From selecting job candidates to managing employees, the field of human resources (HR) is about to experience a revolution. If you’re interested in a career in HR, then you can look forward to being part of the exciting changes happening in the industry.

For many years, the HR industry has lagged behind other industries in the use of technology. HR staff still struggle with a great deal of admin work and labour-intensive systems. But, eventually, the field is catching up. Here are 7 ways that HR is being transformed.

1. A stronger focus on the employee experience

Companies employ a diverse range of people with various backgrounds, ages, cultures and skill levels. In a world where diversity is strongly encouraged, it is clear that a one-size-fits-all approach to managing employees no longer works. HR staff are now using all the data they can find to ensure that employees’ unique preferences and skills development needs are catered for. 

2. Automated recruitment

Recruiting staff has always been a highly personalised process, but some of the world’s most forward-thinking organisations are now automating the early stages of recruitment. To make the process of interviewing a large number of candidates more efficient, tools such as video interviews, chatbots and facial expression analysis are being used. This saves time in terms of identifying suitable candidates before the later stages of recruitment.

3. Time and attendance

In the past, measuring employee time and attendance was one of the most admin heavy aspects of HR. Today, tag systems and fingerprint sensing devices are well-entrenched in organisations around the world. Data related to timekeeping and attendance is now recorded digitally, giving HR staff immediate access to logs. Mobile employees are also being tracked via geolocation and geofencing.

4. Cloud-based solutions

Organisations are increasingly moving to cloud-based computer software for their HR functions. Software involving human resource management, talent management, financial services and payroll are providing benefits to the companies adopting them. With everything stored online, management teams can collaboration more effectively, while functions such as evaluation and data analysis are also more efficient.

5.  Gamification

Gamification is a concept which brings aspects of game playing into the workplace. Examples include competitions, puzzles, quizzes and digital gameplay. HR managers are increasingly using gamification to better engage with staff, make their jobs more enjoyable, and create a vibrant company culture.

6. Automating repetitive tasks

HR staff are often burdened by time-consuming tasks such as responding to frequently asked employee questions or sorting through leave applications. There has been an increase in the use of digital employee helpdesks which can provide automatic answers to queries. Online leave application systems have also allowed HR staff to focus on more productive and stimulating work.  

7. Digital skills training for employees

Companies are now drawing on digital platforms that employees can use to improve their skills. Self-service websites such as LinkedIn Learning allow employees to choose online courses that will be relevant to their personal and professional development. This reduces the need for HR managers and staff to conduct face-to-face workshops and other learning programmes, which not only saves time but allows staff to personalise their learning to some extent.

Technology is transforming HR into a field that requires less admin and more strategy. Work has become less labour-intensive and more innovative. The coming years will see HR departments becoming exciting places to work!

Become part of the revolution in HR by studying a Human Resources management qualification with Oxbridge Academy.

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