Balancing human skills and HR automation

Balancing the human factor and HR automation

Think of your HR department as the heart of your company. It needs to be strong, reliable, and filled with the right people to keep everything running smoothly. But how do you find that perfect HR partner? Do you go the traditional route with experienced HR professionals, or embrace the modern world of HR software? In most cases it’s about striking the balance with the best of both worlds, empowering the much-needed human factor with the efficiency of HR automation.

The people factor: The heart of your HR

A strong HR team is built on trust, communication, and understanding. Experienced HR pros bring a wealth of knowledge, empathy, and problem-solving skills to the table. They’re the ones who really get people. Think of them as your company's relationship gurus! They can:

Decode the legal jargon: For example, employment law can be a minefield. HR professionals are experts in keeping you compliant, so you can avoid those scary claims and focus on growing your business.
Handle the tricky stuff: From disagreements to performance reviews, they're master’s at navigating sensitive situations with diplomacy and care. They're the mediators of the workplace and often great at conflict resolution!
Champion the employee experience and growth: HR professionals – across a variety of specialisms, from talent acquisition to employee experience, training, and more – help to drive engagement, productivity, and retention by crafting exceptional employee experiences and fostering continuous learning and development through targeted programmes, coaching, and mentorship.

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The software solution: Automating HR processes

The technology powering your teams

HR software is a game-changer for businesses of all sizes, streamlining processes and freeing up time for what truly matters – your people. It's like having a super-organised assistant working 24/7! While AI and automation are evolving rapidly, they can't replicate the crucial human element in HR, those nuanced conversations and delicate touches. But HR software can empower your team to focus on those vital human interactions by taking care of:

Automating admin: Payroll, benefits administration, onboarding – software like BambooHR, Workday, or Namely can handle the paperwork, freeing your HR team from tedious tasks. This allows them to focus on strategic initiatives and, crucially, those all-important employee conversations.
Boosting efficiency and accuracy: Reduce errors and ensure compliance with automated workflows. Platforms like ADP Workforce Now or UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) can help automate tasks like time and attendance tracking, minimising human error and ensuring accurate record-keeping.
Providing data-driven insights: Track key HR metrics and use data to make informed decisions about your workforce. Tools like Visier or the analytics dashboards within many HRIS (Human Resource Information Systems) platforms can provide valuable insights into employee engagement, turnover rates, and other crucial metrics, enabling data-driven HR strategies.

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The perfect match: Finding the right balance (It takes two!)

Finding the perfect HR match is about balance. Here's how you can integrate the two:

Lay a solid foundation: Invest in HR software to handle the administrative heavy lifting. HR automation can support the essential backbone of your HR operations.

Add a human touch: Consider hiring a part-time HR consultant or partnering with a PEO (Professional Employer Organisation), a third-party company that provides comprehensive human resource services to provide expert guidance and support. They bring the much-needed human element.

You can also lean on the expertise of recruiters like Michael Page for your talent acquisition needs. Whether you’re hiring for multiple roles across your organisation or need help building an effective HR team, we specialise in in sourcing and placing skilled candidates across over 25 sectors including but not limited to:

Explore our full range of sectors and recruitment services.

Prioritise your needs: What are your biggest HR challenges? Focus on finding solutions that address those specific needs. No one-size-fits-all here!

Want to learn more?

We've got you covered! Check out our upcoming webinars on key HR topics, including employment law updates to be aware of, leadership development, compliance, and more. They're packed with valuable insights for HR professionals, people managers, and business leaders.

At Michael Page, we're passionate about helping large and small businesses find their perfect HR match. Whether you're looking for experienced HR professionals, guidance on HR software solutions or your workforce strategy, our team of experts can help you build a thriving HR function that supports your business goals. Complete our quick form by clicking below. Tell us how to reach you and we’ll take care of the rest:

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