THERE IS a major disconnect between the strategic functions of HR and the ability of technology to support these business initiatives, according to recent research from the UK
THERE IS a major disconnect between the strategic functions of HR and the ability of technology to support these business initiatives, according to recent research from the UK.
Only one quarter of HR professionals believe that HR functions such as workforce planning, leadership development and performance management are well supported by their IT systems, while only one third are confident in their current IT systems’ ability to support the recruitment and internal mobility of employees throughout their organisations.
With more than half of HR professionals indicating that talent management, including recruitment, is a high priority in the coming year, significant opportunities exist for UK organisations to focus on more integrated technology solutions to better support strategic talent management processes.
“The gap between the support of administrative functions and strategic HR responsibilities needs to be addressed in order for HR directors to deliver results to the Board,” said Alice Snell, vice president of Taleo Research, which commissioned the survey of 100 senior HR managers in the UK.
“When HR directors can assess the workforce changes needed by the business, acquire and develop the talent needed to optimise the workforce, and then measure the results, their true value can be realised.”
The survey found 55 per cent of respondents agree that HR needs more sophisticated technology systems and processes to support recruitment and development, however, only administrative functions such as payroll and employee administration (68 per cent) and evaluation and management reporting (53 per cent) are adequately supported by IT.
The research demonstrated that HR is evolving to play a more strategic role in supporting fundamental business objectives, but the systems being used by HR functions are not keeping up, according to Neil Hudspith, senior vice president of international operations for Taleo.
“It’s clear that talent management and other strategic initiatives are being recognised as essential functions by ambitious companies that want to retain and recruit the best people, but organisations need to arm their HR directors with the tools and technology needed to support this strategy. The right HR technology is a critical element of any HR strategy moving forward,” he said.
