Optimizing HR technology for uncertain times: Three tips for HR leaders

The way we work has been completely revolutionized by digital transformation in recent years. The pandemic presented unforeseen challenges and forced rapid change for organizations of every scale.  A global survey by Statista revealed a staggering 97% of respondents attribute the speed of their organization’s digital transformation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We’ve seen this with organizations optimizing HR technology as well. Ninety percent of HR leaders in a Gartner survey planned to maintain or increase their investments in HR technology.

Now, as we do business in a post-pandemic landscape marred by uncertainty and instability, organizations that have prioritized adaptability and innovation are better equipped to evolve with current and future needs.

But the work is far from done. As HR technology advances and the world continues to rapidly change, organizations must continue their digital transformation. Let’s look at how to do so with HR technology in an uncertain business climate.

Conduct an HR technology audit

The only certainty is that we must be prepared for uncertainty. Organizations that invest in digital HR transformation have the flexibility that can navigate future trends and unknowns.

The new world of work calls for more focus on adding business value over efficiency, driving employee experience over process, being an advisor over an administrator, and championing skills over roles.

This shift from traditional HR strategies is difficult with legacy systems that constrain innovation. Conducting a full HR audit can highlight opportunities to upgrade your existing solution architecture, automate processes, or integrate systems. All of which can improve efficiency.

It may also present opportunities to sunset systems that are no longer delivering value in favor of a new breed of HR technology. With tools like workforce management, mobile apps, on-demand pay, employee self-service, and global payroll, these systems enable smarter, more agile ways of working.

Empower employees to use HR technology

While HR technology can help organizations withstand change, Gartner research reveals that 48% of CHROs feel HR technology hinders, rather than improves employee experience at their organizations.

Adjusting to new systems requires a mindset shift. Employees sometimes feel threatened or nervous about using new solutions, leading to stress, decreased performance, and poor user adoption. And this can be particularly true during times of uncertainty.

To reduce any negative effects, it’s important to take a detailed look at how your organization approaches digital transformation. How are new solutions rolled out? Do your employees have the skills to use the technology? Are there key areas where user adoption is low?

Training your workforce to get the most out of your HR technology leads to better employee engagement and increased performance. When your employees can confidently use the technology in place, they feel more empowered, leading to higher efficiency and a much greater return on your investment.

Prioritize learning and development

According to a 2023 LinkedIn report, 60% of employees agree that learning makes them more adaptable. Empowering a more adaptable workforce helps build resilience in both your workforce and your organization.

But the world of work in an uncertain business climate requires organizations to think differently about how they grow their employees.

Learning and development isn’t just about giving your workforce the skills to perform better. It’s about uncovering key strengths to help employees shape their personal career trajectory. Having opportunities to advance career growth and acquire new skills provides the flexibility and adaptability your workforce needs to thrive and succeed.

Implementing a modern, unified HR technology solution can help. HR leaders can be empowered to help unlock employee potential with technology-driven, continuous opportunities for learning and development that gives their people more control over their career paths.

As organizations around the globe plan for the future, they do so with increasing difficulty. But optimizing your HR technology is an investment in organizational agility and innovation, helping to drive success even during uncertain times.