How Does Technology Impact HR Practices

How Does Technology Impact HR Practices?

HR departments are changing the way they communicate with employees, store files, and analyze employee performance as a result of technological advancements. When used correctly, technology can help HR practices become more efficient. When used incorrectly, it can obstruct the management of a company's human resources. HR best practices maximize the benefits while minimizing the risks.

 

Recruiting Transformed by the Internet

Before the internet and email, connecting with job seekers meant phone, face time or a letter. In the 21st century, it's routine for companies to post openings online, and require job seekers to apply through an online applicant tracking system. That frees up a great deal of time that HR would have spent dealing with paper resumes or personal calls.

Ease of Communication

With email, text and messaging apps it's easier than ever for HR staff to stay in touch with the rest of the company. If a manager wants to share a new schedule with a project team, one email with an attachment or a conversation on Slack can share the word with a dozen people at once. There's a risk of relying too much on tech as a time-saver though. Information in a two-page email may be better off delivered to the group face to face. That way everyone can ask questions and hear the answers.

Data Analysis of Employee Performance

Analyzing employee performance used to depend on personal assessments and obvious standards: Did the employee finish the task on time? Does their boss trust them?

Technology makes it easier to gather and break down data on employees to get an overall picture. Which tasks do they perform best? Do they meet all the goals from last year's performance appraisal? If they fell short, was it by 12 percent, 50 percent or 75 percent? Software programs can even take over much of the work in evaluating employees.

Conclusion

In the case of HRM, technology can help to fulfill business strategy in order to move the company toward quality and gain a competitive advantage in the market. Numerous studies have found that implementing HR information technology systems can help achieve HR goals, objectives, and policies in a moderate and efficient manner. Their use, primarily in the HR department of an organization to achieve defined key performance indicators, can boost business efficiency. The key to success is understanding the importance of the information system and the organization's goals.

 

 

References

Ichniowski, J., 2009. Human Resource Management in Business Context Employee involvement. [Online]
Available at: http://www.hrmguide.co.uk/jobmarket/turnover_cost.htm
[Accessed 28 April 2021].

Schumann , P. L., 2011. A moral principles framework for HRME. Human Resource, Volume 06, pp. 93-111.