In the realm of HR trends, digitalization is a topic that permeates countless discussions. We often encounter buzzwords like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Cloud Technology, all of which significantly impact HR transformations today or will do so in the future. Yet, beyond the hype and fancy terminology, what potential does digitalization truly hold for HR practices in the 21st century?
The statistics speak for themselves: a staggering 66% of business leaders acknowledge that without digitization, their companies will lose their competitive edge. Furthermore, an overwhelming 88% of HR leaders express the urgency to invest in three or more technologies in the coming years. Such compelling figures provide ample motivation to embark on the digitalization journey.
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and cutthroat competition, HR digitalization has emerged as a game-changer for organizations seeking to unleash the full potential of their human resources. It goes far beyond revolutionizing processes; it empowers employees, enables data-driven decision-making, and offers many irresistible advantages. HR digitalization sets in motion a symphony of productivity, efficiency, and unparalleled employee experiences. From empowering HR professionals to identify suitable candidates and streamlining the onboarding process to unearthing hidden insights through HR analytics, the potential is truly astonishing.
To embark on this journey, however, it's vital to grasp the crucial considerations and indispensable knowledge that pave the way to a triumphant implementation. This blog will delve deeper into the essential factors you need to consider before commencing your HR digitalization journey. Join us as we explore the transformative power of HR digitalization and uncover the path to success.
What are the benefits of digitization in HR?
HR digitalization offers several benefits for organizations. Here are some key advantages:
- Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity: Digitizing HR processes help automate time-consuming administrative tasks like data entry and document management. This gives HR professionals free time to focus on strategic initiatives, improving overall efficiency and productivity.
- Improved Employee Experience: Digitalization provides self-service options, enabling employees to access and organize their HR-related information, such as updating personal details, requesting time off, or accessing training materials. This improves the overall employee experience.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making: Digitized HR systems capture and consolidate employee data, allowing HR professionals to gain valuable insights through analytics and reporting. These insights can help HR professionals make informed decisions, such as identifying skills gaps, improving employee retention, or optimizing workforce planning.
- Streamlined Recruitment and Onboarding: HR digitalization simplifies and automates the recruitment processes, from job posting and applicant tracking to candidate screening and onboarding. This streamlines the hiring journey, reduces administrative burden, and improves the candidate experience.
- Effective Performance Management: Digital tools and platforms enable organizations to establish robust performance management systems. With the help of real-time feedback, goal tracking, and performance analytics, digitalization can help enhance the effectiveness of performance evaluations, foster continuous improvement, and promote employee development.
- Enhanced Compliance and Data Security: Digital HR systems can provide you with centralized storage and management of employee data, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations. Moreover, proper security measures can be implemented to safeguard sensitive employee information, lowering the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access.
- Scalability and Flexibility: Digital HR solutions are scalable and adaptable to organizational growth or changes. They can easily accommodate expanding workforces, changing policies, and evolving business needs, furnishing the flexibility required to meet administrative demands.
- Cost and Time Savings: HR digitalization helps eliminate manual processes, paper-based documentation, and repetitive tasks, resulting in cost and time savings. Organizations can optimize resource allocation, reduce errors, and enable HR teams to focus on more strategic initiatives by automating workflows.
HR digitalization revolutionizes traditional HR practices, enhancing operational efficiency, employee engagement, and decision-making capabilities. In addition, it empowers HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives, which in turn drives organizational success in today's ever-evolving digital landscape.
Also Read: Top 7 Reasons why Document Digitization is Important
How do I get started with HR digital transformation?
- Understanding the goals and benefits of HR digitalization
Before diving into your HR digital transformation journey, you must clearly understand your objectives and the potential benefits digitalization can bring your business. Generally, the journey to digital HR encompasses multiple benefits, such as boosting HR process efficiency, elevating employee experience, cutting costs, and ensuring improved accessibility and accuracy of data. By carefully understanding the goals of your business and evaluating the value of digitalization to your business, you can embark on your journey in full swing and drive meaningful results.
- Identifying HR digitalization needs
Once your organization has a clear understanding and predefined goals, the next step is identifying which HR functions and processes require digitalization. Some of the common areas in HR that need digital transformation are recruitment and onboarding, employee management, performance management, and HR analytics. Businesses can select the appropriate tools that align with their goals by prioritizing these areas. By taking this strategic approach, organizations can ensure a successful implementation of HR digitalization that optimizes their processes and achieves the desired outcomes.
- Choosing the right HR digitalization tools
Selecting the appropriate HR digitalization tools is crucial for a successful journey. These tools enable HR professionals to transition from manual processes to digital workflows seamlessly. AI and ML-powered platforms are among the tools that empower HR teams to achieve this efficiently. For instance, Exela HR outsourcing solutions provide a wide range of support for HR functions. They help minimize data errors, enhance payroll efficiency, and automate payroll processing, among other valuable features. With the right tools in place, organizations can streamline their HR operations and unlock the full potential of digitalization.
