Role Of Technology In HR Industry

A survey on the ‘Future of Workforce’ claimed that the HR function is the most vulnerable to be replaced by automation.

- Ajay Trehan

If one were to look at the historical impact of technology, the claim feels removed from the truth. What technology has historically done across functions replacing labour-intensive jobs in the immediate future to create new kinds of jobs in the long run- it is set to do the same for the HR department as well. In fact, A 2019 HCM Trends report from The HR Federation states that global HR technology venture capital reached $3.1 billion in 2018, more than triple the amount invested in 2017.

Tech in HR Operations

Powered by the new wave of technologies such as Automation, Digitisation, ML and AI, the HR industry has developed efficient and data-driven operations solutions with predictable ROIs, an indication of the graduation of the role of the HR from an administrative and compliance department to key decision and impact maker. Some of the major trends to have emerged include:

Process Automation

Laborious tasks like employee on boarding have been transformed with Robotic Process Automation so that repetitive jobs like creating records, documentation and adding employees in payroll systems can be made quicker and hassle-free.

Learning and Development

Employee training programs have become digital and catered to individual needs. These programs use interactive AI and AR/VR solutions as well as gamified L&D systems to ensure participation. It is also possible now to measure their effectiveness against clear ROIs and goals.

HR Analytics