lucky blog post #16 - trying to tie it all together

I’m in Washington, DC this week: so far, I’ve seen two plays; seen the presidential motorcade whiz by; shopped at the Eastern Market, and visited the technology exhibit at the Smithsonian. The Smithsonian exhibit made me think of Jun’s overview of technology – Generation of knowledge and process in order to develop systems to solve problems that extend human capabilities. This HRIS class has definitely changed the way in which I think about things, and not just in terms of Human Resources. I am much more cognizant of technology all around me. Given that this is my 16th blog, this seems like a good opportunity to briefly reflect on what I’ve learned over the past 8.5 weeks.

What I hoped to learn from the class was an overview of HRIS technologies, including the basic systems set up and how the technology has changed the basic functions of HR. I have learned the processes that HR-related computer software can improve (hiring the right people, increasing employee productivity, managing employee records, managing employee benefits, payroll, performance management, compensation managements, learning management, and succession planning). While I’m still a little hazy on how that old-fashioned “back-office” HRIS stuff functions, I think that I’ve been given enough information to study it on my own. I learned that the architecture of these systems is relational databases, which I am very familiar with in a different context. Moving forward, I hope to explore newer HR systems like Zoho or OrangeHRM on my once the class is over. I’m actually excited to continue my learning through demos/sandboxes in this manner.

I have learned that the “back-office” HRIS systems were primarily intended to address administrative functions (that ever-replenishing mound of paperwork that still sits on my desk as a result of being a manually based HR administrator). HRIS has automated many of these laborious tasks, which has created the space for HR professionals to expand into more strategic areas. In hand with this, innovators are expanding the capabilities of HR technology to match. Web 2.0 has created user interfaces that allow for great ease in self-service that streamlines many processes. The rapid pace of technological improvements makes me realize that what is trendy today may be passé in a year, so it is really important to stay current.

Social networking has become an important component of communication. As more and more people connect in this manner, businesses are recognizing its value and figuring out ways in which they can utilize the technology in the workplace. HR Technologies are incorporating social networking to bring people together.

The changing demographics of the workforce will impact HR. Millennial, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers will all be collaborating in the workforce, but they have very different work and communications styles. These differences are highlighted in the ways in which people use technology and their comfort in the ever-changing technological landscape. Businesses need to be conscious of this and create mechanisms for keeping technologically current to engage millennial, and ensuring that Baby Boomers can keep up.

I’ll be leaving class better equipped to handle social technology. I have my twitter account, my blog, my LinkedIn account, and now my Facebook account (and, yes, my daughter is my very first Facebook friend). I feel generally comfortable navigating these sites, and I will do my best to remain engaged in these technologies after the class is over. I have a much better understanding of the way in which Web 2.0 and SaaS have changed the Internet landscape, and I truly appreciate the possibilities this creates for business processes.

I will leave class feeling better prepared for the Future of Work, whether within the realm of HR or beyond. I may not have the ease and fluidity in technology use as a millennial, but I’m not afraid to get out there and give it my best effort. During my vacation, I was telling one of my friends about what we’ve been studying in class, and she said it sounds like something everyone should be required to learn. I wholeheartedly agree.