Digital transformation in HR is defined by Google as the process of changing and digitalizing existing processes in Human Resources. The idea is to create a quicker, more efficient, and more appreciated processes for everyone. Ultimately, the four areas of this transformation are automation, people analytics, onboarding software, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven recruiting, and on-demand training. Beekeeper says digital transformation is the "top of HR trends driving the future of the workplace."
Recently, on PEX Network, HR and process excellence thought leaders sounded off on digital transformation:
Put faith in AI
The hardest part of digital transformation is bringing people along for the ride. They must have trust in both the technology and the leaders asking for them to buy into it.
Watch Tyrone Smith Jr., program faculty member /adjunct associate professor at University of Southern California (USC) and founding member of Society of People Analytics (SPA), explain how to overcome the trust issues. Watch the full session.
Pros and cons of AI
Human Resources professionals have a duty to balance application of advanced technology that can improve employee experience and therefore customer experience. But they also must maintain the human touch, which is what allows for trust to exist, relationships to grow, and collaboration to succeed.
Watch Vishal Bhalla, thought leader on the overlap of AI & HR, analytics advisor for HBR and contributing author for Forbes, talk about the usefulness of artificial intelligence despite the obvious risk. Watch the full session.
AI and HR decision making: Hand in hand
Artificial intelligence has the ability to inform business leaders as they make big decisions. Certainly, this use of the technology fits into the work of Human Resources professionals, who are choosing the talent to make up an organization's teams.
Find out about how artificial intelligence is impacting decision-making in people analytics from Dan Riley, co-founder & CEO of RADICL and founding member of Society for People Analytics (SPA). Watch the full session.
Man and machine: Making connections
People are already yearning for human connection in an era marked by social media in a world in which people are judged by the number of likes and follows they get. Therefore, people leaders have the special challenge of keeping the human in Human Resources.
Jan van der Hoop, president of FitFirst Technologies, says artificial intelligence cannot replace human interaction. Watch full session.
Social capital is the new currency
Indeed, people need people. In the post-pandemic world employers are aiming to reap benefits from bringing people to work in person. There are many questions about whether that is necessary. However, being able to socialize with co-workers never goes out of style - and can help individuals, teams, and more. It is especially important as artificial intelligence works closer and closer with human employees.
In the era of man vs. machine, humans benefit from the power of their social capital, says Michael Arena, thought leader, researcher and HR Exchange Network columnist. Watch the full session here.
Turn to change management
Change management is a vital part of digital transformation. People leaders must recognize the reluctance most have whenever confronted with change, including advanced technology and technologies that disrupt or threaten their livelihood. Validating people's feelings, being transparent, and openly experimenting with tech can help reduce the stress.
Hear about change management from Lisa Williams, global operations talent strategy and employee experience director, manufacturing and engineering operations at Dow. Watch full session.
Gen Z drives the transformation
Young people always inject enthusiasm and innovation. They believe in whatever is new, and in this time and place, AI and advanced tech are the next big things. In fact, Gen Z will likely push employers to dive into applications run by AI.
Discover how Gen Z expects a certain digital footprint at work from Charles Abramo, vice president, HR business partner function at Delaware North. Watch full session.
Adopt new technology
There is no sense in hiding from technology. Experiment and see how people in the organization can take full advantage. Alos, learn about how the technology can help HR do its job better.
"You must stay up to date on technology," advised Lisa Williams, global operations talent strategy and employee experience director, manufacturing and engineering operations at Dow. Watch full session.
Be inclusive during transformation
In light of recent events, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts are taking a backseat. However, being welcoming, ensuring inclusion, and helping co-workers understand their thoughts and work matter are always necessary. This is especially important during times of great change, when some underrepresented groups might feel more excluded than usual.
Cherise Crenshaw-Holmes PhD, top 100 diversity, equity and inclusion executive, strategist, scientist, founder at Modern Work Consultancy, talked about the importance of building inclusion into digital transformation strategies. Watch full session.
The future of work is personal
Employees, especially Gen Z, are demanding "an app for that" or a way to automate menial tasks. They have been brought up in the digital world and have great expectations of technology. In other words, sooner or later, organizations will have no choice but to come around to digital transformation in HR.
Learn about customization for Gen Z and others from Aashna Sinha, chief people officer at Betches Media. Watch full session.