The arrival of the digital age has transformed human resources. Human resources professionals no longer have to be bogged down by manual processes or overwhelming amounts of data. HR departments, now more nimble through technology, have greater freedom to make a significant impact on corporate culture and productivity thanks to new solutions that improve human capital management and development. 

Here are three examples of the incredible impact technology is having on HR and organizations at large. 

Human Resources and the Cloud

Cloud-based systems provide HR with enormous benefits. The cloud reduces IT costs, eases scalability, improves business continuity, and provides teams with greater flexibility. Some specific ways your company can benefit include:

• Going paperless. Not only does the cloud help centralize data and protect you from a loss in the event of a disaster or crisis, but it also enables you to reduce waste, free up physical office space (fewer rows of file cabinets), and limit “lost” files.
• Creating transparency. When you store data in the cloud, anyone with appropriate credentials can access data at any time from anywhere. 
• Improving productivity. With a cloud-based HR system, you can empower employees to take action by allowing them access to update contact information, submit leave requests, and access other pertinent data. This reduces manual data entry you or your team would otherwise have to do.

Collaboration and Communication

Whether your organization consists of remote employees, offices across the globe, freelance workers or combinations of all three, you face challenges in ensuring individuals and teams can connect easily. Without proper solutions in place, productivity will slow down, and departments become silos instead of connected centers of excellence.

HR departments can partner with IT to define requirements for collaboration and communication tools that will enable employees to meet business goals. This partnership can help ensure information flows between departments and that individuals feel connected to workmates.

Questions to consider as you review solutions:

• 1. Will this platform centralize critical files and information while also providing required security and access levels?
• 2. Can this messaging tool encourage conversation and team building through features like emoji, memes, and video conferencing?
• 3. How easy is the solution to use and what change management initiatives and training programs will be required?

Blockchain Technology and Human Resources

The first thing that may come to mind when you think about blockchain technology is cryptocurrency, such as bitcoin. However, blockchain has uses beyond bitcoin; it can automate the flow of verified, validated HR-related information.

In the near future, HR professionals may use blockchain to:

• 1. Verify certification details and university degrees. This occurs when job candidates allow certifying bodies and issuing institutions to digitally verify details via blockchain.
• 2. Streamline payroll for international workers. Use blockchain to limit delays caused by intermediary banks and third parties.

As more businesses begin to leverage blockchain, new opportunities for better human capital management will likely occur. This trend is one to watch.

Keep Up with HR Technology

From recruitment through retention, human resources professionals now have more solutions at their disposal than ever to make HR more efficient and effective. Companies that wish to compete for and keep the best talent must prioritize technology awareness and skills in the human resources department.

Are you ready to take on new technology for your HR team? Stay up to date with the latest HR technology news and updates by subscribing to the TAM Blog!

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