The pandemic has impacted the HR of every organization across the world. As a result, it became essential for leaders to prioritize employee health (both mental and physical) and safety. While rolling out new policies and guidelines for working during the lockdown, they also had to keep employee productivity levels and spirits high.
Now, though lockdowns have been lifted, the way we work might never go back to how it was before. So to be ready for this ‘new normal’ and a future that is still uncertain, companies are turning to what emerged as our saviour during this time – technology.
From developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality to employee self-service and learning tools, technology in HR is constantly evolving. To survive and to keep their employees safe, companies had to quickly adopt a modernization process that involved the acquisition of flexible technologies. It is now the key to making any organization more resistant and ready for all the changes and challenges that come our way.
Here are some of the tech trends in HR and Operations that are helping companies adapt in a post-covid world:
Smart Offices
With COVID, there was a need to make the workplace safe while focusing on social distancing, regular sanitizing and infection containment. Hence, that was the main focus of intelligent building innovations. But why stop there? The pandemic has taught us that we must prepare and protect ourselves from future pandemics or natural disasters, and we can do that with intelligent and resilient buildings.
Smart offices use automated processes or the Internet of Things (IoT) to self-regulate their environment and operations, from intelligent HVAC systems and environmental sensors to contactless technology and security.
For example, apps are helping to create a contactless workplace where employees can use their smartphones instead of key cards to gain access to a building or lift system. Offices will also have an occupancy monitoring system that displays the congestion levels across the building.
Remote Working
To support the move to a hybrid work model with minimal interruption, organizations had to implement innovative technology solutions and alter established processes to be more digital. For instance, digital platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet enabled organizations to support an interactive and collaborative work environment. In addition, with the help of cloud technology, employees had timely access to the company’s documents and data.
Recruiting and Training
Technology has transformed our ability to screen, recruit, hire and train remote and on-site employees. Research also showed that AI could save time and money, help avoid the possibility of human bias and provide suitable candidate matches. Chatbots are another trending tool used in talent acquisition. They can interact with promising candidates before any virtual or in-person job interviews. Aside from recruitment, the onboarding of new employees and familiarizing them with the team and structure, without any physical contact, was only made possible through digital platforms.
Workplace Apps and the Employee Experience
The lockdown and COVID-19 restrictions accelerated the demand for digital solutions that allow leaders to provide a safe working environment for their employees. Hence, they feel comfortable coming back to the office. As people decide to return, workplace apps are continuously changing and evolving to include new features that focus on health and safety, like Employee Health Screening and Readiness Surveys.
These apps also build a community among employees to support the company culture and promote engagement. Social intranets are also effective ways to engage employees by encouraging informal interaction.
Activities and Events
The pandemic caused organizations to move their corporate events (both formal and informal) online to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions. However, even as those restrictions begin to lift, it’s unlikely that these online events will stop.
Everything from high-impact events like Annual General Body Meetings, Town Halls, internship programs and even audits to fun and festive activities such as “Secret Santa” were carried out virtually. Soon, things got more creative with organizations planning quizzes, music concerts, virtual scavenger hunts, cocktail-making classes, Karaoke, costume parties and even dance workshops for their employees.
Employee Wellness
Another noteworthy trend in HR that is expected to stay strong is the focus on employee wellness and holistic health.
Video resources like Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams and Meet proved to be highly useful for conducting wellness-related webinars for off-site employees. With apps and tools designed for wellness screening, biometric tracking, health engagement and more, technology can provide a platform for employees to work on their health together, communicate and track their progress - like measuring steps in a day or minutes of meditation.
The bottom line: All businesses will need to capitalize on the latest trends in HR technology to make employees' work life more efficient and healthy.