How do new technologies support sustainable human resource management?
New technologies, allowing for more efficient data processing, have become the main ally of business in the implementation of the sustainable development strategy. Digital transformation has also revolutionized the way people manage human resources, and platforms for digitizing and automating HR processes are currently experiencing their period of prosperity. How do new technologies support sustainable human resource management?
Sustainability has long ceased to be just a trend and has become an important and integral part of business operations. This was due to, m.in, progressive climate change, greater awareness of corporate governance principles and the importance of employee rights, but also EU regulations that impose non-financial reporting obligations on companies. We are talking about the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, published on 16 December 2022 in the Official Journal of the EU. The ESG reporting requirement (first for 2024) will apply to public interest entities that have so far had a non-financial reporting obligation under the NFRD, but in the coming years it will apply to other groups of enterprises. It is therefore not surprising that the business community is already reviewing its sustainability strategies and implementing solutions that allow for more effective and measurable activities. The HR industry is an extremely important part of this puzzle, and new technologies allow you to effectively combine business goals with care for people and the planet.
– All paths towards sustainable human resource management lead through technology. Companies should reinvent HR, the modern one, based on data, algorithms, and artificial intelligence – says Andżelika Majewska, Vice President of LeasingTeam Group. – Digital solutions bring measurable environmental benefits, but also significantly improve formalities between the employer and the employee. They allow you to optimize onboarding, HR and payroll processes and increase operational efficiency. This is crucial at a time when human labor is becoming more and more expensive, but also in short supply – adds Andżelika Majewska.
Digitization of HR processes
HRM systems have been improving communication between HR and employees for years. The basis of this type of software is a central database, which provides the company with a comprehensive insight into the personnel situation. It is used by both medium-sized enterprises and international corporations. Most HRMS offer modules that allow you to manage working time, salaries or holidays. Along with the development of technology, more advanced solutions are being implemented, facilitating not only the work of HR departments, but also streamlining formalities on the part of employees and bringing measurable environmental benefits. Unfortunately, as LeasingTeam experts note, in many companies HR processes are still based on paper, and HR departments have been neglected for years in the context of digitization. However, this is starting to change, because in an era of complex environmental challenges and growing environmental awareness, paperless is becoming a key element of ESG strategies.
Sustainable development in Polish companies
Numerous studies are conducted in Poland to look at the practices of companies in the area of sustainable development. The results indicate that entrepreneurs are beginning to translate global ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) ideas into specific operational activities. This proves the growing maturity of the business, which sees the potential for long-term benefits. One of the key motivations is also the change in the expectations of customers, who more and more often prioritize environmental and social values over purely economic factors when choosing products or services.
However, growing awareness does not mean that the process is without challenges. For many companies, it is still a financial and organizational burden. Despite this, companies are increasingly looking for solutions that will allow them to combine economic development with care for society and the environment. One area where there is a particularly high commitment is human resource management.
New technologies in the service of sustainable HR
Companies that want to act responsibly and effectively are beginning to notice the key role of digitization of HR processes. Cloud-based solutions, document workflow automation, as well as analytical tools help not only to reduce paper or energy consumption, but also to improve the functioning of the entire HR department. The implementation of modern digital platforms can bring measurable benefits – both environmental and financial.
Technological support for HR processes translates into greater transparency and transparency in areas related to employee competence management or professional development control. It also enables precise monitoring of ESG-related indicators, which makes it easier to report progress towards achieving sustainable development goals. This allows organizations to better manage their human capital and actively build a culture of commitment and shared responsibility.
ESG practices in Polish companies
If you want to take a look at the detailed ESG practices of Polish companies and learn about specific examples of implementations, it is worth reaching for comprehensive studies. One of them is the LeasingTeam Group report “Do companies in Poland care about sustainable development?”, which shows how companies deal with the implementation of the idea of sustainable development in practice. It contains not only research results, but also recommendations and tips for those organizations that are just starting their path in the ESG area.
Doświadczony analityk rynku pracy, specjalizuje się w badaniach nad trendami zatrudnienia i zmianami w strukturze zawodowej. Jego artykuły, publikowane w renomowanych czasopismach branżowych, pomagają czytelnikom zrozumieć dynamikę rynku pracy.
