Overcoming Hr Tech Challenges With New Approaches

What are some of the mitigation strategies being employed by the companies your worked with to address the challenges the customers face?

Most companies are currently undergoing a transformation journey. Primary aim should be to optimize and standardize HR processes globally to the best of our abilities while accounting for local specifications. Several companies are launching large-scale programs focusing on standardizing and streamlining their HR processes by adopting new tools. We at adidas use our SAP SuccessFactors as much as possible to support recruiting, learning, and employee self-service.

Our employee central suite facilitates users to update their personal data, reducing their reliance on HR teams for minute changes, such as updating an address or name. Giving people the autonomy to make these changes themselves, with the right education and user-friendly tools, is the way to go. We are in the midst of this transformation journey. While it's a long-term process, we are already defining the pilot for our template and rolling it out in each market and country.

While most things can be streamlined in HR processes, payroll remains challenging for companies. It's difficult to follow a global approach to payroll because it may not make sense from a license or maintenance perspective, as organizations have small teams in certain markets. In such cases, it's more feasible to outsource that part of payroll management. We have to take many factors into account to standardize payroll.

Are there any upcoming technologies or approaches in your sector that have the potential to revolutionize the industry?

I am currently focused on two key areas: SAP SuccessFactors and comprehensive data collection. We are adopting the latest and most advanced models the Suite offers to ensure optimal operation. The self-service feature empowers individual employees to verify certain aspects and maintain their data, particularly in reporting.

As a manager, I often encounter difficulties in recruitment processes when attempting to report on comprehensive data, such as the number of hires made in Portugal and the conversion rate of applicants to hires. However, the new implementation of SAP is anticipated to provide improved analytical capabilities and automate reporting with minimal configurations and adjustments, significantly simplifying the senior management's work. This will promote better decisions based on accurate data, further enhancing the company's overall performance.

What is your sage advice for budding entrepreneurs in the field?

I recommend standardizing the HR processes rather than re-engineering them to streamline recruitment, career development, and succession planning. The industry already has numerous software solutions for creating career paths and boosting employee growth, eliminating the need to build a technology solution from scratch. Overcomplicating and re-engineering HR processes can lead to usability and maintenance issues. Standardizing the processes as much as possible and leveraging AI to automate routine tasks assist HR teams in focusing on more strategic and high-priority tasks and optimizing the workforce.