Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 92 | Page 76

FINAL WORD
Top : Alison Palmer , Head of Human Resources ,
Dariel Software
Bottom : Ian McAlister , General Manager , CRS Technologies
Understanding what employees truly need requires active engagement and regular feedback . It is crucial to ask and not assume . Recognising employees ’ contributions to ensure benefits and job perks are wanted and meaningful also relies on open , ongoing communication . Human resource teams should be doing this fairly regularly in a setting where the data can be collected .
So how do companies go about distinguishing between a passing trend and permanent shifts in what employees want ?
Part of the answer is being open to new ideas and continuous learning . If human resource teams get the sense that there is a change on the horizon , it should be seen as a chance to open the dialogue with employees . Company staff are an amazing source of information . And while you are gaining that information from the group , you are building relationships and engaging with them too .
The workplace is always changing . Thirty years ago , it was different from today , and it will continue to change . By fostering a culture of learning and open communication , it is possible to create workplaces that adapt and thrive , irrespective of trends .
Benefits of human resource technologies
While human resource professionals understand the necessity of modern human resource technology , those outside the field might see it as a pricey optional extra rather than a must-have investment . Organisations that strategically invest in the right human resource technology can reap significant financial and operational benefits , positioning themselves for long-term success .
According to Ian McAlister , General Manager , CRS Technologies , human resource technology saves valuable time by automating repetitive and timeconsuming tasks . Traditional human resource functions such as recruitment and onboarding , benefits administration and employee record management can be resource-intensive when handled manually .
Modern human resource technology automates these processes , making sure everything is accurate and efficient . This reduces the workload on human resource personnel , freeing them to focus on more strategic activities such as employee development and engagement programmes .
Human resource technology also enhances productivity by streamlining communication and collaboration between teams . For example , employee self-service portals enable staff to access important information like pay slips , leave balances and tax documentation , without having to contact the human resource department .
Human resource technology plays a pivotal role in boosting employee engagement . Performance management systems that track goals and facilitate regular feedback between managers and employees help employees stay aligned with organisational objectives and perform at their best .
Employees who receive regular feedback are more likely to feel valued and understood , to higher levels of motivation and job satisfaction . Features for peer recognition and rewards allow employees to acknowledge one other ’ s achievements . This creates a positive work environment and strengthens team morale , further enhancing engagement .
Human resource technology also makes it easier to learn and grow on the job , which is crucial for maintaining a skilled and productive workforce . Continuous learning not only enhances employee capabilities but also drives innovation and efficiency . When companies invest in their people in this way , they ensure that their workforce remains agile and capable of meeting evolving business demands .
Employees who have the tools they need to grow and succeed are more likely to stay with the company . Plus , human resource technology helps with work-life balance , like flexible working schedules and remote work options , which improves employee well-being and leads to higher job satisfaction .
Automating human resource processes minimises the risk of errors and compliance issues , which can result in costly fines and legal disputes . The damage done to a company ’ s reputation through non-compliance can be severe and long-lasting , to loss of customer trust , diminished brand value , and potential revenue decline .
If implemented correctly , human resource technology can significantly enhance organisational efficiency , reduce costs and improve employee satisfaction and retention . But to really make it work , it is critical to invest in a solution that is tailored to the organisation ’ s specific business needs . p
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