How Does Technology Impact HR Practices?

Technology has thrown many changes in the economy and business in the world. Computers and the Internet has increased that impact significantly. Most businesses are not able to operate without technology today. This effect is seen in about all areas of business, including HR, where technology keeps on significantly affecting HR practices.

Recruitment

Today's technology has greatly affected the recruitment process. Prior to the Internet arrival, most recruitment advertisements were visible only in newspapers. Apart from that a few of the recruitment companies were operating. Training centers were too contacted to find freshers. However, there were no recruiting advertisements in the sight of the millions at that time. Today's technology and the Internet are not only brought to millions of people, but also ensures that you select qualified people.

Training

Information and communication technology allows human resources professionals to train new employees in a more efficient manner. New staff members will have to access to company information and training materials from remote locations. This eliminates trainers to work closely or directly with the  staff. Training are done through virtual classrooms that makes Human Resource professionals to teach or train staff quickly and asses them through various computer based testing methods. 

Data Storage and Retrieval
Human resource professionals deal with lots of paper works. They file it and keep them for a longer period and when required they find difficulties in find specific documents at a short time. Nowadays the technology plays a major role in saving their time and effort. The use of electronic imaging has made it possible for HR professionals and companies to store and retrieve files in an electronic format. Technology also allows human resources professionals to simply print the forms that are needed for employees. Printing on demand eliminates the need to dig through an endless number of files in the file cabinet to find what is needed.

Performance Management

Enhanced performance management is another byproduct of technological improvement. Human resources professionals can use computer technology to assess employee performance and also to get employee feedback to be used for the betterment of the organization. Various software programs make it possible for human resources professionals to examine employee performance using metrics to ensure that employees are meeting performance standards. Employees that don't measure up can be subjected to additional training or let go in favor a replacement who can come in and do the job.