Employee adaptation strategies for digital HR transformation system

HR digital transformation is the process of changing operational HR processes to become automated and data-driven. It is a very important topic among HR professionals about transforming the contemporary system into a digital system. But while it’s one thing to talk about digital HR transformation, it’s an entirely different thing to do it. 

‘It’s about HR teams taking up the dual challenge of transforming HR operations on the one hand, and transforming the workforce and the way work is done on the other.’ (Deloitte’s Human Capital Trends report,2017)

Companies still appear to succumb to peer pressure all too frequently; since all of their rivals "do digital," they feel that they must follow like. However, digitizing HR procedures only for the sake of doing so is never a sensible idea. It results in the adoption of technology that falls short of the company's actual requirements. This obviously completely defeats the goal of a metamorphosis.

How to ensure employees are able to adapt?

            1. Communication

Some executive members need to be proponents of digital transformation in order to drive organizational adaptation. Transformation is, after all, a team endeavor. All levels of staff should be involved in open communication, which should start at the top. The CIO should be heavily involved in developing digital connections throughout the organization.

C-suite executives need to regularly ask for feedback from staff members and keep open lines of contact with them even after the change is finished. While doing so, they should show staff members that they are committed to giving their own feedback and that they are adjusting to the forced digital changes. During the early stages of transition, company-wide communication is essential.

            2. Awareness

“Let people understand why the change is happening, and make sure they have a clear vision of what will better when they get there,” (Dr Daniel Cable,2021)

However, for a digital organization to succeed, awareness and a defined objective are required. On the other side, organizations that are succeeding in the digital transformation race put a lot of effort into creating a culture of change. This means accepting obstacles and setbacks as vital parts of achievement and quickly overcoming failure in order to advance. A thorough training program must be established so that staff are aware of both the direct and indirect implications of the changes. This results in the mastery of crucial abilities and decreases frustration during challenging times. All employees, regardless of position or department, should be expected and encouraged to take part in the immersive training program in order to increase acceptance

            3. Permit experimenting

Many employees find that the digital transition forces them to stretch themselves. People who are new to the digital game find comfort in a society that accepts and even encourages experimentation. Then, workers can explore without worrying about repercussions. Second, those who have the freedom to experiment frequently come up with new, quicker ways to complete mundane tasks, increasing productivity.

            4. Employee involvement

It is simpler to accept digital change when there is more employee involvement. Staff can contact with customers easily and directly thanks to technological improvements, keeping them ahead of the competition.

A considerable change in organizational norms is needed to enable personnel to be brought closer to customers in order to gain the kinds of insights that would catapult a company to the top.

Last but not least, digital transformation goes beyond technology. An effective transition is influenced by how a company is organised, how it engages and satisfies its workforce, how much it invests in training, and how it fosters a flexible working culture.

References

Digital Transformation Adoption in human resources management during COVID-19 (no date) Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research. Available at: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/AGJSR-05-2022-0069/full/html (Accessed: April 11, 2023).

Help your employees embrace digital transformation (2023) Aventis Learning Group. Available at: https://aventislearning.com/helping-your-employees-adapt-embrace-digital-transformation/ (Accessed: April 17, 2023).