All you need to know about AI, VR and tech in HR
With rapid advancements in tech in HR, it’s natural to wonder how these innovations will impact our roles. Let’s explore some of the hottest trends shaping the future of HR.
Revolutionising Recruitment with Technology
As tech in HR evolves, so does the recruitment landscape. Modern recruitment management systems are now essential tools. According to HR Toolbox, “Companies can no longer afford to use outdated strategies to discover, engage, and nurture top talent.”
Automation and advanced software are transforming recruitment teams, allowing them to automate time-consuming tasks and streamline candidate searches. This results in faster, more precise hiring processes that uncover the best talent more efficiently.
HR Toolbox further notes, “The process will be optimised from start to finish, enabling HR teams to refine and perfect their onboarding processes with minimal variation.” The rise of machine learning and AI is also noteworthy, with chatbots and similar technologies taking over routine tasks like scheduling and basic inquiries. This shift allows HR professionals to focus more on building meaningful relationships with candidates.
AI: A Partner, Not a Threat
A significant trend of tech in HR, is the growing acceptance of AI as a partner in the workplace rather than a threat. HR Dive highlights a notable shift in attitudes over the past few years:
“Waletzke observed a radical change in discussions about technology. In 2017, there was widespread fear that robots would take our jobs. Now, there’s a growing embrace of technology. We’re exploring how AI and machine learning can automate the talent acquisition process, allowing for deeper, one-on-one candidate interactions.”
Virtual Reality Meets HR
Virtual reality (VR) is emerging as a game-changer in HR tech, and it’s here to stay. VR creates immersive 3D environments, enabling users to interact with scenarios that feel real. This technology has the potential to revolutionise recruitment and training.
Sympa’s blog offers a compelling example: “The British Army successfully uses VR to tackle recruitment challenges. They developed four VR experiences—based on combat training, adventure training, tank training, and parachute training—and posted them on YouTube 360 as part of their recruitment strategy. The results were impressive, with a 65% increase in applications in the first month and a 41% increase in the second month.”
VR can be a powerful tool in interview processes, allowing candidates to demonstrate their skills, and in training, offering realistic, hands-on experiences.
Other Tech in HR
Blockchain: Revolutionising HR Data Management
Blockchain technology is making its mark tech in HR by providing a secure and transparent way to manage sensitive employee data. This decentralized ledger system ensures that records such as credentials, employment history, and payroll data are accurate and immutable. By using blockchain, HR departments can significantly reduce the risk of fraud and data breaches, streamline background checks, and simplify the verification process. This technology also facilitates smart contracts, automating everything from contract management to salary payments, ensuring timely and accurate transactions without the need for intermediaries.
People Analytics: Data-Driven Decision Making
People analytics is becoming a critical tool for HR leaders looking to make more informed decisions. By leveraging big data, HR teams can analyse employee behaviour, performance, and engagement levels to predict trends and address issues before they escalate. This data-driven approach helps in identifying high-potential employees, reducing turnover, and enhancing overall workforce productivity. Companies that invest in people analytics are better equipped to align their HR strategies with business objectives, ultimately driving growth and success.
Employee Experience Platforms: Enhancing Engagement
The shift towards remote and hybrid work models has accelerated the adoption of employee experience platforms. These platforms integrate various tech in HR functions—such as communication, performance management, and well-being programs—into a single, user-friendly interface. They enable HR teams to monitor employee engagement, gather feedback, and provide personalized support, fostering a more connected and satisfied workforce. By enhancing the employee experience, companies can improve retention rates and attract top talent in a competitive market.
Gamification: Transforming Learning and Development
Gamification is increasingly being used in HR to make learning and development more engaging. By incorporating game-like elements such as leaderboards, badges, and rewards into training programs, organizations can motivate employees to participate actively and complete courses. This approach not only makes learning fun but also enhances knowledge retention and application. Gamified learning platforms can be tailored to individual learning styles, helping employees develop new skills more effectively and at their own pace.
Augmented Reality (AR): Innovating Training and Onboarding
Augmented Reality (AR) is another exciting technology that’s being integrated into HR practices. AR overlays digital information onto the physical world, providing an interactive experience that can be incredibly useful for training and onboarding. For example, AR can guide new employees through complex machinery operations or provide real-time instructions during tasks. This immersive learning experience accelerates skill acquisition and reduces the time it takes for new hires to become fully productive.
Are you tapping into these trends? If you’d like to discuss how these innovations could benefit your organisation, feel free to reach out to me at James@refind.co.uk.
Learn more about James Cumming, our change and business transformation specialist,
OUR FOCUS ON LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIPS
At re:find we have been in Executive Search for over 20 years. We believe that recruitment is not a one-off transaction but rather a long-term partnership. We aim to build long-term relationships with our clients, providing ongoing support and advice to help them find and retain the best talent for their organisation.
In addition, as a business, we understand that every organisation is unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to recruitment. That’s why we offer bespoke recruitment solutions that are tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. Whether you need help with a single hire or a full recruitment campaign, we can help.
We are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality service. As part of this, we ensure that we take the time to understand your organisation’s culture and values, as well as the specific skills and experience needed for each role.
For more information on our executive search practice and our CCS framework
please get in touch with our Managing Director, James Cumming.