Employees are used to sleek and easy-to-use tech – from their smartphones to their cars, kitchen appliances and home security systems. However, most workplace technology is not as polished.
It’s important to remember that the vast majority of today’s employees (Millennials and Gen Z) are digital natives and expect employers to offer the same technologies and at the same level of quality they use elsewhere in their lives. Forcing an employee who’s used to intuitive systems and software in their personal life to adapt to high-friction, poorly designed tools can generate frustration and even resentment.
UI that resonates with the user is more likely to be accepted and engaged with. A well-designed tool can provide immediate feedback, adapt to different users, have a simple user interface, and integrate easily with work processes. This in turn increases productivity, improves employee experience and reduces staff turnover.
Of course, great digital experience isn’t just for employees. Tech platforms also allow employers to build strategic frameworks from which they can collect data to effectively inform business decisions. Reports and analytics can be used to drive actions and improvements, show progression, demonstrate return on investment, and help drive change within an organisation.
From an organisational perspective, HR tech enables and enhances leadership. It provides the tools, resources and structure line managers need to offer the same attention to every direct report – wherever they may be, and no matter the size of their team.
Tech can also help support a company’s L&D, wellbeing and CSR commitments. From sharing information on volunteering and donations, to providing access to training and health frameworks, adopting a strategic approach to initiatives means the entire business is united in social and ethical conscience, and is better able to work towards a clear and valued purpose.
And then there are numerous tech benefits for HR teams. Minimal, easy-to-use interfaces help organisations de-clutter their tech stack while offering familiarity and consistency to employees, wherever they are. From communication and culture to feedback and wellbeing – across the whole employee life cycle – tech can help HR teams be more productive and free up time to contribute to more strategic goals within the business.
The HR of today – and of the future – is undeniably data-driven. Timely, relevant, business-critical insights have afforded HR a seat at the most important table in an organisation. And HR tech is what will ensure that role becomes even more invaluable.
Now more than ever, technology is an essential tool for retaining staff and optimising initiatives. However, as with all initiatives and programmes, they must be carefully monitored, communicated, and tweaked according to feedback. If tech is implemented carelessly or not followed up on, it will soon become a very expensive waste of time that will do little to curtail employee churn or meet company goals and KPIs.