In the ever-evolving landscape of the workplace, one thing is crystal clear: technology isn't just a sidekick; it's the superpower that transforms employees into powerhouses of productivity. HR, traditionally seen as the heart of human-centric functions, is now emerging as the tech enabler, bridging the gap between people and the tools that can propel businesses to new heights. 

1E’s state of the digital employee experience (DEX) report, which surveyed 300+ senior business decision-makers from companies with 5k+ employees, reveals the following:  

80% of business decision-makers say that DEX is now a key consideration within their enterprise’s digital transformation strategy. Another 81% agree that those who don’t make DEX a board-level priority will fall behind their competitors.  

The Data-Driven Reality: More Tech, More Value 

Employees who are proficient in utilizing workplace technology contribute significantly more value to their organizations. It's not just about sending emails or attending virtual meetings; it's about harnessing the power of data analytics, collaboration tools, and streamlined workflows. Employees equipped with the right tech arsenal can boost productivity significantly, turning mundane tasks into opportunities for innovation. 

A 2022 survey of IT decision-makers and knowledge workers in the US and UK found that 67% of respondents have a better digital experience outside work than inside work. Only 8% said their digital workplace experience was better than their experience as consumers.

It’s time for the workplace to catch up. 

The equation is simple: more tech-savvy employees equal more value for the company's bottom line. As businesses navigate the digital age, it's not just a matter of adopting the latest software; it's about empowering the workforce to wield these tools. 

People and Tech: The Dynamic Duo 

In the modern business arena, people and technology aren't just resources; they're the dynamic duo that can make or break a company. It's not enough to invest in the latest software if your employees are still fumbling through the basics. The real magic happens when you connect skilled individuals with the right technology, creating a synergy that propels the entire organization forward. 

Think of it as a high-tech jam session where each team member is a virtuoso with their instrument, and the technology is the beat that keeps everything in harmony. This symbiotic relationship is the key to unlocking unparalleled business success. Research led by Kristine Dery at MIT has shown companies with strong employee experience (top quartile) are 25% more profitable than those with a weak employee experience (lowest quartile). 

HR's New Role: No More Tech Passivity 

Gone are the days when HR could leave the tech-heavy lifting to the IT team alone. The digital revolution demands a paradigm shift, and HR is stepping up to the plate. Why? Because managing employee upskilling is no longer a nice-to-have; it's the cornerstone of future-proofing your workforce. 

HR is no longer just about hiring, onboarding, workplace culture and policies, and benefits. It's about recognizing that technology is the backbone of every department and ensuring that employees have the skills to navigate this digital terrain. If businesses want to increase employee contributions, HR must take the lead in fostering a tech-savvy culture. 

The Tech-Driven Employee Experience 

Picture this: A workplace where employees seamlessly navigate through project management tools, collaborate effortlessly on virtual platforms, and leverage data insights to make informed decisions. That's not a utopian dream; it's the employee experience that HR can craft by becoming the ultimate tech enabler. 

It's not just about handing out laptops and calling it a day. HR needs to be the guiding force that ensures employees not only have the tools but also the know-how to use them effectively. Staying ahead in the tech race is one thing, but this is about creating an environment where employees thrive, innovate, and contribute their absolute best. 

HR, the tech trailblazer 

The role of HR as the tech enabler is no longer a subplot; it's the main storyline in the success of any organization. By connecting people with technology, HR becomes the key driver of innovation, efficiency, and value. 

As we navigate the tech-centric future, let's not just add new HR tech to our teams, let’s take the lead in empowering the workforce to use their software as an extension of themselves. It's time for HR to step into the spotlight, not as a supporting character but as the main character that ensures every employee can maximize and scale their contribution level by adopting the tools built to help them do just that. As HR embraces the responsibility of ongoing technology adoption initiatives, they need a way to: 

  • Make employees aware of the tools available to them. 
  • Identify role-specific use cases for technology and provide training for them. 
  • Measure employee sentiment about their digital experience and toolset. 
  • Communicate personalized tips and tricks to employees about their software. 
  • Track what software and which features employees rely on most. 
  • Find ways to synchronize technology adoption across the organization. 
  • Help employees keep up with the updates and new capabilities of their tools. 

While traditional solutions like learning management systems (LMS), instructor-led training, and company training portals/intranets provide a place to house content and track completion, they lack the data, targeting, automation and engagement tools found in digital experience platforms like BrainStorm.  

Transform HR into a tech enabler with BrainStorm 

BrainStorm is the #1 DEX (digital employee experience) platform built to equip HR, L&D and IT teams to create and measure software training at scale. Find out what tools your employees are using, where there is unmet tech potential, and measurably move the needle on tech adoption and productivity. With the right tools in hand, HR teams can become an unmatched people multiplier – because in today’s world employee contributions can only be as good as how well they use their software. 

Citations: 

1 - Digital Employee Experience (DEX) in the Enterprise: Progress, Patterns, and Gaps - 1E