How Technology Is Transforming HR

Technology is transforming our personal and business lives, from changing how we communicate to the way we pay our bills and turn off our lights, and HR departments are no different. Previously buried under admin and paper – CVs, employee details, time sheets – HR are now technology-driven departments with a more strategic focus. The rise of Human Resource Management Systems (HRMS) is simplifying and streamlining HR, decreasing admin, and increasing the effectiveness of communication. HR departments have big data at their disposal, which if analysed effectively, offers invaluable insight into potential clients or customers, target markets, and emerging trends. All of which can be utilised to make better, more informed decisions.

Applicant Tracking Systems

With Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and the vast resource that is the internet, your job description can be placed in front of a huge audience instantly, and with minimal effort from HR. This coupled with the ability to utilise social media to headhunt those who may be well suited but not paying attention to your advert, means you are more likely to find new employees that are both a perfect fit for your role and your company. Increase the likelihood of finding that ideal employee further by utilising technology to perform psychometric and behavioural testing, both of which are features in e-Talent’s Candidate Management System (CMS).  Managing applications online also removes the majority of paperwork, contains all information in one place, and speeds up decision making and communication processes, whether informing successful or unsuccessful candidates.

Connectivity

But HR isn’t just about recruitment. Nowadays colleagues are not necessarily just across the hall or available for a quick chat next to the coffee machine, they can be spread across the world, but technology is increasing connectivity. It enables HR to manage remote teams effectively, and it allows for seamless communication and information sharing. Flexible working is more in demand than ever at the moment, and systems that ensure employees can access work away from the office, mean you can cater to employee needs without jeopardising productivity. Smart phones allow information to be accessed and input anytime, from anywhere, whether working in the office, from home or remotely. This shifts the focus from HR personnel to employees who can be made responsible for keeping their own details up to date or inputting their own holiday requests. This not only leaves HR personnel more time to concentrate on other tasks, but it promotes engagement of employees; if something is easy to do, people are more likely to do it.

The Paperless Office

Moving from paper to online and cloud storage, amalgamates information and tasks into one place, which makes data analysis and reporting simple, and enables HR to identify trends, insights, and issues instantly. Equipped with such data, HR are well placed to assist in making strategic decisions and to help solve business problems faster and more proficiently. Furthermore, tracking employee training, performance, attendance, and monitoring their wellbeing helps HR personnel to flag and deal with potential issues with employees before they escalate, preventing issues such as out of date training or long-term absences.

With technology, your HR department can spend longer actually looking after your business and employees needs rather than trying to stay on top of an ever-growing mound of paperwork.  Using e-Talent means a better chance of recruiting the right people, giving you more time than ever to focus on the real job of HR: getting the best from the human resources in your business.