I am Gabriela Rosca, founder of SMART HR Event. Today, we are discussing technology in the Digital Era. Technology is only as good or as bad as the person using it. This quote reminds us of the duality between humans and machines, the balance between the human soul and technological innovation. In the context of the labor market, this duality becomes essential. How can technology serve us and not dominate us? How do we create synergy between the human heart and the analytical power of machines?
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein.
When Einstein stated this axiom, few would have anticipated that we could use it to describe human resources in the digital era. The opportunity in this context is to integrate innovation and technology to support and develop human potential.
What can we do?
- Redefine Employee Experience (EX): EX must be more than just a buzzword; it should be a genuine reflection of how companies treat and interact with their employees. It involves a flexible work environment, a healthy organizational culture, and authentic growth and development opportunities.
- Shift from “Management” to “Leadership”: It is crucial to have leaders who inspire, guide, and support rather than merely administer.
- Purposeful Use of Technology: Companies often adopt technology without a clear purpose. Choose technological solutions that address the real needs of employees and the organization.
- Reposition HR’s Role: HR needs to transform from primarily administrative processes to becoming a change agent, a leader in promoting innovation and organizational adaptability.
What solutions do we have?
- Predictive Hiring: Using AI, we can analyze profiles and identify suitable candidates more efficiently. However, once selected, human interaction becomes essential to assess cultural fit and candidates’ values.
- Continuous Training: With technologies like VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality), training becomes more interactive and adaptable to individual needs. Employees can learn through risk-free simulations, preparing them for real-world situations.
- Real-time Feedback: AI-based applications providing instant feedback to employees can increase engagement and job satisfaction levels.
Where are we heading?
- Wellbeing and Mental Health: Organizations realize the importance of balancing professional and personal life. Emphasis is placed on wellness programs, meditation, and even rest areas.
- Gig Economy: Employees, especially younger ones, seek flexibility. This is not just a trend but a structural change in the labor market. HR needs to find ways to integrate and support this flexible workforce.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Companies embracing diversity and inclusion prove to be more innovative and resilient to change. HR plays a key role in promoting and supporting this diversity.
A major trend is “Human Augmentation,” using technology to improve and extend employees’ natural abilities. For example, wearing exoskeletons in sectors like construction or warehousing can reduce fatigue and the risk of injuries.
Another trend is “Hyper-personalization of Employee Experience.” AI can analyze employee feedback and behavior to provide personalized recommendations, from training courses to adjustments in the workspace.
Collaboration between human creativity and technology:
Humans and technology are like two sides of the same coin. While technology can take over repetitive tasks, it cannot (yet) feel, empathize, or create in the authentic sense of the word. We need technology to analyze and optimize, but we need humans to innovate and inspire.
New trends, such as “Design Thinking” or “Agile Management,” emphasize the importance of collaboration and adaptability. Technology provides the tools, but real innovation comes from how people use these tools to solve complex problems. Machine learning can tell us “what” is happening, but only the human mind can explain “why.”
Think of a painter. They can use the most advanced tools to create, but in the heart of their work remains passion, emotion, and vision. Similarly, in human resources, technology is the tool, but human vision and passion remain essential.
Just as a dancer relies on their partner to create a fluid choreography, humans rely on technology to navigate the complexity of the modern world. AI and machine learning can identify trends and patterns, but only the human heart and mind can make sense of this information.
We are talking about a rebirth of human resources, where technology and humans go hand in hand to create more adaptable, resilient, and, above all, humane organizations. By accepting and integrating this symbiosis, we can reinvent how we organize, motivate, and value human potential in the digital era.