The digital transformation of work in the last few years has revolutionized the way companies operate. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this transformation, presenting new challenges and forcing organizations of all sizes to rapidly adapt. This digital transformation has also impacted the field of human resources (HR), with organizations increasingly looking to optimize their HR technology. In the post-pandemic business landscape, marked by instability and uncertainty, companies that prioritized innovation and adaptability are better prepared to evolve and meet current and potential future needs. However, the journey of digital transformation is far from complete. As HR tech continues to advance and the world rapidly changes, organizations need to continue their digital transformations, particularly in an uncertain business era.
Conducting an HR tech audit
In an uncertain environment, the only kind of certainty companies can get is the need to be prepared for different uncertainties. Organizations that are able to invest in HR tech gain the flexibility required to navigate future changes and unknown situations successfully. The new era of work demands a shift in focus from efficiency to additional business value, from process-driven approaches to prioritizing employee experience, from administrative roles to becoming strategic advisors, and from static job roles to championing skills. This shift can be challenging with legacy processes or systems that restrict innovation. By conducting a comprehensive HR audit, organizations can identify opportunities to improve existing solution architectures, automate processes, and integrate systems. These improvements can enhance efficiency and enable smarter ways of working. An HR technology audit may also highlight the need to retire systems that no longer provide value, making way for new and innovative HR technologies. Solutions such as workforce management tools, on-demand payment platforms, mobile apps, employee self-service portals, and worldwide payroll systems empower organizations to work more intelligently and nimbly.
Getting employees to embrace HR tech
Although HR technology is able to help companies get through changing times with success, researchsuggests that nearly half of HR department heads feel that technology hinders employee experience instead of improving it. Embracing new systems or processes requires employees to change their mindsets within the organization. Employees may feel threatened or anxious about adopting new products, which leads to stress, reduced performance, and low user adoption rates. This is especially true during uncertain times. To mitigate these negative effects, organizations should closely examine their approach to digital transformation. They should think about the way they introduce new solutions. They also need to consider whether the employees have all the necessary skills to be able to use those solutions. After introducing solutions, companies should analyze whether there are areas that have lower user adoption rates. Providing training and support to employees to maximize the benefits of HR technology can lead to better engagement and performance. When employees feel confident and empowered to use the tech at their disposal, they become more efficient, resulting in a higher return on investment (ROI).
Prioritizing learning
According to a report, over half of employees agree that learning more things makes them a lot more adaptable. Helping empower a workforce that embraces continuous learning helps companies build resilience within both the workforce and the organization as a whole. However, during uncertain times for business, organizations must adopt a different approach to employee growth and development. Learning initiatives should go beyond equipping employees with skills for better performance. They should aim to uncover employees’ key strengths, helping them shape their individual career trajectories. Offering opportunities for career growth and skills acquisition provides the employees with the necessary adaptability and flexibility they need to succeed. Companies that implement a unified and modern HR tech solution are able to facilitate this process. HR department leads can leverage technology-driven, continuous development and learning opportunities to unlock employee potential, granting employees more control over their future careers.