Cloud-based software is one of the pillars of digital transformation. Companies far and wide are starting to adopt cloud-based systems. Global cloud adoption has been speeding up for two reasons: the need to digitalize due to the pandemic and the incredible benefits of cloud-based solutions. So what to expect from your cloud HR transformation?
The global cloud computing market is predicted to grow from $445 billion in 2021 to $947 billion by 2026. In the UAE specifically, the likes of Oracle and Amazon have recently announced significant local investments, showing the rate of cloud adoption in the region and the push towards HR transformation in the UAE.
What is cloud HR Transformation all about?
HR transformation to the cloud is occupying the minds of HR professionals. In a PwC HR Tech Survey, 36% of respondents felt that cloud transformation is among the biggest challenges facing HR professionals. So what is cloud transformation all about?
There are three core pillars of HR in which the cloud can have a transformative effect. First, the core admin-heavy HR activities like processing leave requests, tracking attendance and onboarding new employees. These are all tasks that have traditionally been manual and spread across multiple different systems, providing a significant admin burden for HR teams.
What are the benefits of using cloud-based systems for HR needs?
So what are the main benefits of cloud-based HR systems? According to the PwC survey, respondents who had successfully moved their core HR applications to the cloud had their expectations met. The benefits they reported included:
- Greater HR control (89%)
- Improved data security (88%)
- Improved UX (87%)
- Improved productivity (86%)
- Increased employee engagement (84%)
- Saved money (82%)
If you look at some of these in action, the advantages of cloud HR transformation become even more evident.
Make data-based decisions
The cloud allows businesses to bring all of the key processes and actions together in one place and automate the most basic activities. This enables HR teams to reclaim valuable time while enhancing their ability to meet employees’ needs.
No more having to painstakingly search through hundreds of physical employee records. No more cumbersome manual processes. And no more being restricted by how, where and when they work. Instead, HR teams will be able to:
- Quickly and easily search for and access digital documents
- Dedicate more time to people rather than process
- Work from anywhere without having to worry about security implications
For example, cloud HR platforms provide access to real-time data insights. Armed with the valuable insights needed to adopt policies through the cloud, businesses will be empowered to proactively address employees’ needs – while saving themselves valuable time and money. They can see how employees are using the policy and replace or remove specific benefits based on behavioral trends.
Most importantly, when HR teams are powered by the cloud, they’ll be able to focus on the issues that can make or break any company in today’s competitive landscape – such as employee engagement – in turn providing more long-term value to the business.
Automate and streamline functions
Processes such as renewals, submitting claims and adding users can all be automated – reducing the admin burden and saving HR teams a significant amount of time. It can even empower employees to quickly complete processes themselves without having to involve HR teams at all.
Take payroll processing as an example. They have long been characterized by mammoth Excel spreadsheets that have to be manually updated. Not only does this increase the risk of human error, but it also involves a huge amount of wasted time that could be put to better use. Transitioning to the cloud can remove the pains and frustrations associated with Excel documents. Having all payroll records stored and accessible in the cloud means finance managers can manage pay records anytime, anywhere.
Processes such as expense calculations and payslip distribution can be automated, boosting productivity and freeing up resources that can be directed elsewhere. No more manual calculations, complicated spreadsheets or stressed finance teams – just fast, efficient and secure payroll processing available at the touch of a button.
How to best enable HR transformation in the cloud?
The PwC research showed that to succeed in cloud transformation, businesses need to address the key challenges head-on. The biggest issue? For most, it was the security of the cloud (21%). Similarly, in a previous survey, the ability to attract cloud talent and retain this talent were the top challenges.
So how can you best enable HR transformation in the cloud? You should:
- Identify current and future needs – understand which cloud-based system helps you achieve your business needs faster and better.
- Prioritize based on the type of goals and objectives you have – your objectives could be more focused on speed, investments or other implications.
- Determine the biggest constraints to achieving goals – you might have different hurdles to overcome depending on your business needs.
The key is to look for a partner that’s forward-thinking, built on tech and customer-obsessed. This combination of characteristics will deliver a partner that’s focused on providing innovative solutions to business pain points, adept at guiding impactful transformation and dedicated to supporting customers as they evolve. At the same time, the partner must possess deep local knowledge and expertise so that it understands the market’s cultural nuances.
Top 3 HR cloud platforms
The benefits are obvious to cloud HR transformation. But what should be the first HR functions to mitigate to the cloud? Here are the top 3 HR cloud services to keep in mind:
1. Recruitment and succession planning – You want cloud software that makes it easier to attract new talent and ensure your existing talent stays. Popular options include platforms like Oracle.
2. Employee payroll and benefits – You want to make sure paying your employees is a breeze and Bayzat can help with that. It offers a range of features that help you look after employee benefits such as sick leave or holiday pay.
3. Talent management – You also should focus on adding talent management to your choice of cloud HR software. Monday.com is a popular HR cloud platform that helps track your talent in the day-to-day performance.
You can unleash your business’s digital transformation and enjoy the huge benefits of cloud transformation with the right software. Get in touch to find out how we can help you leverage the cloud.
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