Having entered a new calendar year, the imperative to retain top talent is more crucial than ever. Recruiting and training individuals entail substantial costs, and the drain on company resources from short-term employees is a persistent challenge. Forward-thinking organisations recognise the value of upscaling technology to not only enhance operational efficiency but also cultivate a culture of innovation and growth. Workplace technology is constantly evolving and therefore requires leaders to adopt a multifaceted and agile approach to new and existing tools. Most recent studies indicate that employees desire business technologies to align with evolving work methods, underscoring the importance of embracing new and collaborative tools. It’s equally important to implement the right training platforms and consider creative approaches to utilise tech tools outside of day-to-day business operations. This will set organations apart, not only to retain existing employees but also by attracting new talent in a saturated hiring market.

Upscaling AI Tools:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a cornerstone in modern business operations, reshaping how tasks are approached and executed. As the rise of AI becomes more pronounced, an increasing number of employees are incorporating these intelligent tools into their daily workflows. Beyond ChatGPT, many new tools are available that seamlessly use AI to simplify routine tasks and reduce time-intensive processes. Platforms like Plus Docs illustrate this progression, leveraging AI to co-create and co-write presentations using prompts, consistent designs and translation features. In addition to new tools, many businesses are now investing in AI auditing programs, ensuring the adoption of suitable tools tailored to their specific needs.  Platforms like ai4good provide auditing and AI compatibility testing, offering strategic insights for businesses to establish effective infrastructure, and operate in a data-conscious way. Importantly, HR directors and managers should take a proactive stance when it comes to AI, trialing new tools and consistently evaluating compatibility to support their employees.

Data-Driven Decision-Making Tools:
As the number of employees using data for decision making continues to grow, it becomes imperative for organisations to embrace tools that facilitate efficient data-driven processes. ERPs and collaborative workplace tools have been commonplace in businesses for years; however, as digital transformation continues to grow, businesses should be consistently reviewing their resource planning software to ensure maximum collaboration and ease for employees. There is a new wave of multi-resource planning technologies such as Planisy that revolutionise planning processes, reducing manual efforts and eliminating Excel dependencies. In an increasingly digital and hybrid working environment, employees demand software that extends beyond giving updates and can offer data-driven solutions to respond to updates in real time. Offering this level of support will enhance collaboration and agility – crucial elements in the modern business landscape

Digitalising Reporting:
Receiving regular feedback from your employees is paramount for a positive work environment. Utilising digital employee surveys allows HR leaders to gather insights from employees working from any location. Many tools are available to automate reporting, converting it to a digestible format to demonstrate commitment to actioning employee feedback and continuous improvement. Alternatively, consider joining a movement such as B Corp that certifies businesses for their social and environmental impact and utilises digital systems and automated reporting to regularly track progress. Their software is designed to ensure accountability through transparent communication and dedication to responsible business practices.

Employee Wellness Tech Initiatives:
Prioritising employee wellbeing is central to organisational success. The global wellness industry is growing by the day, with a large portion of the workforce becoming more health conscious since the pandemic. Implementing wellness tech initiatives, such as fitness apps and mental health resources, demonstrates a commitment to the health of employees. Offering subscription services is commonplace in employee wellbeing packages, but HR directors can go the extra mile by researching new tech tools that employees may not have considered. For example, new telehealth apps allow employees to receive prescriptions, wellness products and medical advice from any location and there is a rise in AI-powered Chrome extensions like Breathhh – designed to automatically deliver mental health exercises based on an employee’s web activity. There are, of course, other factors that impact employee wellness but HR directors can remain proactive by regularly investing in their wellness tech offerings.

Employee Recognition Software Platforms:
Acknowledging and valuing employees is pivotal for nurturing a positive workplace culture. The rise of employee recognition software platforms streamline this process, providing an efficient way to commend and reward exceptional performance. With features such as peer-to-peer recognition and analytics, these platforms gauge employee engagement, fostering a culture where appreciation is woven into the fabric of daily operations. While this can be achieved on existing platforms such as Slack or Teams, the feedback is often missed in the midst of various tasks. Consider having a specialist platform where data is stored and it can be collated and used as feedback for HR directors. 

Investing in Advanced Training and Development:
Alongside the rise in technology platforms, it is important for HR leaders to support employees with training in using new technology platforms. Too often it is assumed that employees know how to use new technology, without sufficient training or an opportunity to report their feedback when adapting to new ways of working. Upscaling technology tools is bound to be an experimental process and without proper training and development programmes, business success can be negatively affected. This can result in HR directors deciding the technology doesn’t suit their organisation’s needs, rather than taking a step back to recognise the importance of adequate training. Recent research by Skillable found that AI deployment and data privacy training were the most fundamental areas to support employees working with emerging technology platforms. Recognising the priority areas for advanced training and investing in continual support for your employees will lead to increased technology efficiency and optimal business performance.

Supporting Meaningful Causes:
Finally, if you’re a tech service company or have access to useful tools, consider setting time aside to support nonprofits. Aligning technological innovation with social responsibility initiatives is a powerful strategy that signals to employees that you support meaningful causes. Businesses like CodeCrew utilise their tech services to support nonprofit projects. There is always more value you can access within your technology systems to allow employees to give back to a cause they are passionate about. This not only boosts employee morale but also allows companies to maximise their technology tool stack to positively impact society.

Final thoughts:
To summarise, the strategic upscaling of technology in 2024 goes beyond staying ahead of the curve; it is about supporting and empowering employees. From leveraging AI tools to upscaling advanced technology training and supporting meaningful causes, organisations can create a workplace that attracts and retains top talent. Being proactive about technological advancements and utilising the best tech tools for your unique needs positions companies as industry leaders committed to the growth and success of their most valuable asset – their employees.