2019 and Beyond: HR Tech

In the past ten years alone, technology has completely changed the way we work. There are a wide variety of opportunities and more jobs have become accessible to more people. This is especially relevant in the MENA region, which is a rising hub for talent and technology.

With that said, in what ways are technology changing the way we conduct our work? The HR function is expected to revamp in several ways.

Intelligent Self-Service Tools

Self-service tools can come in the form of learning management systems that allow personnel to take classes at their own pace, automated filing and documentation services where they can have paperwork done without the hassle of requesting and receiving, and AI chat bots to pass on questions that employees may feel uncomfortable raising themselves.

The presence of these tools allow businesses to access and work with their corporate data. Because of this, the user interface for self-service analytics software must be intuitive. Navigating around the system and the layout in the dashboards should be a breeze for both casual users (SMEs looking for basic analytics, perhaps) and power users (MNCs that want to utilize this data for the massive implementation of change). Ideally, training should be provided to help users understand what data is available and how that information can be made into data-driven solutions to solve business problems.

This is different from traditional business tools, wherein there is always a big degree of human intervention (be it in filing and documentation, education, or the compilation of data) because it gives more power to the end users to make decisions based on their own queries and analyses, and frees up the organisation’s tech teams from creating majority of the reports. Instead, they can focus on other tasks for the organisation. Increased agility and efficiencies (more streamlined) means that business users and departments act on data insights faster.

While development has been at an unprecedented rate for intelligent self-service tools, it still lacks the human reasoning required to make it perfect. This is why a data governance policy should be set in place to minimise the risk of inaccurate analysis and reporting, overseen by an in-house IT Specialist.

The data governance policy should clearly define the following:

• Key metrics for determining success.
• Processes to be followed for creating and sharing reports.
• Privileges necessary for accessing confidential data.
• Maintenance of data quality, security, and privacy.

Visual Storytelling

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to reach out to an audience that is constantly exposed to information. This phenomenon is called information fatigue, when people begin tuning out information because they now see it as noise.

In this respect, it’s difficult for customers to always decide based on the functionality of products when so much already goes into describing it as ‘the only product you’ll ever need’ in a variety of ways. Today, customers are just as swayed by the degree upon which they believe a product will give them positive experiences.

To answer this concern, visual storytelling has stepped in. It has been proven that visuals make up 90 per cent of what our brains absorb and are processed 60,000 times faster than text¹. Visual storytelling covers two core drivers of effective narrative: the first being that our human brain processes visuals much faster than text, and the second that the human brain prefers information packaged as stories.

Seeing as HR is focused on employees, it makes sense for visual storytelling to be creating a revolution within the industry. Constructing a personable HR identity will require narratives delivered through pictures, videos, and graphics that catch not just the eye, but the heart of the reader.

Blockchain As A Gamechanger

HR is either completely in charge, or plays a part in, all key business processes — so it’s important that any transactions made or information exchanged arekept under stringent security measures, with the appropriate levels of transparency. Blockchain technology is capable of making that happen.

Blockchain technology is expected to reduce the operational costs of running a back office by 20 to 30%². It can be applied in streamlining routine tasks, such as issuing paychecks, managing contracts, and transferring funds without any corresponding fees — tasks that may be vulnerable to human error if not vigilantly monitored. Once it becomes seamlessly integrated into an HR department’s processes, the personnel can focus on other, more strategic tasks for the organisation.

This is just the foundation of what the technology can do. Beyond that, blockchain run through entire processes to make the delivery of goods and services more efficient and streamlined. In recruitment, for example, it can be a foolproof storage system of resumes and contact details for all the people on the internet that come across your company. It can execute and run through smart contracts according to the conditions that have been set between employer and employee. Blockchain could even identify problems and areas of inefficiency in their existing operations that could be addressed through the technology³.

In this scenario, organisations no longer need to seek third-party verification for processes or solutions when they can have blockchain implemented as a trust protocol. Individuals will have complete control over their data, which greatly mitigates the chances of misrepresentation and misunderstandings.

This 2019, HR promises to keep delivering on new elements of work that were traditionally thought to be opposing in nature. Technology will work together with humans to further upgrading or refining jobs, not take them away. In this new world, it is important to make use of the vast array of advancements available to you so you can take your career to the next level.

If you think you need a little help with that, we can step in. Take a look at our website for more information. 10 Recruit is a Human Resources Consultancy based in Dubai, UAE. We provide career solutions to individuals and businesses across multiple career paths and stages. Rediscover yourself with us.

References

¹Alsayegh Media. (2019). Data Visualization in Dubai | 3D Data Visualization Dubai. [online] Available at: https://www.alsayeghmedia.com/data-visualization-dubai/ [Accessed 13 Mar. 2019].

²Crowe, P. (2016). There is a ‘game changer’ technology on Wall Street and people keep confusing it with bitcoin. [online] Business Insider Singapore. Available at: https://www.businessinsider.sg/what-is-blockchain-2016-3/[Accessed 27 Feb. 2019].

³PwC. (2019). How blockchain technology could impact HR and the world of work. [online] Available at: https://www.pwc.co.uk/issues/futuretax/how-blockchain-can-impact-hr-and-the-world-of-work.html [Accessed 13 Mar. 2019].