How Technology is Changing the Way HR Functions?

Ever-evolving technology has already made its presence felt in the HR management as well. The impact of this burgeoning technology on the corporate world is tremendous and can’t be denied.

In fact, it is because of this advancement in HR technology that HR professionals now view their roles not just as administrators but strategic enablers for important decisions related to organizational growth and development.

Technology in HR – What does it mean for HR Professionals!

Technology has definitely altered the way HR functions by empowering HR professionals by enabling them to play a more proactive role as compared to reactive ones from the earlier days.

Technologies like Blockchain, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), machine learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), bots, neural nets and AI along with Cloud and Analytics are opening new panoramas and endless possibilities for HR professionals. In other words, the technology has given some superhuman powers to HR professionals to revamp the way corporate world functions.

Emerging Technologies – the Disruptors!

According to the new Tech Trends study (2019) by Deloitte, the emerging technologies have taken the mantle of ‘disruptor’ and will be the macro forces in the future. The study also revealed that cognitive technologies will emerge as an essential strategic driver that will help make sense of ever-growing data. As per the study, cognitive technologies will be able to handle both the volume and complexity of data deluge, while the digital reality will facilitate engagement by redefining human interaction with data, technology and with each other as well.

So while all these technologies have been disrupting the world of HR, there is a new management fad that has been going round in the corporate world and it is called gamification. Interestingly, the serious face of the corporate world gets a facelift with gamification.

Yes, gamification! Let’s read more about it – what is it, and how it is a game-changer (pun intended).

What is Gamification?

As defined by Gartner Group, gamification is the usage of game-thinking and game mechanics in non-game scenarios such as business environment and processes, specifically in recruitment, training and development, and motivation; in order to engage users and solve problems.

The popular quote by Albert Einstein sums it all – “You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.”

In short – it is all about the game. You have been playing since childhood – remember all the games that you played – to learn the basic concepts of life. Bring that similar notion to the complex corporate world and you what you have is gamification in HR.

Gamification in HR… Power of Gamification and How Does it work?

As mentioned earlier, gamification can help HR professionals in their daily functions, but now the question is how does the power of gamification. The power of gamification works by utilizing the competitive streak within humans to keep the employees more absorbed and engaged. The notion is similar to when playing games with friends – you want to win by going that extra mile either through the strategic moves or studying the nuances of the opponent.

Similarly, gamification in the corporate world works by ensuring that employees feel a greater sense of achievement and are more willing to go that extra mile either in completing the training programs or even helping colleagues stay motivated. And as the game progresses, there is an increase in engagement while trying to reach new levels.

Another question is why would HR professionals use gamification?

Notwithstanding the fact that it is the latest technology in the corporate world, gamification in HR can take HR functions to the next level. Here are three ways gamification in HR can change the game for employees and employers both.

1. HR Gamification in Recruitment & Selection Initiatives: It is an interesting method to select the right fit candidate for an organization. Breaking away from boring JDs, it is an interesting way to ensure that candidates are engaged in the recruitment process right from the beginning.

2. HR Gamification in Training & Development: Bring some fun elements into your training and development programs by introducing gamification in training and development programs. You will be surprised to see how many employees respond to this program.

3. HR Gamification in Engagement & Retention Strategies: Increase your retention rates and reduce the attrition rate by introducing gamification in your organization. You can increase employee engagement thus increasing the retention rates in your organization.

Technology has indeed given the traditional HR, a much-needed makeover and now the new HR is as glamorous as the rest of the corporate world. And if experts are to be believed then gamification will be the next big thing in the coming years.

Be ready for the winds of change sweeping the corporate world more so the HR, which is gearing up for more strategic roles in an organization.