It would be hard for the tech-savvy to imagine a life without technology. The convenience and efficiency in processes are some of the advantages.
Take the example of a typical workplace. The secretary depended on her trusty typewriter to create documents. Think about the amount of paperwork she would generate in the course of her duties.
Yet, she wasn’t alone. Every department would generate tons of documents. The company would need tons of storage facilities to keep the files. Yes, we are talking about rooms for that specific function alone.
Imagine looking for important documents whenever the need arose. And, there was the potential of the destruction of files through fires or flooding.
Let’s not forget the HR, marketing, or events teams. These departments deal with people every single day. Managing all the people-related tasks can be a nightmare without technology.
Imagine HR using manual processes to handle hundreds, if not thousands of staff. What about the marketers who collect customer data? And, the event manager who needs to communicate with different stakeholders.
Our article focuses on the impact of technology on people management:
Higher Efficiency in People Management Processes
Let’s take the example of an event manager for an association. Depending on the size, the number of members could run into hundreds. Now, there is the annual stakeholder event coming up.
The organizing team needs to communicate with each member. It would entail writing emails. There will be tons of calls to confirm attendance at the event. The events team must then share the event details. During and after the occasion, they will need to send out material and thank the attendees.
If the association uses manual processes, it will be resource-heavy. One thing for sure, no one will be making it home before nightfall. The days preceding and immediately after the event will be very long.
But, with the right technologies, teams can enjoy greater efficiency in managing people. Take the example of membership management software. With such innovations, the teams can find some respite.
Association membership management software has tons of benefits. These include:-
- Allow for the centralization of data in one place
- Membership management software gives team members quick access, even from remote locations
- The software is accessible on many devices and platforms. These include mobile sites, tablets, or the web
- Assist with functionalities like event registration and RSVP
- The association member portals help with communication and engagements, and so on.
2. Smarter Recruiting With Technology
The HR department faces many challenges when recruiting. Such include finding the right candidates, based on job requirements. They must also deal with bias, which affects the hiring process.
Sifting through tons of applications is tedious and time-consuming. And, the interview process is another headache. Yet, it doesn’t end there. There is onboarding, training, and managing employees.
With so many tasks, HR may not offer personalized experiences to recruits/employees. You know how it is when you go for a job interview. Afterward, the feeling that the team did not manage you well persists.
AI recruiting platforms have transformed the recruiting processes. The sourcing and narrowing down of candidates is easy. Companies can achieve inclusivity and diversity. The algorithms focus on qualifications, rather than the subjectivity that results in bias.
The teams cut down on the time it takes to fill positions. And, the recruiting technology can ‘read’ a candidate’s nonverbal cues. The information helps determine whether the candidate really wants to join the company.
3. Better Communication With Technology
We have already touched on association management software. They help in managing communication between members and the association. But, how about in a normal work setting. Think about how people would communicate in the days gone by.
One way was to get up and go to someone’s desk or office. For top management, you had to pass by the gatekeeper aka secretary/assistant. Communicating with outsiders meant depending on the postal service to deliver.
But now, emails, intranet, and messaging apps have transformed the speed of communicating. Staff and management can exchange messaging in seconds.
There is better engagement and faster feedback. Platforms like Workspace allow for remote working capabilities. HR software can manage the teams wherever they are.
Software like Microsoft Project, Slack, and Trello have been a lifesaver to managers. There is streamlining of workflows, resulting in higher efficiency and productivity.
Video conferencing facilities provide convenience as well. Management can host meetings, without face-to-face interactions.
4. Streamlining Of Performance Management
The HR department has the onerous task of performance management. The process is grueling, and not without its challenges. Collecting feedback and employee reviews takes time and patience. HR technologies can help streamline such processes.
All the employees need to do is log onto a portal. They will find all the information necessary to complete the review process. Further, the technologies help keep track of the staff performance. It removes dependence on direct feedback from the line management.
Feedback, which we all know, can be subjective and not without its share of bias. The software uses data-based algorithms to determine metrics. It removes the element of human intervention in the appraisal process.
Feedback up and down the line is fast. No more waiting for days on end to receive results. There is better handling of staff and higher efficiency in the processes.
And, there is no need for tons of paperwork. Everything happens online. The company saves on money it would end up spending with manual processes.
Final Thoughts
Technology has had a significant impact on people management. One of the ways is increasing efficiency and streamlining the process. A lot of time, headache, and stress come with manual handling of tasks. It can be frustrating for whoever has to do the work. And, it will affect the quality of services they can offer.
Let’s go back to the example of association management software. Managing hundreds or thousands of people with such technology is easy. The teams can let go of time-consuming tasks and concentrate on other core areas.
Technology has also been a significant game-changer in recruiting. Companies cut down on the time and expense associated with filling positions. The software also ensures an inclusive and diverse environment by eliminating hiring bias.
Technology also helps with communication and streamlining of performance management. Indeed, people management with the right technology is so much easier.
