FACT CHECKED
HCM software has the potential to dramatically improve an organization’s use of resources and human capital – and they also streamline workflows for HR, managers, and other professionals.
However, like most other enterprise-grade SaaS platforms, HCM software carries a learning curve.
To maximize the value and ROI of these tools, effective training is a must.
The Potential Benefits of HCM Platforms
HCM platforms are enterprise-grade HR tools that can deliver major productivity gains to an organization – if these tools are used to their fullest extent.
Here are a few of the potential benefits to using these platforms:
- Streamlined HR workflows. HCM platforms integrate a number of HR functions under a single hood, from payroll and attendance to hiring and talent management. This significantly improves HR workflows, which saves time, increases efficiency, and more.
- Improved organizational communication. An effective communication system, which is a main feature of HCM platforms, helps superiors connect more easily with their subordinates. This improved communication helps to reduce misunderstandings, miscommunications, and conflict.
- Greater insight into organizational performance. HCM platforms provide access to data and analytics that, when used properly, can ultimately improve the organization’s performance. Data on employee performance and productivity, for instance, can be used to identify and fix a wide range of workplace issues.
- Cloud-based HR management. Cloud-based SaaS platforms enable HR staff to work remotely. Before 2020, this was advantageous, since it allowed employees to stay productive no matter where they were located. However, as COVID-19 demonstrated, remote work helps organizations maintain business continuity even during disruptive crises.
These are just a few of the many reasons that have compelled today’s leading organizations to adopt HCM platforms.
However, as with any other enterprise-grade software, the actual value of HCM platforms depends directly on employees’ ability to use those tools.
To improve employees’ skills – and, as a consequence, the ROI of HCM software – employee training is often a must.
How Employee Training Can Boost the Value of HCM Software
Modern work environments are built upon digital tools and technology, and those tools are continually evolving. As a result, employees must continue to adapt and learn new skills.
There are several reasons why employers should invest in workplace training:
- Employees prefer working for employers who provide training. To keep up in the modern work world, employees need modern skill sets. This need will drive employees to work for organizations that provide training and skills development.
- Educational organizations, such as academic institutions, usually lag behind the private sector. The private sector adopts technology rapidly, and in most cases, those adoption rates far exceed educational institutions’ ability to keep up.
- Each organization has its own unique ecosystem of digital tools. Every company implements its own technology stacks and toolboxes, so it is rare to find employees with all the skills needed to perform a job. Customized training, therefore, is usually necessary.
- Training boosts productivity and proficiency. Even if an organization can find skilled employees, workplace training almost always helps improve worker productivity and, as a result, organizational performance.
Next, let’s look at a few ways to improve HCM training efforts.
How DAPs Can Boost HCM Software ROI
Employee training has always been a part of the workplace, but over the years, training has evolved.
In the past, one-on-one training and classroom training were common, but in today’s fast-paced digital workplace, there are better options.
Digital adoption platforms (DAPs) are ideal training solutions for several reasons:
- DAPs offer training directly inside HCM platforms. In-app walkthroughs take users step-by-step through a workflow or a series of tasks. This keeps users focused only on the information they actually need to know, while also ensuring that they get immediate, hands-on experience.
- Employee training tracks can be personalized as needed. HCM platforms are used differently by different job roles. It is wasteful, therefore, to offer generalized training or a top-down view of these platforms, except to super users. DAPs can provide customized training that suits each individual employee’s needs and workflows.
- Employees can be trained automatically and remotely. DAPs work wherever their target platforms work, enabling them to train employees in the office or remotely. This flexibility vastly improves employee productivity, regardless of where they are located.
- Some DAPs offer pre-made training modules. WalkMe, for instance, has walkthroughs and training modules specifically designed for many of the world’s most widely used HCM platforms, such as Talentsoft and Oracle Cloud HCM.
In today’s increasingly fast-paced and competitive environment, DAPs can ensure that their workforce stays productive and proficient with HCM platforms – as well as any other enterprise-grade software.
Final Thoughts
Cloud-based HCM platforms offer plenty of benefits for the modern enterprise.
First and foremost, they consolidate a number of HR functions into a single tool, which can vastly increase HR managers’ productivity, employee productivity, organizational performance, and more. At the same time, these platforms can be used remotely, improving organizational resilience.
However, to take full advantage of these benefits, employee training is a necessity.
With the right training approach and platform, such as a digital adoption platform, HR managers will stand a better chance of extracting the full value of their investments in HCM.
