Aug 1, 2023
For centuries, the role of Human Resources (HR) has been vital in helping businesses manage their most valuable asset: their people. This critical part of organizational
success has evolved drastically over the last decade, shifting from compliance and administration to strategy and culture. In this article we will take a look at that evolution, explore today's trends, and touch on common technology and People practices in a post-pandemic world.
The Origins
The origins of Human Resources (HR) can be traced back to the industrial revolution in the late 1700s. Initially, businesses handled labor management through manual processes such as timecards and paper-based documents. However, unions and labor laws in the early 1900s led to HR taking on a more strategic role to maintain compliance and protect employees’ rights. Fast forward to today: talent trends and technology have empowered HR teams to become proactive and strategic rather than reactive and strictly compliance-centric. HR is now responsible for considering both the economic health of an organization as well as the needs of its people. The function itself is now often called People, People Strategy, and/or People Operations. For example, titles like the Chief People Officer and roles in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging are relatively recent trends. Technology has also allowed for increased automation, which makes it easier for HR
professionals to track employee performance data quickly and accurately. Furthermore, with improved access to real-time data, HR teams can better optimize everything from compensation to engagement. The COVID-19 pandemic again changed the function; more on that later.
HR Trends and Challenges in the Digital Age
The digital age has brought a variety of new challenges to Human Resources departments. To stay up-to-date, HR must now integrate new technologies into their existing systems to collaborate more effectively with other departments. Pay transparency laws are also changing the way top talent evaluates employers. Companies are now under greater pressure to ensure pay scales are both competitive and equitable. Employee engagement has likewise become a priority for those managing a dispersed workforce. The HR world is actively still working through the best ways to measure and act on engagement trends. Investing in innovative technology is one way top organizations are investing in agile cultures. Technology-assisted or not, creative solutions from HR professionals will continue to be necessary as companies navigate the new world of work.
Human Resources in the Post-Pandemic World
The post-pandemic world has presented HR departments with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. As such, in addition to creative, human-driven solutions, technology has become an essential tool in achieving organizational goals. Modern platforms can help streamline HR operations, keep employees connected despite physical distance, promote wellness initiatives, and more. Keeping up with changing labor market demands is also critical. Companies must invest in whatever allows them to manage talent effectively while meeting compliance regulations. Whether it's a person-to-person listening tour, standardizing pay strategy with data and technology, or outlining a clear POV on in-person connection opportunities, HR/People teams need to be more proactive today than ever before. Leveraging Technology to "Do More With Less" Businesses are, more than has been true in recent years, asking their people to achieve more with less. Many organizations have experienced layoffs, often leading to HR teams realistically understaffed relative to the responsibility and pace of change today. Technology, of course, streamlines and automates processes. It also reduces the odds of errors or miscommunciations that lead to necessary damage control or redoing work down the road.
CandorIQ is the People Spend Platform that empowers companies to achieve more with less. By unifying compensation and headcount planning, CandorIQ makes life easier for People and Finance teams. Whether it's standing up pay bands, managing merit cycles, or helping employees understand total compensation, CandorIQ can help. Reach out at contact@candoriq.com
