hrtechoutlook
Homeยป News

Enhancing Employee Communication with the Touch of Technology

HR Tech Outlook | Thursday, August 29, 2019

It is essential to foster technology transformations in a way that engages employees without missing out on the human element.

FREMONT, CA: Technology has permeated almost every segment of our lives. However, communication is an area which has been transformed beyond recognition in the past few decades. The role of smartphones cannot be undermined in fuelling the transformations in recent years. Tools which are specifically centered on employee communication are emerging in the market, and the future workplaces are expected to leverage such technologies for almost everyday tasks in the future.

Improving Employee Experience

Stay ahead of the industry with exclusive feature stories on the top companies, expert insights and the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe today.

The potential of new technologies is often alluring for business leaders. The applications are essentially designed to enhance productivity and efficiency levels. Despite the many benefits, some HR teams are hesitant to adopt digital communication technologies because of engagement concerns. They fear that cutting the human touch in communication among employees will affect the staff member’s commitment to the firm. Instead, they prefer traditional communication methods such as in-person meetings, calls, and standard cubicle-style environments.

Such outdated communication systems have drawbacks too. Even the employees have moved away from the earlier methods of making personal connections in favor of making contacts via digital technology. As per research, the percentage of smartphone users has increased from 35 percent to 77 percent, and a whopping 98 percent of millennial are smartphone users. Almost 40 percent of the millennial reported that they engage with their smartphones more than they engage with people.

Checkout : Top Enterprise Communication Companies

Thus today’s employees prefer making connections via technology, and their personal communications are also dominated by instant messaging, texting, and social media. It should be extended to the workplace for the employees to gravitate to the technology-based culture of the companies naturally.

The Reality of Digital Connections

Millennial generations have grown up with the internet. Even referred to as “digital natives,” millennial has a natural inclination toward digital communication tools. Legacy systems are not the ones to appeal to them. Thus the employees must offer a similar high-speed experience which they get on their personal devices.

According to a joint research project by Nimble Storage and Oxford Economics, 77 percent of the individuals who were a part of the project stated that their productivity was impacted by “sub-optimal application performance,” and another 50 percent said that they had removed the apps that run too slowly. As per an Adobe study, 81 percent of millennial found state-of-the-art technology to be more important in their work than perks or amenities.

Deciding Over the Most Relevant Communication Technology

Incorporating digital communication tools can enhance the employee experience by facilitating the colleagues to stay in touch. However, the way to significantly enhance employee engagement is to install high-quality digital communication tools that provide the same features that they experience on their devices. Advanced technology that offers messaging and customized pages, and news feed, with social intranet capabilities, act as an employee directory and a section for company updates. The most popular platforms allow employees a chance to publish blog posts, while virtual teams can foster relationships by sharing images and videos. These features will fill the requirement for personal connections at work.

Minimizing downtime is another important aspect as transitioning to a new platform can disrupt day-to-day operations. Moreover, the success of an implementation plan depends on the ease and speed of the rollout. It is crucial to ensure that any solution can be easily integrated into the current software. Finally, communication platforms can only be effective when employees utilize them. An application with an intuitive user interface will encourage the staff members to log on and get started immediately.

With digital communication becoming standard, HR professionals and business leaders are increasingly getting concerned about employee engagement. However, if tools are properly integrated into the digital workplace, employees will feel more connected and ultimately achieve higher productivity.

