Most industries are feeling the effects of advancing technology and automation. Human resources is no different. Evolving technologies are making day-to-day tasks easier and more efficient, freeing up valuable time to focus more on strategic tasks.

HR automation simply means using technology to make HR processes more efficient. This includes automating tasks that typically take valuable time away from higher-level initiatives that impact core business operations. For businesses to stay competitive and become more efficient, they will need to determine where in their current HR processes automation can be used to streamline and drive efficiency. Here we’ll cover the latest emerging trends in HR technology, changes to skill sets, and challenges to overcome to help you gauge how automation can benefit your team.

Automation in HR: Top Five Emerging Trends

Automation in HR management will be critical for organizations if they want to stay ahead of the curve and improve efficiencies.

1) Adoption of Robotic Process Automation

Robotic process automation (RPA) is the automation of repetitive and rule-based tasks such as data entry, using software robots. This results in a reduction of human error and increased efficiency. RPA can decrease the time it takes to complete these types of tasks allowing HR professionals to concentrate on more strategic and high-level responsibilities.

2) Increased Use of Cloud-based HR Solutions

As many businesses continue to have remote or hybrid workforces, cloud-based solutions are essential for collaboration and communication. From an HR perspective, cloud-based allows HR teams to provide real-time access and support to employees regardless of their locations. Cloud-based HR solutions provide flexibility and autonomy for employees to be productive and engaged and ensure HR services are readily available. This increases engagement and productivity among the workforce and provides support to remote employees.

3) Increased Role of Big Data Analytics and Predictive Modeling

Big data analytics and predictive modeling can help businesses make better, more data-driven decisions. Through big data analytics, HR teams can better understand employee behavior, predict future outcomes, and make more informed recruiting, training, and development decisions by analyzing large volumes of employee data and identifying patterns.

4) Use of Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is changing how employees learn, collaborate, and work remotely. AR allows for immersive learning, meaning employees can interact with digital content in real-time. With AR headsets, employees can learn new skills with step-by-step instructions, visual cues, and instant feedback. AR learning enhances the experience and improves knowledge retention. With collaboration, AR allows employees to access digital content and work with team members in multiple locations.

5) Integration of AI and Machine Learning in HR Processes

Organizations are increasing their use of artificial intelligence through HR chatbots and virtual assistants to help manage and streamline routine inquiries like questions about benefits, policies, and procedures, and provide real-time support.

With more and more data, businesses are turning to machine learning which uses algorithms to analyze and draw conclusions from data. This helps organizations make more informed HR decisions by analyzing and identifying patterns in their people data, including in hiring and recruitment.

Future Skills in the Automation Era

With advancing technologies come new needed skills. HR teams may need to learn new skills in analyzing people data to help make HR data-driven recommendations. Through upskilling, HR professionals can stay up-to-date and perform better. For example, since automation removes repetitive tasks like data entry, research, and paperwork, HR teams can spend time developing skills that focus on core business needs like consulting, negotiations, and digital operations.

Reskilling allows companies to train their current workforce for new roles that will be impacted by technology and automation. For example, if you have employees that primarily work with data entry; reskilling allows you to identify where those employee’s skills can be used elsewhere in the company. Through training and development, you can utilize your current workforce and move employees into positions that impact the core business.

Overcoming Challenges

Technology and automation are not without their fair share of challenges. Oftentimes there is resistance to change, and data security concerns when there is increased technology and the implementation of process automation.

It’s important to communicate with employees any changes and how everyone’s role and department will be impacted. If there are positions that will be more heavily impacted from automation, be sure to create a detailed training and development plan for those employees to move into new roles. Whenever major changes are planned within an organization, it’s best practice to utilize effective change process management to ensure smooth transitions and address any concerns. For more information on implementing effective change process management, review our corresponding article.

For data security, it’s important to train your employees on best practices with cyber security and follow federal guidelines for data and information protection. You may also need to become SOC-2 compliant, which is Service Organization Control Type 2—a cybersecurity compliance framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

The Future Landscape of the HR Workforce

To ignore technology is to get left behind. To stay competitive, its important businesses lean into technology to improve efficiencies and productivity, especially with HR. By embracing technology and automating certain HR functions, your HR team can spend more time on strategy and core business functions—making your business more efficient and processes more streamlined.

If you aren’t sure where to begin, VensureHR can help. Our team of HR professionals will work with your business to identify where you can utilize automation and technology to improve your operations. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help.