Last week, HR TECH 2016 took place and a key theme was how HR can become more forward-looking in its use of technology and take more control.
HR and IT - an important relationship
To highlight the importance of the interaction between HR and technology, Jason Averbook showed a video of two people standing on an escalator talking. The escalator stops halfway down. No one else is around and they stop and call for help. No one comes. Three hours later, they are still on the escalator. A man with a toolbox appears in an elevator. "Finally!" they shout from the escalator. But then the elevator of the man with the toolbox stops and he too remains standing.
"The situation can be an image of how the relationship between HR and IT can be perceived" says Steinar Sabbasen, Director Sales at Sariba. "The people on the escalator symbolize HR, and the man with the toolbox symbolizes IT. It is easy to become paralyzed and not see the possibilities you have to solve a difficult situation when technology fails."
HR must take ownership of the technology
In 2016, Steinar believes that greater demands will be placed on HR as a function: "HR must take greater ownership of areas that previously belonged to IT. This is absolutely necessary to ensure good quality in areas such as master data. User-friendly and content-rich technology will support HR processes. 2016 will be a year in which the relationship between HR and IT will continue to develop, and Sariba will accompany its customers on this journey. Among other things, we will help with process development and improvement, as well as the right choice of technology. We are looking forward to that," says Steinar, who also brings other important considerations from this year's HR TECH:
- HR and cloud solutions are increasingly in demand and Sariba will be a preferred supplier
- Payroll outsourcing and/or streamlining is an increasingly central issue where customers need assistance
- A little encouragement: HR must not always say "it's IT!".
We look forward to the continuation and to creating even better synergies between HR and technology.
Want to know more? Feel free to contact Steinar Sabbasen.