The Covid-19 pandemic has radically transformed the workplaces of today, bringing about a paradigm shift in the talent management approach of companies worldwide. As remote working becomes the new normal, it is imperative for employers to embrace modern tools and technologies to ensure a seamless workforce experience amidst these unusual times and beyond. Add to this the influx of Gen Z employees into the workforce. They demand nothing less than always-on, always-connected, seamless experiences across the talent development value chain. 

Intuitively, talent managers and leaders are increasingly adopting technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Data Analytics and Cloud in their talent management ecosystem to tackle this change in the environment effectively and make it more agile. 

Talent Recruitment & Onboarding 

One of the foremost benefits of technology adoption in HR and talent processes is enabling talent managers to attract the right people with the right skills to their organization. Assessing and acquiring new candidates virtually, which might have seemed like a tough job a few years ago, is now a reality, thanks to the rapidly advancing era that we are a part of. Insightful data generated through deep analytics aids employers in assessing the candidates’ profiles efficiently, enabling them to take quick, better decisions. Assessment also takes place through tools such as online tests, demonstration videos, which further allows employers to provide timely feedback to applicants. 

Once the employees are virtually recruited, onboarding is the next step, which typically requires extensive document submission and generation. With the tech stack now in place, all documents are collected online from the new hires, following which important employee formalities like employee ID generation, mentor assignment, resourcing, etc are conducted online. Thus, adoption of paperless processes and remote technologies is making onboarding easier, smooth, and seamless for all stakeholders.

Learning & Collaboration

Technology has also opened up umpteen opportunities for remote learning. As the pandemic reinforced the need to create a stronger and more skilled workforce, the focus has been on enhancing the digital capabilities of employees. According to a global survey report, close to 87% of executives are witnessing gaps in their skills because of automation and the advent of new technologies. Many modern workplaces have started leveraging AI and ML driven tools to assess individual skillsets and conduct personalised employee education and training programs. In fact, training programs driven by these tools have been more powerful in enabling smart learning, as compared to conventional learning programs. As per a report, online learning increases the knowledge retention rates of individuals by 25-60%, as compared to face-to-face training. 

Remote tools such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom and other collaboration tools are being increasingly deployed to interact and engage with employees. Such tools also ensure that employees with similar skill sets interact, collaborate and share best practices amongst themselves on a regular basis.

Work Culture & Reward Management

Increasingly, cloud innovation is being harnessed to collate real-time data on employee issues and concerns. These valuable insights aid talent managers in identifying existing gaps in the workplace that could be addressed to enhance employee experience and build a fully connected, empathetic, and high-impact work culture. 

Adoption of the right tools and software is benefitting organizations in planning, designing and implementing their rewards and recognition policies effectively. Also, the process of appraisals, salary increments, etc gets streamlined, thereby ensuring a happy, productive workforce. 

Before we go

Needless to say, talent is the heart and soul of each organization, and its efficient management is key to ensure overall growth. Gartner predicts that 70% of organizations will integrate AI to assist employee productivity by 2021. Unarguably, the future of technology is bright and going forward, it is sure to work in the best interest of both employers and employees.