In today’s digital era, technology permeates every aspect of human life and organisational activity. Yet, amid this reliance on technological systems, one fact remains clear: people are the most valuable asset within any organisation. Not the physical assets, systems, or procedures, but the individuals—the employees who support families and lead lives beyond their work.
Given the central role of both technology and human resources in organisational success, it is crucial to explore how these two forces intersect.
HR encompasses various employee-related functions, including recruitment, performance management, employee engagement, health, wellness, and industrial relations.
Managing these responsibilities requires HR professionals to possess a wide range of skills.
Technology has transformed this landscape, giving rise to “HR tech,” a term for tools designed to streamline HR functions. Let’s begin by examining how technology has revolutionised recruitment.
Recruitment in the Digital Age
Platforms like LinkedIn have become essential in recruitment, allowing candidates to showcase their qualifications while giving HR professionals access to an online talent pool.
Job seekers should be mindful that potential employers may review all their social media profiles, not just LinkedIn.
However, factors such as ethnicity, gender, religion, or sexual orientation should never influence hiring decisions.
Locally, platforms such as Caribbean Jobs, JobsTT, and TrinidadJob.com are widely used. Beyond social media, advanced technologies have further enhanced recruitment.
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) help HR manage candidate data, while Candidate Assessment Software (CAS) automates skills and personality tests. AI-driven algorithms also assist in resume screening, improving the efficiency of the process.
A notable local tool, iGovTT’s EmployTT, combines ATS and CAS functionalities. It’s currently used by several public agencies for contract job listings, offering job seekers the ability to register and receive notifications about new opportunities.
Boosting productivity with HR tech
Beyond recruitment, technology plays a crucial role in enhancing productivity. HR analytics tools empower professionals to make data-driven decisions, identify areas for improvement, and create strategies to boost employee satisfaction.
Employee Self-Service Portals, where employees can update details, access pay stubs, and request time off, significantly reduce HR’s administrative burden. These platforms streamline processes and give employees greater control over routine tasks.
Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) have become essential in organisations globally, centralising employee data to improve workforce management.
Enhancing employee performance
Performance management tools that enable goal setting, progress tracking, and regular feedback have transformed how organisations manage performance.
These systems keep employees aligned with organisational objectives and provide timely support and recognition. Performance appraisal tools streamline the evaluation process, ensuring transparency and clarity for both employees and managers.
Enterprise collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, which became vital during the pandemic, continue to support business continuity through virtual meetings, webinars, and team-building activities.
Tools like Slack, for project management, and Survey Monkey, for conducting employee surveys, help HR teams foster collaboration and gauge employee sentiment.
Supporting health, wellness, and IR
Employee health and wellness are critical to organisational success. HR departments can use collaboration tools to host virtual wellness workshops, promote health challenges, and encourage employees to track their progress via wellness apps. These initiatives build a culture of well-being within the workforce.
In industrial relations, technology has also proven beneficial. A 2022 American Arbitration Association survey found that companies using online mediation platforms saw a 60 per cent improvement in internal communication, transforming how teams engage and resolve conflicts.
Online mediation and conflict resolution tools ensure impartial outcomes, while e-learning platforms allow HR professionals to hone arbitration skills.
Future of HR tech
The global HR software market is booming, with an annual growth rate exceeding ten per cent and is projected to surpass $44.28 billion by 2031. Like many other fields, HR is moving towards being more tech-driven.
When acquiring new technology, it’s vital to prioritise scalability, ease of use, and security to protect employee information.
Technology is constantly evolving, and keeping up with developments can be challenging for HR professionals. One of the most transformative innovations—Artificial Intelligence (AI)—is already reshaping HR through its integration in analytics tools. While experts debate how AI will further revolutionise the workplace, a focus on present and future trends is essential for success.
At iGovTT, we trust in the expertise of our tech professionals to guide us into an uncertain future. Likewise, we are confident that HR professionals, equipped with the right technology, will continue to drive organisational success and ensure the well-being of their most valuable asset: people.
