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Beyond Hi-Tech:
Taking A “Deeper
Dive” Into HR Issues
Realize what technology can do, and where
human insight still needs to play a lead role
By Scot Marcotte
Advanced technology has cast a wide net across
all human resources functions – recruitment,
onboarding, training and development, retention,
and overall employee engagement. Drawing on and
analyzing employee data, HR managers with strong
analytics systems and capabilities are poised to
transform the work of building and managing a
thriving workforce. Yet, HR has been slower than
other functions in business to truly realize the
potential of automation. In a survey by HR.com, only
39% of HR executives recognized the importance of
leveraging their data and analytics; fewer than a third
felt they were in any way proficient at doing this. Still,
51% said that analytics and metrics technologies will
play the most critical role in the future HR.
The strategic goal for HR – now and always – is
to have the right people to meet the needs of the
business, today and in the future. Harnessing the
power of analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and
other technologies will be crucial for organizations,
helping to inform the following key management and
operational decisions.
Workforce Planning
During the pandemic, executives quickly recognized
the importance of technology for mapping workforce
requirements against projected revenue forecasts.
Analytics and scenario planning allowed HR teams
to model various levers such as salary reductions,
furloughs, and reduced reliance on contractors over
permanent staff reductions, to help get through some
lean times.
When businesses are ready to hire again, physical
location for some positions may no longer be as
important. Widening the talent pool will allow
companies to access to the best talent regardless
of place and AI will play a critical role, helping hiring
managers better match skills to positions from a
universal pool of candidates.
HR Strategy & Planning Excellence presented by HR.com March 2021 64 Submit Your Articles
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