Today’s world is changing rapidly, with technology playing a significant role in these changes. For Human Resource (HR) professionals, keeping up with these advancements is essential. Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat highlighted this at the World Human Resource Congress on 14 May 2024. He said HR professionals need to upskill or develop new skills in a tech-driven world and understand the changing needs of the future workforce. This way, they can better support organisations and people to thrive and maximise their potential.
How HR is Changing with Technology
Technology is advancing quickly and affecting every industry, including HR. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, traditional HR tasks are now streamlined and improved. In order to stay relevant in this field, HR professionals must adapt and upskill to use these technologies effectively.
Key areas in HR that can be enhanced through automation include recruitment, payroll management, performance management, and data-driven decision-making. Using these technologies is crucial for boosting productivity and making better decisions. By embracing digital tools, HR professionals can move to bigger roles and help organisations to grow.
Benefits of Digital Upskilling for HR Professionals:
Learning new digital skills offers many benefits for HR professionals:
- It increases efficiency by automating repetitive tasks. According to the inaugural SkillsFuture Job-Skills Insights Report for the HR Sector developed by the Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP) and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), the ability to automate tasks such as payroll, leave, and claims is among the top in-demand skills for HR professionals in the digital economy. This allows HR professionals to focus on more strategic activities.
- Digital upskilling improves decision-making. With data analytics tools, HR professionals can analyse workforce data to gain insights into employee performance, retention rates, and workforce trends. This analytical capability enables them to make informed decisions that align with organisational goals.
- Digital upskilling enhances the employee experience. HR professionals can use digital tools to streamline processes such as onboarding, training, and performance management. This can lead to higher employee satisfaction and engagement, ultimately contributing to better organisational performance.
Key Digital Skills for HR Professionals
To thrive in the digital age, HR professionals need to acquire specific digital skills. These include:
- HRMS Software Implementation: Understanding how to implement and use Human Resource Management Systems (HRMS) is crucial. These systems help manage HR tasks such as payroll, attendance management, and onboarding efficiently.
- Data Analysis: The ability to analyse and interpret data is essential for making informed decisions. HR professionals should be proficient in using data analytics tools to gain insights into workforce trends and employee performance.
- Digital Communication: Effective communication is key in any organisation. HR professionals should be adept at using digital communication tools to facilitate better collaboration and engagement with employees.
How to Upskill as an HR Professional:
There are various methods and resources available for HR professionals to upskill. Here are some tips:
- Self-Learning: Identify your skill gaps and seek out resources to bridge them. Online platforms offer a plethora of free resources such as articles, tutorials, and webinars on various HR topics.
- Workshops and Webinars: Workshops and seminars provide hands-on training and the opportunity to interact with industry experts. These events can be valuable for gaining practical skills and staying updated on the latest HR trends.
- Courses: Enrolling in specialised courses is an effective way to gain new skills. Since 2015, Singapore has been promoting sustainable lifelong learning through the SkillsFuture movement, providing opportunities for individuals to develop their potential, regardless of their starting points. Through this initiative, HR professionals can leverage a wide range of courses to boost their digital capabilities and stay relevant in their roles.
The digital transformation of the HR field presents both challenges and opportunities. By upskilling and embracing digital tools, HR professionals can stay ahead of the curve and drive organisational growth.
If you’re an HR professional looking for a course that provides in-depth insights and ways to upskill yourself and improve your HR workflows, you can explore our HR Course Singapore programme. This course offers a thorough understanding of HRMS software and its role in boosting productivity. Led by trained subject matter experts and featuring interactive, hands-on training, you will acquire practical experience and expertise to fully leverage the benefits of an HRMS. Singaporeans and PR aged 21 and above are eligible for SkillsFuture subsidies of up to 70%.
As a linguistics enthusiast, I am passionate about transforming complex ideas into simple, engaging stories. With a strong background in the tech space, I’m excited to craft content that captivates audiences through the power of words, specifically focusing on tech-related topics.