Check This Out: Top Employee Communication Solution Companies

Check This Out: Top Employee Communication Consulting/Services Companies

More in News

The HR department is responsible for several essential tasks, including recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and employee data management, which involve significant data processing. Before the advent of cloud-based solutions like PeopleSoft, managers managed these responsibilities offline or on internal platforms. They relied on a mix of various applications, many of which were developed in-house, to handle HR business processes. This approach led to numerous data-related issues and decreased process efficiency. Building and maintaining these IT systems was costly and required substantial IT staffing. However, introducing cloud-based solutions has provided many benefits to HR departments, including lower maintenance costs and reduced IT staffing requirements. Let's take a look at the five biggest benefits of cloud for the HR industry: Enhance the Recruiting Function: The HR department has two main functions: recruitment and onboarding. Recruitment involves a lot of data, such as processing resumes, scheduling interviews, collecting feedback, and making job offers. Some of these processes, like resume processing, have been automated for a while, but others still rely on manual work. Because of this, HR managers often deal with errors and mix-ups. Cloud-based software helps businesses avoid common HR issues. This type of software operates in the cloud, allowing users to access it from anywhere and on any device. With cloud-based HR solutions, companies can seamlessly track applicants from the moment they submit resumes to the final hire. This includes automating screening, scheduling interviews, and making job offers. Top-Notch Finders specializes in providing cloud-based recruitment solutions that streamline the hiring process and improve efficiency. Improve Employee Satisfaction and Business Efficiency: Cloud HR solutions automate data-heavy processes such as timesheets, leave applications, appraisals, and updating employee data. This eliminates paperwork, reduces errors, and boosts efficiency and employee satisfaction. Cloud automation can minimize attrition and offer cost savings. While cloud software maintenance can be expensive, the net ROI can be significant. Compliance requirements can be easily met by installing cloud software and generating reports with a single click for timesheet and employee self-attestation compliance. Jamie Lovelynn offers consulting services to help organizations implement cloud HR solutions that enhance recruiting, onboarding, and employee management processes. Enhance the Image and Identity of Your Organization: Businesses today face a constant "war" for talent on multiple fronts. To stand out in the marketplace, it is important to gain any advantage possible. Businesses can differentiate themselves in several ways by implementing a cloud-based HR solution. Firstly, this signals to investors, customers, vendors, analysts, media, and the public that they are serious about investing in their vision for future growth. Secondly, it strongly indicates their desire and ability to be at the forefront of the market. As a result, their brand and reputation are clearly strengthening. ...Read more
Leadership development is more than a strategy; it is the key to maximizing the leaders' potential. When leaders are well-developed, they make better decisions, motivate their teams, and drive improved performance. And improved leadership is only the beginning. Employers' emphasis on leadership development tremendously impacts their organization's performance and growth. Reasons to engage in leadership development Developing a competitive advantage: Investing in leadership development provides a competitive advantage that distinguishes a business from its peers. Alternatively, only one in every five organizations that did not provide a leadership development program reported financial performance in the top ten percent of their industry. Effective leaders can negotiate problems, seize opportunities, and promote innovation, increasing competitive advantage. They promote a culture of accountability and quality throughout the organization. Companies that invest in leadership development ensure their leaders possess the necessary expertise and knowledge to remain competitive. Recruiting and retaining top talent : High-potential employees are aware of their value in the job market and continuously seek opportunities for growth and career advancement. This challenge requires organizations to offer more than just competitive compensation. Investing in leadership development programs can be a powerful tool for retention. Companies that prioritize such development, like Employees First, show a clear commitment to fostering professional growth, thereby instilling confidence and job security among employees. However, investing in leadership development can provide enormous benefits. Companies that provide extensive leadership development programs exhibit a commitment to their employee's professional development and success, instilling confidence and a sense of security in their jobs. Employees are more likely to stay with a company that invests in their development, lowering turnover and associated expenses while instilling a sense of stability and dedication to the organization. A commitment to leadership development demonstrates to potential employees that the organization encourages continual learning and professional advancement. This reputation can boost the brand, making it easier to attract the industries finest and brightest. Activate Human Capital Group aids in this process by offering comprehensive development strategies that further enhance employee retention and organizational success. Boosting the next generation of leaders: Succession planning is crucial to any organization's long-term viability. Developing the next generation of leaders guarantees a robust bench of capable individuals ready to take on leadership opportunities when they become available. Leadership development programs assist in identifying and nurturing future leaders, equipping them with the skills and experiences required to take on larger responsibilities. These programs frequently include mentoring, coaching, and exposure to all aspects of the organization, ensuring that potential leaders are well-rounded and ready for future difficulties. ...Read more
