‘The HR tech issue’

Most mornings, before even leaving the house, I have used countless pieces of technology. There’s the alarm clock on my smartphone, a music streaming platform playing from my laptop, that helps make shuddering into another day that much easier, and all the other bits and pieces that I rarely think of as ‘tech’ as they are so ingrained in what I unquestioningly consider as necessary to living. Microwaves, lightbulbs, heated showers and kettles amongst them.

The latter is probably the point that HR tech wants to get to: a place where it adds so much, and is requisite, to the business, user or people function that it becomes ingrained and almost invisible. Savvy vendors, and HR departments, know this: whilst they are using technology to perform some fantastic feats – such as data-driven management and insight-enabled business decisions – they’re often employing technology to do the basic tasks fantastically.

For many HR departments, this is where they’re currently at, or where they are looking to get to, which is why February’s magazine issue looks at how HR is using technology in its entirety. We explore how HR can keep its ‘human touch’ during the technology revolution, what talent acquisition means in this digital age and how technology can help boost engagement. We also sat down with Alastair Gill, Head of People at giffgaff, as he explained why the function needs to transform.

As ever, enjoy.

Daniel Cave - Head of Content