HR role in digital transformation: 8 crucial steps for a successful change
Time and again, you have read that businesses from various industries all over the globe can benefit from a digital transformation and that it is a necessary form of disruption. But when it comes to the human resources industry, how exactly does it work and what are some of the important implications of HR digital transformation?
What is digital transformation and why is it important to HR?
A digital revolution in your business does not simply mean a mere upgrade to your technology. It is about changing the overall processes, structures, work cultures and the mind-sets of its employees. For HR, digital transformation is the acceptance and migration from the traditional ways of HR processes such as managing employee engagement, performance management and recruitment to become more automated and data-driven.
In other words, digital transformation in HR is about streamlining all its traditional processes and adapting to new systems and data analytics to allow HR professionals to track trends and manage performance better. When done right, digital transformation in HR can address common HR issues such as the ability to identify a talent in a pool of candidates, or easily measure the effectiveness of your recruitment campaigns from a value or cost perspective. One example is using cognitive approach in talent acquisition.
The role of HR in digital transformation
Today, HR is being pushed to take on bigger roles such as the following:
As a strategic partner HR functions such as recruitment, rewards and recognition, performance development, retention programmes, and even succession planning, are all part of a business’ success. Through digital transformation, HR is able to play a better role as a strategic partner to support the overall business plan and objectives.
As a change agent With HR leading the implementation of new systems for recruiting, learning, and training, HR can be the leader in change and foster a work culture that embraces new digital transformation. With its neutral position, HR can also help to be a catalyst in fostering workforce commitment.
How to work towards HR digital transformation
If you are interested in HR digital transformation but are unsure on where to begin, Deloitte’s Human Capital Trends report revealed some helpful tips to get you started:
Establish your mission You need to embrace the fact that HR today is no longer just another supportive function of a company but plays a bigger role in helping the company to digitally transform and lead in this transformational exercise.
Upgrade your company’s core technology A digital transformation would not only involve a change of mind-set but also getting rid of all manual HR systems and replacing them with new technology and automated systems that are easier to learn, faster and more efficient.
Develop a multiyear HR technology strategy In order for you to constantly stay ahead, develop a multiyear strategy that includes learning and even adapting to various IT solutions such as cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms, data analytics, and even tools for artificial intelligence (AI).
Start a digital HR team Foster a digital culture in your HR team and have one dedicated team who constantly work with IT experts to explore and learn new HR solutions.
Set up HR into networks of expertise with strong business partners Reorganise your HR organisation model to place more efforts on “employee experience, analytics, culture, and the new world of learning”. Make sure that high-performing HR teams share their experiences and knowledge with one another.
Make innovation a core strategy within HR Cultivate the desire to innovate in your HR department. Reward those who push for reinvention and innovation.
Regularly rotate younger people into HR Young people tend to be more passionate when it comes to new digital inventions or innovations. Regularly rotate them in to bring fresh new ideas.
Do your benchmark Always do your homework to see if your innovation levels are on par with your competitors. HR professionals can also host or join seminars that can help in fostering new ideas and innovation in the HR landscape.
Digital transformation is the first step towards changing the way an organisation operates, paving the way for more efficient processes and more effective allocation of resources. However, human nature dictates that changes are difficult to come by. This is why organisations need a visionary leader that understands the benefits of digital transformation, one that is well-connected and supposedly understands the inner workings of all divisions. This visionary leader is none other than HR.
This article is either written or edited by JobsDB HK. If you would like to publish it on other website or publication, please contact us by email: [email protected]. JobsDB reserves the right to take legal action against any person that infringes the copyright.