Artificial intelligence in HRM
When we talk about Human Resources, is it always about people management? In other words, people managing other people. For a very long time, HR professionals have been looking after processes manually, interacting with employees in person and saving documents and other important company guidelines in hardcopy files. The grunt work is more the majority of the job rather than the exciting human aspects. But HR was not trained to be data collectors and scrubbers.
What is technology in HR?
The technology wave launched in the late ‘90s with companies wanting to streamline processes with features like ATS, talent management and performance management. These enablers eased out routine, monotonous functions for HR professionals.
However, more recently, the landscape has dramatically shifted due to rapid technological advancements and evolving workforce expectations. These changes have spurred a demand for more flexible work arrangements and necessitated a comprehensive digital transformation in HR. Companies are now focusing on leveraging HR technology to manage a diverse, often remote workforce, ensuring they remain connected, engaged, and productive in an increasingly digital work environment.
For the first time, HR was faced with challenges that demanded innovative solutions. The response? A widespread adoption of HR technology, utilizing remote software tools for managing people, whether it be recruiting, onboarding, or conducting performance evaluations. HR technology successfully bridged both the tangible gap between employees and the intangible gap between man and machine.
Often, when we speak about HR technology trends 2024, it is about yearning for better employee engagement with online forums and guaranteeing employee work satisfaction with pulse surveys. Although peopleHum boasts these quintessential features of HR technology, this is merely the tip of the iceberg that peopleHum has to offer! This blog explores how the gap between HR and technology is bridged in the ‘New Normal’, showcasing new-age latest HR tech trends, the evolving HR digitalization and HRMS platforms like peopleHum leading the race with strategized recruiting, virtual communication and online 1-on-1s, which ensures employee engagement and resilience.
How AI in HR impacts employee and candidate experience?
"The simplification of work, increased productivity, taking the “friction” out of processes and work activities, and enabling people to do less repetitive, manual work. This gives time back for more insight-oriented, higher-impact tasks. How? Easier access to curated data, visualization, along with bots and AI.” - Mike Fenlon, Chief People Officer, PwC
7 trends shaping the future of HR technology
Here are 7 HR tech trends to reshape the future of ‘hire to retire’ and everything that lies in between:
1. Embracing immersive workplace tech solutions
Immersive workplace tech like VR meetings isn't just a futuristic concept—it's happening right now. With virtual reality, professionals can step into meetings and collaborate in ways that feel as real as being there in person. As this technology continues to evolve, staying ahead of the curve means embracing the future of workplace innovation and exploring the endless possibilities it brings to the table.
2. Harnessing online collaboration tools for global HR communities
In the fast-paced world of HR, the future is all about tapping into online collaboration tools to bring together global HR communities like never before. Think of it as a virtual hub where people from around the world can come together, swap ideas and tackle challenges as a team—no matter where they're based. It's like having a round-the-clock brainstorming session with colleagues from different time zones, all from the comfort of your own desk. By embracing these online tools, businesses everywhere can break down barriers, spark creativity and make a real impact in their respective industry.
3. Enhancing HR efficiency with AI-powered candidate recommendations
Could you imagine a world where finding the ideal candidate for a job is as effortless as scrolling through your favorite social media feed? That's the magic of AI-powered candidate recommendations—the next big thing in turbocharging HR efficiency. With AI lending a helping hand, HR professionals worldwide can ditch endless hours poring over resumes and welcome a future where the perfect hire is in your inbox. Having an AI-powered assistant is like having a PA who knows your hiring preferences inside-out, presenting you with hand picked selections of top-notch candidates perfectly suited to your company's culture and needs. It's like having your very own talent scout working tirelessly behind the scenes, mining suitable talent for your needs and saving you precious time and resources in the process.
4. Elevating employee wellness through corporate health software
There are a few organizations that don't prioritise employee wellness and treat it like a mere buzzword! The power of corporate health software lies in the future of HR wellness initiatives. For instance, imagine having a suite of tools at your fingertips designed to promote physical, mental and emotional health among your workforce. From personalized fitness plans and nutrition trackers to stress management resources and meditation apps, corporate health software offers a holistic approach to wellness that empowers employees to thrive both in and out of the office. But it's not just about individual health—it's about fostering a culture of wellness that permeates every aspect of the workplace. With corporate health software, HR professionals can create wellness challenges, host virtual fitness classes, and even gamify healthy behaviors to keep employees engaged and motivated.
5. Fostering employee growth through continuous learning initiatives
Through a variety of innovative platforms and resources, employees are empowered to expand their skills, explore new interests and evolve personally and professionally. From online courses and virtual workshops to mentorship programs and peer learning circles, the opportunities for growth are endless. This trend not only equips employees with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-changing world but also fosters a culture of curiosity, innovation and collaboration within the organization. After all, this would also help every employee to have the opportunity to reach their full potential and thrive in their careers.
Also read : Team building without time wasting
6. Adapting HR strategies to support diverse work models
The HR tech landscape, as we know, is ever-evolving and the crucial trend that's here to stay is to support diverse work models, including remote, onsite and hybrid setups. This forward-thinking approach envisions a workplace where employees have the flexibility to choose where and how they work best post-pandemic. HR professionals are embracing this shift by implementing flexible policies, fostering collaboration across virtual platforms and redesigning office spaces to accommodate safety and social distancing. By embracing diversity and flexibility, HR is not only preparing for the future of work but also creating a supportive culture where every employee feels valued and empowered to thrive, not limiting them to their location or work arrangement.
7. Empowering employees with tech-enabled self-service solutions
A trend that is currently shaping the future of HR tech is facilitating employees with tech-enabled self-service solutions. With the rise of technology, HR departments are leveraging innovative self-service solutions to streamline processes and enhance employee experience. From self-service portals for accessing information towards payslips and benefits to mobile apps for requesting time off and updating personal details, the possibilities are wide and endless. It's like having a personal HR assistant at your fingertips, making it easier than ever to navigate the complexities of the workplace. However, beyond convenience, it provides employees the autonomy and flexibility they crave in today's fast-paced world.
Conclusion
As we stand on the brink of 2024, the fusion of human resources and technology poses a compelling question: How can we harness the vast potential of HR tech to enhance not just our workplaces but also the human experience within them? The seven trends highlighted herein offer a glimpse into a future where HR technology not only streamlines administrative tasks but also fosters a dynamic, inclusive, and wellness-oriented workplace culture.
Through embracing immersive tech solutions, leveraging AI for recruitment, and enhancing employee wellness and growth, organizations are setting new standards for what it means to work and thrive in the digital age.
The future of HR technology is not just about smarter systems and more seamless processes. It’s about our ability to use them to amplify what makes us uniquely human: our capacity for empathy, our need for connection, and our potential for growth. In the end, the future of HR tech is not just about the work we do, but about the people we become in the process.