Consumerizing Human Resources

[anne_musial]

Today we are highly connected to our surroundings, and it seems like there is always an "app for that". From making a dinner reservation to ordering a ride home from the airport, mobile apps provide end users with timely and high quality services that allow them to focus on what matters most: spending time with family and friends.

Technology has changed the way in which society evaluates superior service. Consumer driven applications and services have changed life as we know it outside of the office, and employees are noticing a gap in how they engage with service departments such as Human Resources for what seem like simple requests. Online shopping has made the experience of picking out a new beach read fast and simple. Why is that not the case when employees need to request support from HR?

Through making an investment in technology, we are seeing organizations transform how they are engaging and supporting their employees. Technology enables HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives and be high touch when it matters the most. Systems that provide mobile functionality, intake of requests, and a knowledge repository allow for employees to become more self sufficient. Employees are able to put in a request for maternity leave just about as easy as it is for them to order a pizza. Not only is HR providing meaningful support to the business, but they are able to provide employees what they want: a simplified service experience.

Though using technology to support employees throughout their tenure at an organization the following benefits have been recognized:

• Reduced time and cost per transaction
• Elevated employee experience
• Improved insight and decision making

According to Jeanne Meister of Forbes, "the consumerization of HR is happening". Technology has become a significant resource that has allowed HR to expedite their transformation and improve the employee experience. In the related articles list you will find some resources that I found intriguing. Keep in mind, each organization is different, and as Mark Twain once said, "continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection."

#HRNow

#HRTransformation

#continuousimprovement

#consumerizeHR

Related Articles:

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/250421

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeannemeister/2016/01/07/consumerization-of-hr-10-trends-innovative-comp...

https://www.shrm.org/about/foundation/products/Documents/HRIS%20Exec%20Briefing%20FINAL.pdf