Improving Engagement and Retention Through Technology

Improving Engagement and Retention Through Technology
Technology in HR not only streamlines administrative tasks but also facilitates the transition to innovative and strategic methods of people management.

It is almost time for new beginnings and a revised hiring pattern in the making, as employees are voluntarily looking for new jobs that align more with what they care about intrinsically. Measuring the way forward with rapid employee turnover and a period of renewed uncertainties ahead, Human Resource (HR) leaders are looking for resourceful, tech-forward abilities to manage unbiased hiring, skills-bridging and other requirements. Although leveraging technology in HR is relatively uncommon compared to the other sectors, it is steadily streamlining key areas of concern for HR, including retention, employee engagement and identifying the right-culture fit for businesses and vice versa.

Finding the right job fit can get tricky for both employees and employers, and constant staff replacements can be costly for businesses while making employees feel unvalued in the long run. One of the key methods for companies to improve employee satisfaction and retention rates is to cultivate a culture of engagement. Engaged employees connect with their job roles better and find a sense of fulfilment in their contribution to the organisation. They are more likely to stay longer in the company, perform better with high dedication, improved mental wellness and less burnout.

New dimensions of engagement and retention with technology

As workplaces progress and the role of technology in HR departments moves beyond payroll management, managers are supported by advanced tech tools that enable remote screening and onboarding, effective online training and digitised processing of requests. These tools gather and analyse employee data to automate manual tasks like accounting, real-time performance and appraisal administration and generate insights for HR leaders to make data-driven choices backed by valuable information.

Also Read: Teamwork- Common Misconceptions and Realities : Rupal Jain

AI-driven insights and augmented analytics empower user-friendly applications such as self-service chatbots and support centres with an improved back-end set-up and increase engagement by equipping employees with the necessary tools to stay connected and receive prompt responses. With faster, simplified and powerful solutions, managers can facilitate communication through regular meetings and events with employees located remotely. Especially in times of crisis, AI-led applications enable HR leaders to provide a positive employee experience and proffer an in-depth understanding of what employees are seeking.

Transparent and accountable HR mechanisms also enable managers to identify suitable opportunities for growth within the organisation for employees based on their skills and expertise, as an effective method of bridging skill gaps internally. By showcasing a tech-enabled interface and HR software system, organisations portray their commitment to a futuristic growth mindset and attract skilful employees who are digitally aware and smart.

Technology such as voice assistants supports the needs of employees with mobility challenges; while digital signatures enable the protection and secure sharing of personally identifiable information, especially in remote working environments, leading to greater productivity and engagement while complying with cybersecurity requirements.

A seamless amalgamation of a human effort backed by tech-tools

Automated tools for HR processes enable greater efficiency and mitigate the scope of error. Whether employees are part of an onsite, remote or hybrid workplace structure, proactive steps by managers supported by advanced data analytics can enable enhanced collaboration across all age groups, skills and cultural backgrounds to keep employees engaged and motivated, while creating a sense of belongingness. In that way, technology in HR not only streamlines administrative tasks but also facilitates the transition to innovative and strategic methods of people management.

Nonetheless, modern tools need to be supported by engaging with employees meaningfully. The role of humanised motivation and an effective professional development structure is crucial in ushering real engagement and discouraging employees from leaving. Besides financial incentives, it is essential that HR leaders foster the mutual understanding of employees’ perspectives, find common interests and promote diversity to boost employee engagement. 

By investing in technology that can enhance the overall HR delivery, leaders can successfully retain key talent, create a culture that is less stressful and more enjoyable, and cause a greater impact on employees’ personal development while strengthening the organisation’s reputation.

Shweta Mishra

Human Resources Senior Director at Rackspace, Asia Pacific & Japan

View all posts

Author

Shweta Mishra

Human Resources Senior Director at Rackspace, Asia Pacific & Japan

March 2024

error: Content is protected !!