HR as an enabler for automation
Designing modern workplaces and thus being attractive for new talents remains a challenge for most enterprises.
Particularly in industrialized nations where the population is aging and the fertility rate is decreasing. This demographic shift has resulted in a labor shortage, and companies across various sectors, including IT, are struggling to find qualified employees. Moreover, labor costs are high, adding to the difficulties faced by businesses. Consequently, many enterprises are actively seeking new ways to create modern workplaces that can attract and retain talented individuals in order to ensure long-term success.
While technology is not a panacea for all the challenges mentioned above, offering a modern software stack with highly automated back-office processes is becoming increasingly crucial. What was once a competitive advantage will soon become a basic requirement to remain attractive in the labor market. A global HR study conducted by Gallup reveals that only 21% of employees are engaged in their current roles. This statistic aligns with the observation that a significant portion of the daily work time is spent on non-productive, repetitive, and manual tasks. While this isn’t the sole reason for low employee engagement, automation plays a vital role in improving the overall employee experience and enhancing employer branding. Unfortunately, automation is often solely associated with productivity increases, overlooking its potential impact on employee satisfaction and engagement.
To fully leverage the benefits of emerging AI SaaS tools, enterprises must establish a foundation of data integration combined with no-code/low-code automation capabilities. This integration layer is crucial for seamlessly incorporating the “new” world of AI into existing business processes. Without this technical infrastructure, organizations will struggle to capitalize on the opportunities AI presents. Ultimately, the absence of these capabilities and their proper integration will make it increasingly challenging to attract and retain talented individuals.
Therefore, workplace automation should be approached as a strategic initiative driven by all HR functions, going beyond superficial perks such as free fruit baskets or occasional cultural events. While these initiatives have their merits, they alone are insufficient to bring about substantial change and improve work conditions. Instead, a comprehensive approach to automation, integrating AI tools and streamlining business processes, will have a more significant impact on creating a modern workplace that fosters employee engagement and satisfaction. HR can now take the lead to design in a cross-functional team great places to work. It is time to re-think HR.
