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Technology in the HR World

Guest post by: Jennifer Loftus

Article Overview: Technology. Its constant evolution forces everyone to keep up. In the HR world, there are many questions regarding the role of technology, as HR’s major concern is the human aspect of the working world. How can Human Resources keep the human at the forefront while using current technology for advancement? In this issue of Astronology, we explore technology and how it can be used effectively in the HR world.

Technology in the HR World

AlthoughSHRM’s Special Expertise Panel on Technology and HR Management has reported favorably on technology trends, the question remains regarding how Human Resources can still be “human” when using technology to take over job responsibilities that normally a person would complete. Jobpartnersfounder Patrice Barbedettesaysthat technology, “can help to take away some of the drudgery associated with administration, enabling HR to focus on more strategic issues. However, the human element will always remain a vital part since HR is all about people management, which requires human interaction and face-to-face contact.”

It’s important to keep a balance when using technology. As Barbedette points out, using technology to assist with minor administrative issues will leave room for analysis and consulting – areas requiring the human touch. Jeff Phelps, President ofWorkforceLogic/ABE Servicesstates, “Automation facilitates the requisition and search process so that the human element can be introduced into the interview, selection and review processes, where it adds the most value. There will continue to be human interaction within HR processes. The benefit of technology is that it provides the employer with a simple way to quantify, document, store, and distribute data for future reference.” So what are some ways we can use technology effectively? Consider these:

· Appraisal Management

· Performance Management

· Time and Attendance

· Salary Forecasting

· E-learning & E-training

Did you know that Astron Solutions offers many of these services? Flare™, Astron’s web-based Talent Management suite, features configurability to fit an individual organization’s needs as opposed to off the shelf software. Each client’s installation of Flare™ features a variety of modules chosen by that organization. All modules include data archiving and unlimited users and employees. For a live demo, why notcontact Astron Solutionstoday?

Another consideration when exploring the use of technology in an organization is getting buy-in from senior leadership. Many HR professionals think they can’t or won’t be able to get approval from their organization to implement a new system. We asked Brendan Williams, Astron Solutions’ Technology Supervisor, what steps HR should take when unsure of how to build the case for using technology. Brendan tells us “an organization’s decision makers are always responsive to ROI. HR technology encompasses many functions. HR professionals should be familiar enough with these functions to detail how much time and money they spend accomplishing them currently. A technology vendor can provide reports enabling HR to calculate what their ROI would be. If the technology is well-developed, the numbers will be hard to argue with, especially once the opportunity cost of not using it is factored in.” Are there other ways to ensure a successful implementation of HR technology? Brendan shares with us that “it is important that HR professionals position themselves as leaders within their organizations. Technology budgets are often spent on other departments, yet HR interacts with the entire organization. This responsibility should be emphasized when requesting the means to support it.”

Whether we are ready for it or not, technology and its continual evolutions, are present in our workplaces. The keys to using technology successfully are balance and buy-in. Use the technology to better an organization and strengthen HR’s interaction with employees. By embracing technology, you remain at the forefront of HR and help your organization to be successful.

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Article Tags: Appraisal Management, Elearning Etraining, HR, Performance Management, Salary Forecasting, Talent Management, Technology, Technology and HR, Time and Attendance, WebBased Talent Management



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