Last year, many companies underwent a decade's worth of digital transformation overnight (some literally).
And while these quickly-stacked tech stacks got businesses through 2020, many are teetering on the edge of toppling over.
But what's that got to do with HR? Tech is IT's realm, right?
In this edition, we look at the essential role technology plays in the employee experience and how the sudden digital changes in 2020 may be pushing employees over the edge.
Tech Stack Stumble
Daniel Jones and Giants fans know what happens when you go too fast. Giphy
Burnout peaks. In July, studies showed that stress at work was already quickly rising. One report from Monster found two-thirds of employees reported experiencing burnout symptoms (a 20% jump in just over a month).
That burnout hasn't gone away. It appears to be growing. A recent study of online searches in the UK suggests an even higher potential "burnout spike" this month.
Work/life balance is the solution, right? The above study found 59% of employees said they were taking less time off, and 42% said they were not planning on taking any time off to decompress. So is that the primary reason for the burnout spikes?
Yes and no. While there is a correlation between hours worked and the risk of burnout, according to a recent Gallup study, how employees experience their workload appears to be a more significant contributor.
So, where does tech fit into all of this? Before COVID, technology was a key piece of how employees experienced work. Now? For many, it's the only way they experience it.
New technologies always bring new issues. But usually, employees can handle those hiccups when there's stability across the rest of their work.
Last year, however, tech overload went into overdrive. Employees had to learn new systems at breakneck speeds. Rarely do those new systems "talk" to each other, creating a fragmented work experience.
When tech doesn't work, work doesn't work. For today's WFA workforce, a tech issue isn't merely an inconvenience. They can double people's stress levels, as found by a study from Dell Technologies in partnership with neuroscience firm EMOTIV.
That doubling is on top of already elevated levels from other prolonged pandemic stressors.
And unfortunately, stress levels don't normalize immediately after the problem is resolved. Even minor tech issues can make or break an employee's day.
Interestingly, the hardest-hit group appears to be young workers. Digital natives expect technology to just work, so it's an even bigger let-down when it doesn't.
How can HR help? HR is in a prime position to help re-lay the groundwork for an effective digital transformation. Here are few ways how:
Partner with IT. The reasons are twofold. One, with an always-connected workforce, HR is facing its own data overload and broken tech stack headaches. Second, when HR works with IT, they form a high-touch, high-tech power duo that can streamline the employee experience.
Be a conduit for staff by listening to their experiences. Understanding the technology challenges they're facing is critical to understanding the employee experience. And it can help inform better processes and areas for improvement.
Help employees (and employers) adopt a growth mindset. Technological change won't be slowing down, especially as we begin jockeying between in-person and virtual systems in the hybrid world of work. Now's the time to teach staff how to ADAPT (Accept, Discontinue, Aquire, Progress, and Track).
Bottom line. Tech is now inextricably linked to the employee experience. How good (or how bad) it is will directly impact key HR metrics such as employee satisfaction, well-being, and retention.
What Else Caught Our Eye This Week
Best benefits bets. What non-insurance benefits do employees want most from their employers in 2021? PTO, flexibility/remote work, and paid family leave top the list. Read.
Meet your new leader virtually. How can new execs lead effectively when they've only met the organization online? Check out these top tips from CEOs hired in 2020. Read.
Engaging training. The most common compliance training complaint? "It's boring." In the WFH-era, it doesn't have to be, thanks to bite-size and personalized e-learning. Read.
The key to recruiting young adults? Transparency. Millennials and Gen-Zers want to know what the job truly entails, what it pays, and why they should work for you. Read.
Carrying the DEI torch. "[HR has] to be the person who's reminding the leadership team that 'Hey, these are the commitments that we made. These are the promises that we made. We have to keep the promises. Let's not forget.'" Read.
Talent Watch
Open searches. We lead searches for a variety of positions across a variety of industries. Check out a few of our open searches below. See one that would interest your network? Share it with them!
Chief Financial and Operating Officer, Frey Foundation. Learn more.
Business Intelligence & Research Manager, The Right Place. Learn more.
Vice President of Finance, Bouma Corporation. Learn more.
Additional Resources
[WEBINAR] Attracting talent in a tough labor market. Feb 17, 9 am. Join us as we join Gibson for a panel discussion on finding and retaining employees in 2021. Register.
How to promote mental health. Looking for actionable advice on helping your people thrive at work? Download this comprehensive guide from Paycor. Learn more.
Crisis response services. Pine Rest has launched a new service to help leadership, employees, and those they serve deal with unforeseen, traumatic events. Bookmark.
Augment your recruiting. For a fraction of the price of a full search, access our tools, tech, and talent to reach the right people with the right message right now. Learn more.
Sudden HR gap? No worries. Our interim HR team is ready to keep your people operations running smoothly — for however long you need. Learn more.
New normal. New challenges. Whatever obstacles you're facing, consider us your HR problem-solving sounding board. Call, email, or schedule a free consultation with us.
Disclaimer: We're a team of HR experts. By no means are we legal experts. This newsletter isn't intended to contain legal advice. Please, consult your attorney for that.
HR Collaborative, 678 Front Ave NW, Ste 190, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504, 616.965.7860