In today's work environment, organizations are trying to improve productivity and attract top talent with a modern workforce that demands a more comprehensive approach to employee well-being. This shift is prompting companies to innovate their employee benefits strategies, aiming to create a workplace culture that prioritizes well-being, flexibility, and growth and fosters innovation and adaptability. Employers have moved beyond generic benefits packages to tailor offerings that align with their employees' preferences and lifestyles. This shift increases satisfaction and strengthens retention rates by forging deeper connections between companies and their workforce. Through flexible healthcare options, personalized retirement plans, or innovative work arrangements, contemporary employee benefits strategies acknowledge and value the diverse needs of employees. This approach creates a workplace environment where each individual feels supported and appreciated, ultimately leading to a more engaged and loyal workforce. Employee wellness has become a central organizational priority, focused on building a resilient and productive workforce by addressing physical, mental, and emotional health. Companies are investing in comprehensive initiatives such as fitness classes, mindfulness workshops, health screenings, and nutrition counseling to support overall well-being. These programs encourage healthier lifestyles, strengthen morale, and enhance employee engagement while helping manage healthcare expenses. Organizations such as Prodigy Benefit Management  play a role in structuring employee wellness and healthcare benefits programs that align with broader workforce productivity goals. Together, these efforts contribute to improved performance and sustained organizational outcomes. The rise of remote work has expedited companies' provision of stipends for home office equipment, flexible scheduling options, and virtual wellness activities to maintain connectivity and support for remote workers. This flexibility improves work-life balance, boosting productivity and job satisfaction among remote employees, benefiting adaptation to remote work environments. Financial wellness programs are initiatives implemented by employers to address financial stress on employee performance and job satisfaction, encompassing offers like retirement planning assistance, financial literacy workshops, and solutions for managing student loan obligations. By equipping employees with these resources, organizations empower them to make informed financial decisions, alleviate financial pressures, and pursue sustainable financial security, enhancing employees by achieving personal and professional goals. HRID delivers HR technology solutions that enhance employee wellness, productivity, and organizational efficiency strategies. Achieving a harmonious work-life balance is pivotal for employee satisfaction and productivity. Companies are implementing strategies such as flexible work hours, robust parental leave policies, and comprehensive childcare support to assist employees in balancing their professional and personal lives effectively. These enhance the attractiveness of workplaces to top talent by cultivating a positive organizational culture where employees can succeed by prioritizing productivity, leading to increased employee retention and satisfaction. Professional development initiatives are crucial investments by employers to cultivate a capable and engaged workforce. These initiatives include training programs to enhance skills, tuition reimbursement for further education, and mentorship opportunities to support career growth. Organizations strengthen individual competencies and foster a culture of ongoing learning and advancement, enabling employee morale and loyalty to remain competitive by staying ahead in skills and innovation within their industry. The evolution of employee benefits reflects a broader commitment to supporting and empowering the workforce where employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered to achieve their full potential. As these trends develop, companies prioritize positioning themselves as employers of choice in a competitive market. ...Read more
Digital natives, often known as millennials or Generation Y, are those born after 1980 who grew up with digital tools and technology and witnessed the changes around them.  They are highly digitally literate and use technology to communicate, learn, and socialize effectively. Not only is cultural cohesion critical to millennials, but they must also trust that their company's ideals align with their own. Aligning company and employee values, however, is only one of the challenges that human resources encounters. The other is to promote specific values and ensure that employees understand what they are and that the organization has them in particular scenarios.  Digital natives, like Gen Zers, prefer to receive frequent positive feedback and acknowledgment from their colleagues and management Tech-Savvy Consider who is best positioned to help organizations leverage tools such as ChatGPT or CopyAI effectively. In many cases, it is Generation Z employees who bring a natural familiarity with digital platforms. Having grown up immersed in technology, they often demonstrate an intuitive understanding of how digital tools function and how they can be applied to solve business problems. Their comfort with experimentation and rapid adaptation enables organizations to integrate emerging technologies more seamlessly into daily operations. Firms such as Titus Talent Strategies  recognize the importance of aligning tech-savvy talent with evolving workplace demands. This technological fluency makes digital natives valuable contributors in environments where innovation and agility are critical. Adaptable Generation Zers are accustomed to change and can swiftly adjust to new conditions, technologies, and work environments. This makes them an excellent choice for enterprises eager to explore new digital frontiers and stay up with quickly changing technology breakthroughs. Having Generation Z on your team means never worrying about a new digital frontier. Entrepreneurial Many GenZers have a 'learn on the fly' approach and want to build their enterprises. They are not scared to take risks and constantly seek new and innovative solutions to address challenges. This approach can instill new ideas and viewpoints in the workplace and build an innovative culture. ThePeoPeople.com delivers workforce solutions that support digitally driven talent strategies and modern workplace transformation initiatives. Multi-Tasking They are frequently accused of being distracted by their electronics, but the truth is that they are skilled multitaskers. They may perform numerous activities simultaneously, such as working on a project while replying to emails or messages. With adequate coaching, this skill can be instrumental in fast-paced work contexts where time is critical. Creative They grew up in a society where they can quickly access knowledge and collaborate with people online, allowing them to build their problem-solving talents. Their inventiveness can provide fresh and unique ideas, allowing firms to stay ahead of the curve and solve challenging problems.  ...Read more