How has technology transformed HR functions?

TECH There are a number of transformations HR needs to undertake in order to improve With the advent of intelligent technology we should be able to take away repetitive tasks and invest more time with talent. The only rider here is that excessive focus on talent management may increase burnout. Similarly, excessive usage of tech may bring down human interaction leading to psychological issues at work. ALOK SHEOPURKAR,

Executive Vice President & Head HR, HDFC Asset Management Co. Ltd. A decisive entry of talent, organisations & practices into an age of individual and collective experiences, has thrown open legacies onto the target boards of transformation necessity. HR is the edge of a sword, which by way of better talent experiences, is creating a technology solution both in scale and consumerised as never before. HR systems strategy and a definitive roadmap in creating talent experience centres of excellence defines a clear path to organisations and a necessity. SRINATH.G, Vice President & CHRO, Nexval Infotech Pvt. Ltd For businesses to succeed in today’s fast-paced environment,

HR has to become a valuable business partner, central to strategy decisions.

Core HR processes like talent acquisition, performance management and training have to be made more efficient and tech friendly, thus making it effective.

A unique platform has to be provided to enhance overall employee experience and that fosters better productivity at work. This all is linked to transformation and can be leveraged further through technology. It’s imperative to accept the interplay between technology and human rather than view it as technology versus/over human. The outcome of technology leveraged human capabilities will be disruptive. It is a great opportunity for the HR (people) function to leverage technology and move up the value chain. PUBG is a new craze among young. Because it enables them to work in flexi teams, talk to each other and collaborate in real time that too without a boss.if this becomes a social norm then organisations will have to rethink their people practices. That’s how technology influences HR transformation.

HARJEET KHANDUJA,

Vice President Human Resources, Reliance Jio

Future is all about integrating technology and touch in people practices as the workforce composition is changing rapidly with the millennials, gig workers and work from anywhere or anytime flexibility, while AI seems to be buzzing now as HR professionals we should never deprioritize Human intelligence i.e. empathy driven people practices. In short it’s time to accelerate the phenomenon of the “Tech and Touch” integration. Transformation of HR with the latest tech can convert the HR department into a driver of business growth. Such a transformation changes the relationship between workforce and employer. The world is moving fast in this digital age. AI, ML & Analytics are playing crucial roles in ushering these winds of change and it has potential to supersede human capabilities in running the businesses. Technology can help HR in transforming and making the system more integrated and automated, so that they can focus on internal engagements and development of the workforce. Technology has curved out more bandwidth for HR to manage non-value added activity in minimal time & shift towards overall qualitative employee capability & career development. With this virtue, it’s an interesting journey for HR to move from ‘Gut Feel’ base decision to database decision.

Digital transformation is becoming more prominent in the workplace and human resource professionals say it’s important to embrace new technology and future-proof the organization to changes in the market. Recent advances in technology have transformed nearly every aspect of HR, right from sourcing to performance management. HR managers, as a result, are now looking to leverage these innovative technologies to supplement and transform their existing processes to manage the work- LOKESH SIKKA, Vice President & Group CHRO, Onida NIRAV JAGAD, CHRO, Nykaa.com force and free up more time for employee engagement. There are a number of transformations HR needs to undertake — from st reamlining processes to becoming a strategic partner to the business. To act as a strategic advisor to the business is key, and modern HR technologies and practices will pave the way to elevating HR to this role. With that, a fast, reliable, and effective HR transformation relies on the adoption of automation. We spoke with few industry experts, who shared their opinion on how technology is impacting the HR department and leading about a transformation. GIRISH MENON, HR head, Swiggy ZAIRUS MASTER, CEO, Shine.com. SUMANTRA MITRA,

Head HR- Glenmark Life Sciences Ltd.

Once designed primarily as an administrative function, today’s HR function must be closely integrated with the business. Changing business imperatives demand not only few ways or working for HR, but also massive reskilling for HR professionals. This presents an immense opportunity for HR professionals to contribute to business strategy & execution. Today almost all organizations provide HR Services through technology & web based applications drastically altering the very face of HRM.

KINJAL CHOUDHARY, Sr. Vice President & Group CHRO, Eicher Trucks and Buses

Transformation and Technology are like James Bond movies. It needs optimizing four other “T”. An aligned Team and trusting them. Bond the leader used disruptive Technologies but more importantly had a great Team behind who he trusted and they trusted him through all unbelievable challenges. Use technology but don’t undermine the other two Ts. Balancing the first 3 Ts is a challenge because leaders usually fall for the last two Ts (unlike Bond!): Temptation and a Trap of only depending on Technology in any transformation journey.

BIPLOB BANERJEE, Chief People Officer, Allied Blenders & Distillers Pvt. Ltd.