Technology needn’t be feared, but should rather be embraced as a means to aid employees. However, the question remains: how can technology assist HR in its tasks? One of HR’s biggest tasks is to help employees towards achieving efficiency and productivity. This becomes particularly challenging in the hybrid working scenario; however, technology once again provides many opportunities to improve systems.
Research from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) proved that HR departments that use tech solutions perform better than those that don’t. With the advancement of technology and HR departments rising to the challenge for the best utilisation of technology for employee engagement, there are many tech solutions that HR departments can make use of. These include software and cloud-based solutions to securely store data and automate day-to-day processes, and analytical tools to make more strategic decisions.
Companies can look further than the next quarter to see the value in investing in technology to ensure the long-term growth of their enterprise. Technology helps improve productivity and ensures that the training of employees and upskilling of new staff can be accomplished more effectively. Used well, technology makes HR practices more efficient. When used poorly, it can get in the way of managing the company’s human resources.
Continued Connection
Intranet services allow for improved communication between departments. No company can run effectively without the collaboration of all its departments, and by making use of the intranet and other networking services, departments are able to run as efficiently as they did when employees were all in one building.
Human interaction is a fundamental aspect that everyone needs, regardless of their different backgrounds; it is an important factor for human beings to feel connected. Options for using technology to increase employee interaction include technology-based workgroups as well as employee training and education. It is the nature of technology to continuously morph and improve, and it is the responsibility of HR to adjust and ensure the best for employees.
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The Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Notably, there have been many changes in the way that HR departments carry out their work and certain trends have arisen. One such trend is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) notes that the use of AI and ML will be among the critical technological changes in 2022.
AI and ML will help to lessen workloads and offer training to employees in various destinations. It is no surprise that blockchain integration has also made its way onto the list. Blockchain offers solid security opportunities like encryption of networks where employees and companies can securely share information. In a digital world, companies must ensure that all information shared digitally is secure.
HR can go further in ensuring that employee files are encrypted by working with information technology personnel. As HR deals with confidential information such as payslips and personal information of employees, such information must be protected.
HR also holds the responsibility that important company information is not shared with irrelevant parties. With the hybrid working model, employees can work from anywhere. Employees must be educated on not only how to access work systems and data but also the rules of where they can access this information and from whom.
The transfer of control and decision-making in HR that is facilitated by technology will go a long way in creating new management skills. Previously, HR was very siloed in its decision-making and thus excluded valuable insights from other divisions. This also meant that employees were often overlooked for promotions, which can be avoided when companies have a clearer view of the leadership and mentorship skills of employees.
Trends to watch out for
Other trends that we can expect to see arise include:
- Digital learning, training and development: Digital learning platforms allow employees to reach both their professional and personal goals.
- Technology that elevates hybrid working: Many employees are unwilling to return to on-site work. This has encouraged companies to seek technologies that will allow work-from-home and hybrid models, and in so doing, enable the retention of employees.
- Tech development for the wellbeing of employees: More companies are making it their mission to ensure access to quality help for mental health issues. This is a trend that we can expect to continue to rise because companies realise that happier employees are more productive.
HR departments that task themselves with remaining abreast of current trends ensure that they stay current in competitive markets. When HR and technology form a harmonious relationship, the possibilities for improved growth are endless. Technology assists with tasks and gives HR the edge in optimising workflows.
A company that runs better, performs better, which has a positive impact on investment and the profit margin. HR can rely on technology to ease their work and cut down the time on tasks that previously would have been time-consuming. Automation also contributes to sustainability by eliminating paperwork.
Companies and HR need to approach the current landscape of technology with excitement. We are being given the chance to participate in history by being the first companies to engage with technology in the way that we are. The future of technology and HR will be shaped by the lessons that we learn today. When companies approach technology with an optimistic view, they realise the power of technology to transform the workplace. The advancements that are being made are creating a future that aspires to be more engaging whilst offering ease with business tasks.
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