- Capitalizing on employee training and change management
Digitalization brings about significant changes in the management of HR processes, which can pose considerable challenges for employees accustomed to traditional practices. To overcome these challenges, businesses must prioritize employee training. This investment ensures that employees comprehend the benefits of HR digitalization and gain proficiency in utilizing digital tools effectively. In addition, successful change management is also pivotal in ensuring employees' comfort with the new digital HR processes, facilitating a seamless transition for all.
- Ensuring data security and privacy
When considering HR digitalization, prioritizing data security and privacy is crucial as HR professionals deal with countless sensitive employee information. Therefore, choosing HR software or outsourcing service providers that offer robust security measures, including access controls, encryption, and data backup, is imperative. In addition, training employees on best data security practices, such as avoiding sharing sensitive information and utilizing strong passwords, is highly recommended to maintain a secure HR digital environment.
- Monitoring and measuring the success of HR digitalization
It is essential to gauge the impact of your HR digitalization efforts regularly to ensure you are heading on the right path. A few key performance indicators to track your progress are time and cost savings, enhancements in data accuracy and accessibility, and improvements in recruitment and retention. Exela HRO is an expert in providing powerful insights from employee data to enhance employee satisfaction, improve payroll processing, and more.
Ways to start your HR digitalization journey
- Digital onboarding
An elevated onboarding experience can improve new hire retention by 82% and enhance productivity by 70%.
Did you know that only 12% of employees report an excellent onboarding experience with their new employer? Digital onboarding refers to the process of welcoming and integrating new employees into an organization using digital tools and technologies. It replaces traditional paper-based onboarding methods with automated and streamlined digital processes. Digital onboarding offers numerous advantages, such as increased efficiency, reduced paperwork, and improved accuracy. In addition, it allows new hires to complete necessary forms, contracts, and training materials online, eliminating the need for manual document handling. Overall, digital onboarding enhances the onboarding experience, accelerates time-to-productivity, and sets a positive tone for the employee's journey within the organization.
- Employee self-service portals
Employees spend about an entire day per week looking for company information.
Employee self-service portals are digital platforms that empower employees to access and organize their personal information and HR-related tasks. These portals allow employees to update their contact details, view pay stubs, request time off, access training materials, and more. Organizations enhance employee autonomy, convenience, and engagement by providing self-service options. Employees can effortlessly search for the information they need, reducing the dependency on HR personnel. Self-service portals streamline HR processes, improve efficiency, and contribute to a positive employee experience.
- People analytics
People Analytics uses data and analytical techniques to gain insights into various aspects of the workforce. It involves analyzing employee data to make data-driven decisions about recruitment, retention, performance, and overall organizational effectiveness. As a result, People Analytics helps businesses optimize their HR strategies and enhance decision-making for better employee outcomes.
- Applicant tracking systems
Screening of resumes is estimated to take around 23 hours per hire.
On average, job postings generate approximately 250 submissions, and a significant portion, up to 88%, comprises applications from individuals who do not meet the required qualifications. On the other hand, AI-Powered Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) revolutionize recruitment by leveraging artificial intelligence algorithms to automate and streamline candidate sourcing, screening, and selection. These systems analyze resumes, match candidates with job requirements, and conduct initial candidate assessments. In a nutshell, it helps save time, improve efficiency, and help identify the best-fit candidates for job openings.
- HR Chatbots
HR chatbots are AI-powered virtual assistants that interact with employees and provide HR-related support and information. It holds the leverage to answer frequently asked questions, assist with HR processes like leave requests or benefits enrolment and provide personalized guidance. As a result, HR chatbots streamline HR operations, improve employee experience, and reduce the burden on HR teams.
- Document digitalization
Document digitalization involves converting physical documents into digital format, making them easily accessible and searchable for your employees, stakeholders, and clients. It eliminates the requirement for physical storage space, reduces paper usage, and enables efficient document management. Digitized documents can be securely stored, shared, and retrieved, improving productivity and streamlining business processes.
Conclusion
HR digitalization is a transformative journey that offers numerous benefits for organizations. Businesses can embark on a successful HR digitalization journey by understanding key considerations, exploring available tools, and addressing challenges. With improved efficiency, enhanced employee experience, and data-driven decision-making, organizations can stay ahead in the dynamic world of HR and drive overall business success. Exela HR Solutions is a market leader in HR outsourcing that can help you kickstart your HR digitalization journey. If you are looking to leverage the power of digital tools, get in touch with our experts. We at Exela HR Solutions are keen on helping businesses transform their HR practices. Speak with our experts today!
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for general information purposes only and is not intended to serve as legal advice. Laws governing the subject matter may change quickly, and Exela cannot guarantee that all the information on this site is current or correct. Should you have specific legal questions about any of the information on this site, you should consult with a licensed attorney in your area.
