How is Human Resources Evolving with Technology?

This is probably the most obvious advantage that technological gadgets have on a company’s HR. Technology makes it easier to communicate due to different mediums introduced. You can easily communicate in a matter of seconds through emails, text and other messaging applications.

Many companies use a fixed medium of communication and use different online forums to exchange files and messages. Skype, Slack, and Basecamp, etc. are only a few applications that are used by companies to communicate. These messaging applications have made it easier for the HR staff to keep in touch with the rest of the team. For example, if the Project Manager wants to change the meeting time, then he simply has to drop an email to his team and cc it to the HR. The rest of the arrangements will be taken care of from there.

However, as with every technological invention, there are certain pros and cons. In some cases, technology can prove to be more time-consuming. Information that is shared through a 2-page email can be easily communicated verbally. The verbal form of communication is still considered as one of the best ways to communicate up-to-date. This is primarily because one can easily interpret facial expressions and it gives more chances to ask questions.

It is probably clear to you by now that technology is the indisputable future of HR. Another way that technology is helping our HR is an efficient analysis of employee data. What was a rigorous process in the past has been reduced to a few clicks now?

Companies have certain criteria that need to be fulfilled to decide whether their employee is accomplishing their goals. Different applications to monitor employee performance have made this procedure simpler and more efficient. Not to mention, it is less time-consuming as well.

You can easily bring together data and use it to analyze how your employee is performing. Software programs and applications make the task of analyzing employee performance data simpler and less complicated. However, it must not be ignored that there are still certain issues that require human judgment. The recent advancements are simply a tool that will improve and complement HR functionality and efficiency.

Anyone who works in HR must be well aware of how tiring and time-consuming the recruiting process is. Not to mention costly as well. Fortunately, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made this process less extensive.

Companies have automated screeners that detect skills on a candidate’s resume. This has made hiring decisions extremely easy in the early stages of recruiting. The people in the HR department no longer need to go through tens of thousands of emails and sort through them. They can simply use the screeners to sort them out within seconds.

It is only the last stage of the HR process that requires human decision-making abilities. It has been predicted that companies and businesses that rely on tools to help with their recruiting process are bound to be more successful in the future.

Increasing Efficiency 

One can argue the disadvantages of the extensive use of technology, but it cannot be denied that technology is the best way to increase efficiency. The latest tools and software’s help to create harmony within a company. The data is recorded more systematically and is readily available if one needs it. Moreover, the HR time which was too busy in administrative tasks earlier can now invest their time on issues that require more attention.

The HR no longer has to struggle through piles of papers, messages can simply be drafted using online tools. With the availability of online tools, even PDF Editing is not a struggle anymore. It has given the human resources a chance to be more organized and accurate. This has a positive impact on the morale of the employees as well. 

Security Concerns

Technology has raised several security concerns in the HR department. Having data online leaves many companies exposed to security threats. Therefore, if you are planning to go all tech in your HR Department, make sure you are following certain security procedures.

Passwords must protect ever company file in order to protect them from malicious user. System credentials of the company devices need to be periodically changed. Firewalls and anti-malware should be implemented and updated regularly. HR employees should be given basic trainings regarding online security threats and how to easily avoid compromising the company’s confidential information.

We are all aware of the cost-cutting and the negative impact of Covid-19  on the job market owing to business continuity strategic plans. But I would like to steer away from those and talk about some of the welcoming changes that opened doors to new opportunities in the job market- especially in the IT sector. Organizations are in an imperative need to re-imagine their talent landscape, particularly their talent recruitment strategy to sail over the current crisis in addition to plan for the future. These are interesting times that we are living in. Plenty has been said about digital transformation in response to these unprecedented times and it is no different when it comes to the HR department. With the outbreak of COVID-19, HR teams all over the world are trying to put together an extensive and people-first response to the crisis, all while dealing with a surplus in flow of information, minimizing disruption of day-to-day business operations and limiting the worries of their terrified workforce.

Conclusion

Technology has without a doubt brought the positive change that we need in our HR Department. However, it must still be highlighted those technological advancements are nowhere near to human decision-making abilities. One can only argue that AI is going to overthrow what humans only possess. The truth is somewhat different. There are still certain roles that only humans can perform. This makes us question whether we even need technology for our companies, the answer is yes. To make your name in the market, it is important to follow certain technology trends. Following technological practices can secure your place in the market and make your employees more aware of what is happening around in the world. The extent to which you want to depend on these practices depends entirely upon you and your company.