Navigating HR challenges in small/medium businesses series – the right HR technology

Simon Townsend
29 Mar 2023

This is part of a series of articles where we tackle pertinent issues relating to HR management in small to medium-sized businesses.

As businesses grow and scale, managing their workforce can become a daunting task. From managing employee records to tracking performance, HR functions require significant effort and resources. In today’s world, technology has become an essential tool for HR professionals to manage the workforce effectively.

The right HR technology can help organisations streamline their HR processes, improve efficiency, and enhance the employee experience. Emerging businesses often wait until they have a critical mass of staff before hiring dedicated support for People and Culture activities. However, with the right HR technology, organisations can manage their HR needs effectively even with limited resources.

Here are some technology requirements that can help organisations scale their HR functions effectively:

Cloud-based HR Platforms

These platforms can help organisations manage a range of HR functions, including recruitment, employee engagement, onboarding and offboarding, goals, and performance management. These platforms can assist in managing employee records, tracking performance, and providing analytics that can help identify trends and areas for improvement.

Communication and Collaboration Tools

Effective communication is key to building a strong company culture. With the right tools, organisations can encourage collaboration, input, and effective relationships between employees. These tools can include instant messaging, video conferencing, project management software, and other communication tools.

Performance Management Tools

Tracking employee performance is essential for building a high-performing workforce. Performance management tools can help organisations set goals, track progress, and provide feedback to employees. These tools can help employees identify areas for improvement and support them in achieving their goals.

Employee Self-service Portals

Employee self-service portals allow employees to access their HR records and information easily. These portals can provide information on pay, benefits, time-off requests, and other relevant information. By providing employees with access to this information, organisations can reduce the administrative burden on HR teams and improve the employee experience.

Automation and Artificial Intelligence

Automation and artificial intelligence can help organisations automate repetitive HR tasks, such as payroll and benefits administration. These technologies can also help organisations identify patterns and trends in HR data that can help improve decision-making.

Small and medium-sized organisations without dedicated HR functions face unique challenges when it comes to managing their people. While having the right HR tech is important, it is also crucial to have non-technical HR skills, such as talent management, employee engagement, and culture development.

Without a dedicated HR team, managers and leaders need to take on these responsibilities themselves. They must be able to attract and retain top talent, communicate effectively, and create a positive work environment that fosters growth and development. These non-technical aspects of HR are critical for building a strong and resilient workforce that can help organisations scale and succeed.

At Innov8te, we understand the importance of both technical and non-technical HR skills, and we work with our clients to develop comprehensive HR strategies that address both. The right HR technology can help organisations streamline their HR processes, improve efficiency, and enhance the employee experience.

“Every organisation Innov8te helps has its own unique culture. Our job isn’t to create a culture, rather it’s to understand the essence of why that organisation exists, what makes it unique, and what they truly value. Technology helps us create simple experiences for employees, letting them focus on working together.” Sonia Tammaro, Founder Innov8te.

As a provider of outsourced HR services, Innov8te understands the importance of technology in managing HR functions. We partner with organisations to provide strategic, tactical, and operational support for their HR needs. Whether it is providing dedicated resources or delivering critical projects, we can help organisations scale their HR functions effectively. Reach out to us today to learn more or visit https://www.innov8te.com.au/.