Modern workforces require modern solutions. This is why many companies had already started to migrate to cloud-based HR solutions and processes long before the pandemic.
The lockdown highlighted the limitations of traditional on-premise technologies to deliver information quickly and safely across borders. This was exacerbated by the hybrid and remote working models.
It's crucial to put people at the center of all HR activities with HXM (human experience management) when there is a sudden challenge in the engagement and productivity of a workforce. How can we bring HXM methods and tools to the HR cloud?
This is the fourth and final episode of "The Rise of HXM", my cohost Lars Schmidt of Amplify, and Joey Price of Jumpstart HR address this important question.
Organizations Benefits from cloud computing
Here are some of the main benefits of cloud-based HR solutions:
- It provides HR solutions for everyone, regardless of where they live.
- Analytics and revenue realization are easier
- Safety and security are increased
Jumpstart: HR founder Joey Price has been operating remotely since its inception a decade ago. Jumpstart: HR provides outsourcing HR services for small businesses across the U.S. This is an example of the power and potential of cloud computing in HR.
Let's suppose we have a central, paper-based, central calendar. It is difficult to manage a company or family's schedule if there are many people who need to add appointments and check in on everyone else. With a digital calendar stored in the cloud, any authorized user can make updates and they can be viewed instantly by everyone else in the organization. The calendar is a living document ."
Joey points out that cloud computing offers the ability to harness analytics and drive revenue growth. He says, "We are all in this business to generate revenue. We needed to be able to quickly see how decisions were made and the impact they had on the bottom line when the pandemic forced us into new territory. For businesses with low margins, it was crucial to have up-to-the-minute data in order to react cost-effectively and quickly to volatile markets.
The cloud also offers safety and security. The cloud-based infrastructure allows computing to be moved to separate data centers, where information security is a core function.
The internal IT departments no longer have to create and maintain security protocols for data and assets. Joey explains that cloud computing has also allowed people to securely access and distribute all types of resources remotely.
Joey reminds us all that the pandemic closed some doors but also opened many windows. As a third benefit to cloud computing, recruiters have the ability to expand their search for potential candidates and track down the best talent around the world. Management and onboarding processes can also be accessible from anywhere in the world. He emphasizes that it is impossible to implement this reach if all your tools and systems are in one place.
Limitations to on-premise computing
Joey recalls many problems with on-premise systems in his early days as a HR professional and freely admits that "Swapping out tapes was not for him." He also points out the vulnerability of an in-office server to natural disasters or power outages, and the immense amount of administrative work required to maintain the on-premise infrastructure.
Other problems can arise when hardware and middleware become obsolete and are not supported.
The environment is also affected by the huge amounts of energy required to power a local corporate data center for every company.
Joey says, "The main purpose of moving into the cloud is to create an environment that allows remote and hybrid workers to play nicely and productively. They can quickly get the information they need and help keep the company profitable." Joey suggests that companies consider what success looks like for individuals and organizations five, ten, or twenty years from now.
Many of the tools for improving employee experience in cloud include intelligence to monitor and improve performance, retention and modernize HR processes. Digital notebooks have made it possible to avoid being stumped by important interactions due to a lack of information.
Joey summarizes the impact of the cloud computing pandemic in this way: "When you are told by a government authority that it is illegal to gather your staff together at an office, then the brightest minds will come up with innovative ways to foster business continuity." This is the sign that will motivate you to move to the cloud.
Lars also points out the impact of the pandemic upon HR careers. Lars explains that if we aren't connected to social media and finding people who have the ability to help us increase our knowledge about the latest trends, tools, and technologies, we will be missing an opportunity to improve our careers. In this age of rapid change, we'll be left behind very quickly.
Employees will be happier with HR cloud solutions.
Joey points out a few immediate pain points that could convince companies to migrate to the HR cloud. These include rising administrative costs, departing employees who cite lack of modernization among other reasons.
In a computing-savvy workforce, however, the importance and value of collaboration are growing. He suggests that you think about all stages of the employee's life from the beginning and create a complete ecosystem to support them. He said,
"You need to ask yourself why things are taking longer than you think. Do you lose candidates to other companies because it takes too long to hire? You might be looking for a cloud solution to speed up your recruitment processes if so. Do your employees complain about the slowness in getting paid? Consider cloud payroll solutions. You'll be amazed at the number of cloud-based HR tools available ."
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The agile approach is what businesses that succeed in the migration to HXM in the cloud use to be successful. Businesses that plan larger projects should seek out incremental successes and encourage creativity from employees.
Asking the right questions during the planning stage is another key component of successful transformation. Joey recommends using social media to get involved early with key stakeholders, including daily users at all levels. He concludes by reminding companies to ask employees what they want and promising that everyone wins when leaders use HXM.