Building a framework for successful HR Tech implementation

A look back at the PeopleStrong x People Matters HR Roundtable Discussion in Hyderabad where HR leaders discussed the role of HR tech in driving transformative growth and overcoming common implementation challenges.

HR technology is imperative in the world of modern business. Streamlined HR service delivery and a delightful employee experience are essential to staying ahead of the curve, made possible by HR technology. However, the journey to reach there can often be challenging, with a number of variables affecting the HR Tech implementation journey. HR Leaders discussed this at the PeopleStrong x People Matters HR Roundtable Discussion 2024. Addressing hidden challenges in HR tech transformation, the session laid the groundwork for leaders to discuss strategies for successful tech implementation while ensuring sustainable outcomes. 

Cracking the tech code

Opening with a welcome address, Prakash Rao, President of Customer Success at PeopleStrong, set the stage with an insightful session on HR Tech implementation that can help companies overcome common hurdles. While tech implementation processes are initially envisioned as swift six-to-eight-month projects, they often extend beyond the stipulated timelines. Prakash highlighted that budget overruns and unanticipated complexities can be attributed to the emergence of unseen challenges. These situations frequently leave companies grappling with uncertainty and mounting scepticism.

Also Read: Roadmap of HR success in 2025 with People Matters SHRPA

Prakash introduced the Form, Norm and Storm framework to guide companies through this transformation while overcoming hurdles. From setting clear objectives and ensuring the availability of accurate data to making technology user-friendly and achieving the desired results, each step of the framework represents a crucial success factor. This session underscored the value of strategic aptitude, robust management, and user-centric design in implementing HR tech to ensure organisational goals are met alongside improved employee experience and engagement. 

Transforming HR in Healthcare

Following Prakash’s insightful session, Dr Amit Singh, CHRO at CARE Hospitals, highlighted their journey of implementing HR technology in healthcare. Challenges such as high HR costs and tech limitations in smaller cities were discussed. Using PeopleStrong’s platform, the HR team at CARE Hospitals automated processes, improved collaboration, and tackled high attrition rates. Dr Amit stressed integrating technology into routine tasks to enhance employee engagement and ensure sustained tech adoption.

Scaling Success with Smart HR Solutions 

Next, in a fireside chat, Jyoti Rao, Senior VP, Training and Admin, at Pragati Finserve and Prakash Rao, discussed how her organisation adopted HR tech early on, leveraging it to streamline processes and scale operations despite starting with a small workforce. Jyoti also remarked how PeopleStrong’s app has been instrumental in engaging employees by providing a seamless communication channel. By leveraging technology, her organisation addressed high attrition rates (50-60%) and reduced onboarding time from 12 days to 24 hours, enabling data-driven decision-making.

Driving Growth with Digital Transformation

An insightful roundtable discussion brought an exemplary set of leaders together to discuss how technology can be aligned with organisational goals. Digital transformation requires a nuanced approach - spanning simplification of processes, a broader focus on meaningful work, and a reduction in transactional bandwidth. While multiple HR tech products exist in the market, implementation challenges often arise due to different organisational needs. Leaders emphasised creating a tailored framework for HR tech implementation, acknowledging how successful adoption varies across diverse functions and industries.

The session echoed the need to amplify continuous engagement alongside understanding the value of clients’ preferred processes to deliver solutions aligned to their objectives. Key takeaways from the enlightening discussion included:

• Tailored frameworks for diverse needs: HR tech implementation must adapt to specific organisational needs for effective transition. A one-size-fits-all approach is often ineffective, indicating the need for tailored processes and approaches that suit each organisation.
• Change management as a critical enabler: Successful and agile adoption of technology calls for robust change management. Starting early with clear transformation drivers and active involvement of organisational leaders ensures alignment with sustained impact and seamless adoption.
• Simplify before automating: One of the interesting highlights during the session was the mention of a Lean approach, encapsulated by the "Eliminate, Combine, Reduce, Simplify, and Automate" (ECRSA) principle. This approach was highlighted as crucial before technology implementation. By first defining and refining existing processes, organisations can ensure that the technology implementation avoids pitfalls such as data inaccuracies or redundant processes.

Charting HR’s digital future

The compelling event highlighted the evolving role of HR technology and user expectations. Employees are increasingly inclined towards a more user-friendly interface and personalised tech experience, prompting companies to align their organisational goals with emerging needs. Effective technological implementation requires consensus on deliverables, realistic timelines, clearly defined objectives, and a tailored approach that suits each organisation’s unique needs. Leaders must adopt adaptability and acknowledge that effective technological implementation is an ongoing journey rather than a finite one.

Topics: HR Technology, Strategic HR, #Future of Work