By Suresh Kumar Khemka, Head of Platform Engineering & Infrastructure – apna
Traditionally, human resource roles have been perceived as the operational mainstay of
organisations. Despite this, HR departments have been comparatively slower in adopting
technology.
However, the pandemic was a blessing in disguise as it nudged HR heads to adopt cloud computing and other AI-enabled technologies in managing functions such as attendance, leave management, training programs, and more to keep operations going during the work-from-home period.
Furthermore, spheres with minimal technology penetration, e.g., talent acquisition, technical training, onboarding and employee engagement, have all gathered momentum now. For instance, no one would have imagined hiring could be managed end-to-end remotely when stakeholders – recruiter, interviewee, interviewer and hiring manager – were all based across diverse locations.
Likewise, no one would have ever envisioned candidates could be onboarded into the company without being physically present. Yet, that is precisely what happened when organisations hired people via online interviews and remote hiring processes. Thanks to SasS solutions enabled by cloud computing, all the above functions are being done seamlessly, speedily, and securely.
Highlighted below are some salient features that facilitate hiring through cloud computing and allied new-age technologies:
Smooth recruitment procedures: Generally, the recruiting process is prolonged and cumbersome. But with cloud computing, recruitment is streamlined completely. As the information linked to each step of the procedure is stored in the cloud-based applications, the entire process is collaborative and accessible to every stakeholder. As a result, feedback and decision-making happen in real-time through the cloud.
Moreover, the democratisation of machine learning models and artificial intelligence has enhanced job relevancy, classification of skills and domains, flexibility to launch new features for the recruitment process for both job seekers and employers, cost-effective delivery of services over different channels, seamless scaling to manage ever-increasing workloads, end-to-end process visibility and the ability to garner invaluable insights through data analytics and data science all are made possible by innovations in cloud computing.
Automation: In the pre-cloud computing era, human resource managers handled core HR processes offline or on internal platforms. Now, data-heavy HR functions, including timesheet submissions and performance reviews, have all been automated with cloud-based/SaaS HR solutions. Cloud-based solutions have enabled agility to build new features or make feature changes to meet the demands of the ever-evolving business needs. Automation has significantly reduced time and effort on tasks, better workflow management, improved communication and status updates, etc. making even non-tech teams more efficient, driving higher productivity. Consequently, low-code/no-code solution available over the cloud allows HR heads to focus on the big picture without worrying about mundane, daily tasks.
Data security: Since the cloud enables HR devices to maintain all data in a centralised, secure cloud location, it is accessible at any time. Cloud technologies provide a better overview of inventory, track data flow through data lineage, enforce role-based access control and monitoring of access patterns, security is an intrinsic part of the cloud; cloud-based HR solutions remain more secure since the administrator has fine-grained control over who can access and what information. Other benefits include transparent encryption of data at rest or in motion, secure data sharing, control and visibility of data flow across companies and partner entities as well as data loss prevention.
Best of all, with HR solutions on the cloud, data remains protected yet available even in case of natural disasters or incidents like fire in the office. Access to data is available from anywhere and everywhere, with just a basic requirement of the internet.
Centralisation of key data: Data centralisation brings all data into one place where it is managed and accessed more effectively. Centralisation of information is one of the most salient features of cloud computing because it permits efficient, secure storage and swift retrieval. For example, as HR registries are organised flawlessly, even the heaviest documents can be stored and retrieved easily. Additionally, as the data is available to cross-functional teams, it helps in driving deeper insights and better work outcomes. Advancements in Data lakes and lakehouses allow to store petabyte-scale of data at a very low cost.
Plugging the communication void: Cloud computing ensures a simpler and easier flow of communication through various channels like email, chat, text messages, WhatsApp, and social media as well as collaboration suites such as Google Workspace, Chat, and online shared documents.
It also helps in tracking touchpoints through technology, close monitoring of online conversations, sentiment analysis, and more. Besides, by filling the communication gap between leaders and team members through regular messages both synchronous and asynchronous, it promotes greater employee satisfaction.
Training and administration: Supported by cloud computing, training teams are well-placed to impart training and even hold examinations in a proctored setting despite being virtual. HR teams can also undertake activities related to employee engagement, performance management, annual celebration ceremonies as well as rewards and recognition events – all in virtual mode.
Providing a level playing field: Apart from people management, HR can be tasked with overseeing key processes within a company, which requires a consistent approach across its operations. Consider companies with branches across global geographies, where it is most challenging to interpret and implement decisions emerging from the headquarters. With cloud computing, however, HR leaders can create a level playing field across regions, regardless of the location of diverse offices. Therefore, be it training, performance metrics, or remuneration, cloud computing ascertains that every element of employee management is centralised.
Today, cloud technology is living up to its promise by empowering HR departments to act efficiently for more productive outcomes. Naturally, cloud computing has made its presence felt globally in HR management. As cloud computing stands poised to gain greater traction in the days ahead, companies deploying this technology are bound to attract the best talent and, thereby, enjoy better bottom lines.