Technology has blended so seamlessly in our lives that it is impossible to imagine a day without it. Whether you want to see your loved one at this very instant or shop from the comfort of your home, there is an app for everything. Apart from making our lives a whole lot easier, technology has significantly changed the business world. AI-powered solutions and analytics-backed insights are helping business leaders to make crucial business decisions on employee management. Technology has also made inroads into the realms of the HR world. Human Resources department deals with the complexity of human emotions constantly and there is skepticism about the impact technology would have on it. However, technology has delivered powerful results by increasing the efficiency of HR departments and the productivity of employees.
Although machines are largely error-free, organizations cannot completely rely on them as employees need to see an empathetic side of their organizations. Perhaps, this is why we need to strike a balance between technology and the human connect.
Right Job-fit and Organization-fit
Hiring wrong candidates have been a major bottleneck for organizations. It not only leads to increased costs but also lowers overall retention and job satisfaction levels. Artificial intelligence has done a great job of eliminating human biases from the hiring process. Organizations can now create repositories of candidates who may fit into their job requirements. Artificial intelligence along with machine learning algorithms can parse through this data and screen out relevant candidates. Technology has made it possible to find the right candidates not only as per their skill sets and qualifications but also their personality and aspirations.
Instant Resolution of Queries
There was a time when employees would write to the HR and wait endlessly for a reply. However, not anymore. With automation and outstanding HCM solutions, employees have instant access to most information. With organizations adopting mobile-first technologies, employees feel more connected to their workplaces and have a higher level of engagement. Moreover, intelligent HR chatbots can effectively handle complaints and also share insights about employee well-being. Employees may find it easier to ask personal or sensitive questions to a chatbot. The chatbot can be preprogrammed to identify such red flags and communicate it to the HR team.
Better Engagement
Technology has helped in tightly knitting the workforce management into one big family. With social media platforms specially designed for an organization, employees can now communicate more freely. They can share their business-related problems and get timely resolutions. Leaders, who may seem elusive, can share their thoughts on these platforms. Secondly, they can manage any rumors and squelch unwanted speculation. They can convey the company’s next strategic moves. This leads to a high level of engagement where employees feel more connected with their organizations.
Higher Collaboration and Productivity
Collaborative and co-operating workforces can give greater results as opposed to the ones that work in silos. With the strategic use of technology, employees can work closely with other teams. Secondly, shared calendars, task management, and discussion forums promote collaboration letting everyone know their share of responsibility. Besides, the use of project management software allows for easy tracking of a project. Early warning triggers can allow for timely corrective action. All of these coupled together can lead to much higher productivity.
Technology is a boon and has brought a sea-change in the landscape of HR. It will continue to deliver excellent results as long as the HR fraternity consciously treads this thin line between technology and humans.