Talent Management Using Tech To Create Interoperable Workforces

Today, rapid digital transformation has blurred the lines of hiring, managing and collaborating. Companies are increasingly dissolving geographical boundaries and looking to attract the best talent, from all parts of the globe. Technology has enabled borderless working environments and leaders need to still be able to steer their ships seamlessly and successfully.

While technology has made interoperable workforces possible, its ability to double as a talent management vehicle has been crucial in reimagining the future of work.

Building agile workforce in the digital world through technology

Undoubtedly, the pandemic and its associated challenges has taught us that building an agile workforce is key to forge ahead. As companies turned to the digital mode of working in the last 12 months, it became important for leaders to optimise the operational setup to ensure uninterrupted and effective communication and collaboration amongst employees.

The pandemic has reinstated our beliefs that emerging technologies present enormous opportunities to transform the way businesses function. The future of work will be built on technological advancement - by integrating cloud powered solutions, AI, ML, IOT to churn out important data and boost organisational. For instance, companies can unlock in-depth insights with the help of technology that can help re-strategise to ensure enhanced employee experience, well-being, and productivity. Leveraging these insights can help build a stronger relationship with employees, thus bringing a feeling of inclusivity within the company.

Performance management

What also has emerged as a critical need in the remote working setup is managing and evaluating performance effectively in the virtual setup. While organisations were planning to overhaul their performance management processes even before the pandemic, the pandemic swiftly evicted older processes that were rigid and ineffective in effective performance management.

By leveraging practices like OKRs (Objective and Key Results), real-time & continuous feedback & live recognition, companies can transform their overall performance management systems. Embracing a digital mindset: building open, transparent, and well-connected systems coupled with cross-functional collaboration for feedback and improvement will enable employees and organisations to realise the endless growth possibilities in the digital era. We need to shift from a traditional outlook of measuring inputs to a much-needed way of measuring outputs.

Nurturing talent with innovative learning & development tools

In an era where data-driven decision making is becoming crucial across verticals and functions, organisations need their people to build appropriate skill sets rapidly to not just secure the organisation’s future but their own too. How can leaders foster continuous learning and prepare their employees for this critical skill shift? It is no surprise that technology comes to the rescue here too.

In the virtual working setup, employees are constantly seeking a more intuitive and collaborative learning environment. It is important for companies to use tech platforms to provide access to well-curated learning programs in order to equip employees with the right skill sets. Organisations should look at investing in technologies like AR, VR for an immersive learning experience. For instance, the L&D teams can simplify access to learning modules that fit employees’ chosen career progressions as per their convenience though employees’ smartphones using QR code/typing unique code. . Similarly, deploying VR capabilities in L&D programs can help create simulated scenarios and prompt employees to apply their knowledge and new skills in a safe space before encountering real situations.

Removing unconscious bias in hiring through tech

Companies have been investing heavily in an effort to mitigate existing and potential bottlenecks related to human capital management using technology. A key challenge area that has been on the corporate radar is unconscious bias in hiring. While the corporate world has been trying to ensure transparency and openness in its recruitments, the pandemic accelerated active thinking and action through AI-based hiring. Adopting tools like applicant tracking systems (ATS), can help companies make accurate and unbiased hiring decisions

Collaboration & Care in the virtual setup

Remote working is certainly here to stay for at least a while. In this environment, it is common for people to feel isolated. How can organisations ensure a collaborative and supportive environment in the virtual setup?

It is imperative for organisations to explore ways to keep their employees engaged and motivated with the help of technology tools. Companies need to go beyond just Zoom calls to engage with a team or daily check-ins with individuals. While some companies have explored non-work-related interactions like virtual games, coffee chat sessions, to engage with employees, what more can they do to create an engaged workforce in the remote setup? Virtual engagement activities need to connect at a deeper level with employees. For instance, organisations can encourage virtual book clubs, cook-offs, fitness challenges, community service. Encouraging your employees to strengthen their love for their hobbies will show you truly care for their well-being.

As we experience changes at a never-before pace, it is important for companies to encourage training, collaboration, productivity, and mobility in the workforce. And these efforts need to be location-agnostic. Above all, in uncertain times like these, leaders need to lead with empathy while they chart outright business strategies and build innovative solutions, to create a win-win story. Leaders need to spend a lot more time on employee engagement than they did ever before - only then will virtual organisations be successful.

(The given article includes inputs from Mohua Sengupta, Managing Director, Mashreq Bangalore and solely created for BW People)