10 Ways Tech Can Be Used for Good in Human Resources

Technology is constantly evolving, and it’s no surprise that it has made its way into the world of human resources. In fact, the HR technology market expects to pass $10 Billion in 2022 while supporting nearly 80% of all businesses.

As human resource professionals add new tools, it is essential to consider how technology is used for good in the field and where businesses can implement strategic tools to improve efficiency. Whether it’s engaging employees or tracking data, technology can help human resource departments in several ways.

Here are the top 10 ways technology can be used for good in human resources.

1. Employee self-service tools

One of the most common ways technology supports human resources is through employee self-service tools. These online platforms allow employees to access their HR information, including benefits, contact information, and payroll data.

Self-service tools empower employees by giving them control over their HR data and allowing them to take care of simple tasks without going through their HR department. This can enable organizations to focus on more strategic initiatives.

2. Improved recruitment and hiring processes

In the past, human resource teams were largely reliant on paper resumes and in-person interviews to get a sense of who a candidate was. Unfortunately, this time-consuming process often results in hiring the wrong person for the job.

With technology, HR professionals can now use online tools to screen candidates more effectively. Plenty of businesses use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to assist in identifying the most qualified candidates based on specific criteria.

In addition, online assessments and video interviews can give human resource groups a better sense of a candidate’s skills and personality.

Technology-based recruiting tools make the hiring process more efficient and accurate than ever.

3. Simple onboarding for new hires

The onboarding process is critical for setting new hires up for success. With technology, HR professionals can create an engaging and informative onboarding experience that will welcome new hires and help them acclimate to their new roles.

Plenty of software options make it easy to develop an onboarding program tailored to each business. These programs often include modules on company culture, values, and policies. By using technology to onboard new hires, companies can ensure everyone is on the same page from day 1 and hit the ground running.

4. Encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusion

As demand for proper workplace inclusion grows, technology is being used to help organizations foster a more diverse and inclusive environment.

By using technology to identify potential areas of improvement, human resource departments can work towards creating a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace.

For example, software like Textio helps identify job descriptions that may exclude certain groups of people. In addition, social media listening tools can help HR teams keep track of any negative sentiment toward the company.

By using technology to identify potential areas of improvement, human resource departments can work towards creating a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace.

5. Performance management and support

Human resource teams also use technology to improve performance management within an organization. In the past, HR specialists often used annual or bi-annual performance reviews to assess employee performance. However, this process is often ineffective due to human input, which can be subjective and inaccurate.

With the help of technology, HR professionals can track employee performance in real time. Many companies use employee tracking software to monitor employee performance data, including attendance, productivity, and other core metrics. This data can help identify areas of improvement and create targeted training plans for employees.

In addition, online performance management systems help provide feedback regularly, resulting in employees being more likely to receive the guidance they need to improve their performance.

6. Embracing a hybrid or remote work model

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many organizations to embrace a hybrid or fully remote work model. While this shift can be challenging, it is here to stay: 94% of U.S. workers say they have adjusted well to new ways of working, according to HR professionals.

Technology can help make the transition smoother. There are a number of online tools that can help HR professionals manage a remote workforce.

Employee time tracking software can monitor workers’ productivity levels when working from home. Online communication tools such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams enable regular check-ins and team meetings.

By leveraging such HR technologies, human resource professionals can effectively manage a remote workforce. As a result, organizations can continue to operate seamlessly, even when employees work from home, while attracting more talent who prefer to work remotely.

7. Supporting employee wellness, safety, and support

A growing trend in HR is the focus on employee wellness, safety, and support. This includes mental health, on-premise safety, and employee assistance programs.

With the help of technology, HR professionals can now monitor employee wellness data more effectively and offer targeted support when needed. Many technology platforms for mental health programs lead to improved employee performance and help recruitment efforts.

In terms of safety, HR professionals can use technology platforms to conduct regular audits and create a stronger culture of safety within the workplace. For example, SafetyCulture is a safety management platform that helps organizations perform regular audits.

Employees’ wellness, safety, and support should be top priorities for HR professionals. By leveraging technology, HR professionals can promote employee wellness and safety more effectively, leading to a happier and healthier workforce.

8. Advanced data security across organizations

As the number of digital tools continues to grow, so does the need for advanced data security. Human resource teams are responsible for managing sensitive employee data, including Social Security numbers, addresses, birth dates, and more.

If this data falls into the wrong hands, it enables identity theft or fraud. As a result, HR teams should have robust data security measures in place.

Several tools offer advanced data security to protect employee data from cyberattacks and other threats. Therefore, human resource professionals must stay updated on best data security practices. This includes encouraging strong passwords, encrypting data, and using secure file-sharing platforms throughout their organization.

By investing in advanced data security measures, HR professionals can help to protect employee data and ensure that it remains confidential.

9. The use of data-driven decision-making

In today’s business world, data is king. Making decisions based on data can give organizations a competitive advantage. Human resource professionals are in a unique position to leverage data to guide their decision-making.

There are a number of HR technology platforms that offer data-driven insights. This includes HRIS systems, Applicant Tracking Systems, and performance management software. By analyzing data from these platforms, HR professionals can make more informed decisions about everything from hiring to employee development.

To make data-driven decisions, HR professionals must have a strong understanding of data analytics. They must be able to collect, organize, and interpret data to draw conclusions and make recommendations.

By leveraging data, HR professionals can make better decisions about all aspects of their job, from hiring to employee development. This data-driven approach can give organizations a competitive edge.

10. Digital learning, training, and development for employees

Digital learning, training, and development programs are critical to the success of any organization. Providing employees the resources to learn new skills and develop their careers can lead to a more engaged and productive workforce.

Within a business, HR is critical to implementing and managing such programs. Technology has made it easier for HR professionals to create and deliver digital learning and career-advancing experiences.

Numerous platforms offer digital learning, training, and development programs to track employee progress and measure results, leading to a  more efficient and effective workforce.

Technology is transforming the field of human resources every day, and there is no doubt that it will continue to do so. As a result, human resource professionals must stay up-to-date on technology trends to effectively manage their organizations.

By leveraging technology, HR professionals can improve employee performance, create a unified culture, and make more informed decisions concerning all aspects of their organization.