How to use tech to revamp your HR processes for the best results

One of the biggest advantages your business has today is the access to a vast range of technologies on offer. They can help with everything from improving workforce collaboration to managing finances and helping HR processes run smoothly.

The growth in mobile and digital technologies that have defined the 21st century so far mean people have become increasingly accustomed to technological change and innovation. Many individuals now look to the latest tech to help make their day-to-day lives easier and more enjoyable.

It follows that your employees will have the same expectations in their working lives. Organisations that are slow to get onboard with new technologies could end up with a frustrated and underperforming workforce, while missing out on the various operational and efficiency benefits that innovation can provide.

In a recent survey by workplace equipment manufacturer Ricoh Europe, workers suggested that better access to technology could save them 3.5 days’ worth of time every month.

Some 3,600 employees were surveyed, nearly half (47%) of whom had doubts that the workplace technology they were using allowed them to achieve maximum productivity. Nearly six out of ten (59%) said more innovative tech solutions would have a positive impact on their working day.

Javier Diez-Aguirre, vice-president of corporate marketing at Ricoh Europe, warned that employers were “missing an open goal” where productivity is concerned, with poor access to technology “wasting staff time”.

He added: “It’s clear from our research that workers across Europe want their employers to help them become more productive. Better technology access has benefits for the organisation and the employee, saving time and money by empowering smarter working.

“Business leaders must now consider how they use new digital technologies to unlock hidden productivity, increase flexibility and enhance the agility of their operations.”

With this in mind, what specific tech and innovations should you be considering to realise real benefits for your organisation? Here are five steps that could deliver results.

1. Implement a people management system

People management systems can make a huge contribution to the successful running of your business, partly because they enable your HR team to gain real time, comprehensive insights into your workforce and how it’s performing.

A stronger understanding of your people puts your company in a better position to reinforce employee engagement and improve workforce satisfaction, which reduces staff turnover and drives productivity.

2. Switch to cloud computing

As we have previously explored on the Sage Advice blog, migrating key functions and services to the cloud can help businesses be much more efficient, with opportunities to save costs and encourage productive collaboration.

Your HR department can use cloud computing to standardise its processes and make vital data and resources easily available to those who need them, regardless of when and where they work.

3. Use data analytics to assess HR processes

Data analytics is something already extremely important for businesses and is set to grow in significance over the years to come. It helps your organisation to turn the large, seemingly impenetrable amounts of information at its disposal into relevant, actionable insights.

If you are looking for opportunities to deploy new technologies in relation to your HR processes, data analytics can help you evaluate the effectiveness of everything from talent acquisition and training to employee engagement and retention efforts.

4. Introduce apps to drive HR performance

Just as they have come to play a central role in many consumers’ lives, apps can be instrumental in optimising and evaluating the performance of your HR department.

Deploying the latest agile and innovative tools can help your HR professionals save time, become more efficient and measure their progress towards key goals.

5. Use data insights to reward staff

Employees want to be recognised for their hard work, so it’s vital for you to have HR processes in place to track performance and highlight noteworthy results.

Using data analytics to provide reliable insights can help ensure that your employees are being properly acknowledged and rewarded, which helps to boost workforce morale and productivity.

In conclusion…

If you want to continue evolving and improving in 2018, it’s worth giving very close thought to how the latest tech solutions can work for your business.

Committing to innovation and technological change sends out the right message to your employees, clients and competitors: that your organisation is moving with the times and willing to invest in the tools required to achieve the highest standards.

For the workforce (and particularly for HR departments), the availability of new, effective technologies can play a vital role in maximising job satisfaction and driving productivity, which is just as beneficial for your business as it is for your individual members of staff.