IT and HR — Better Together

In a recent survey of more than 500 CIOs, about 4 in 5 CIOs say that the core CIO responsibilities includes collaborating with the CHRO on talent strategies. The role of the CIO has shifted from the business of automating processes to digitalizing workflows for the organisation.

According to a survey conducted by Oxford Economics for ServiceNow, researchers found that organizations with the most workflow digitalization are more successful at increasing operating efficiency, product development, customer acquisition and retaining top talent. This stems from the increased demand for automation and importance to integrate IT and employee experience.

Moving away from the focus on back-end technology, today’s most successful CIOs are expanding their focus to internal and external stakeholders and working together with HR to achieve broader business goals.

Driver of productivity and financial performance

Digitalization can help organizations drive productivity and financial performance. Based on a survey commissioned by ServiceNow of over 1,800 executives, highly automated firms are 6 times more likely to report higher revenue growth of at least 15% compared to their competitors. By automating workflows, this frees up time for employees to focus on tasks that require the personal touch.

With IT and HR together, this collaborative partnership can help overcome challenges linked to developing and retaining talent and capabilities within the organization. Here’s how organizations can take advantage of this cost-effective business model.

Streamline recruitment process

Machine learning and predictive analytics appears to be reshaping ways organizations manage their workforce. These technologies have significantly improved ways employees work by helping them make smarter decisions, predict outcomes and provide recommended future actions. With the help of artificial intelligence (AI), hiring processes have been streamlined and recruiters can now save time without having to screen through large numbers of applicants. Through preliminary online screening, this enables HR professionals to identify qualifying applicants and speed up the process of shortlisting potential candidates.

Personalize training experience

E-learning platforms can also leverage on AI capabilities to tailor training programs for employees. By analyzing employee’s skillsets and needs, these platforms can suggest personalized trainings to help fill in skills gaps required of their current job. Based on the employee’s specific experience, location and other employment factors, the use of predictive analysis can also be used to recommend future career pathways and identify development opportunities to grow these skills.

Collaborative environment

The ability to communicate anywhere around the world can bring about new opportunities for businesses. In the age of digital disruption, organizations need to embrace new ways of working. Both IT and HR play a crucial role in providing the tools and foundation that encourages meaningful collaboration among employees. Minimizing the silo effect and enabling better communication among teams can help maximize different skill sets and increase productivity as a whole. As more companies are adopting some degree of flexible work arrangements, instant messaging apps and video platforms can facilitate connection among employees especially if they face geographical limitations. Knowledge sharing and project management apps can also help to keep everyone on track of what is happening. Technology alone will not be able to drive collaboration effectively. Management and HR will need to create the climate to motivate employees to cooperate and share ideas. By removing these communication barriers, this can empower employees to work flexibly and encourage efficient ways of collaborative working.

Future of work

With the increasingly agile workforce, the roles of HR and IT professionals will change dramatically as machines continue to take over tasks previously done by humans. While some jobs may be displaced, machines will not necessarily replace humans. Instead, they can help enhance our work and make humans more efficient. These new technologies will lead to demands in new skills and talents. In order to better fit new technologies into the organization, one must be able to understand how people within the organization work and identify the challenges faced. Hence, the coordination between HR and IT functions is essential in creating a more positive impact and environment for employees to adapt to these technological changes.

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