The onset of a global pandemic has shifted the way we work indefinitely. The introduction of remote work as a feasible long term solution for businesses could not have been possible without pre-existing and newly developed HR technology to enable this.
The Asia Pacific region is one of today’s most innovative hubs for human resources (HR) technology. Over the last couple of years, the region has been home to some of HR’s most exciting startups. Technology is changing how APAC businesses approach HR, leading the way for the rest of the world. Continue reading to learn about HR technology’s impact and market potential.
The Impact of Remote Work
The Covid-19 pandemic has forever changed the way people worldwide work. Leaders in the APAC HR space are taking this in stride, remote work offering benefits for employees and businesses while also meeting ongoing public health concerns.
HR departments have been faced with numerous challenges in adapting to this shift. However, several APAC businesses and startups use technology to make remote work even more efficient.
HR tech is developing to create solutions for a few key hurdles brought on by remote work. For example, Sabah-based Asia Ability is helping remote and hybrid teams connect through its virtual team-building platform.
Remote employee management is becoming more streamlined as well. Australian startup Employment Hero offers an all-in-one HR software platform, covering everything from hourly timesheets, to onboarding and offboarding, to everything in between.
The flexibility remote work allows is a driving force in the future of global mobility policies in HR, making remote recruiting a top priority for APAC businesses. Innovative HR tech has been crucial in this space to enable this. Leaders in APAC’s HR tech community have mentioned the equalising capabilities of tech for remote recruitment.
Daniel Callaghan, the CEO of The Workplace Accelerator, a programme for growing HR tech startups in APAC commented, “[Technology] has the ability to improve diversity and inclusion or remove biases in recruitment.” This trend will likely continue to grow as remote work becomes the new normal.
AI and Automation in HR
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation have been instrumental to innovation in HR tech. These technologies can address numerous challenges faced in the industry today, and APAC businesses are leading the way in taking full advantage of their capabilities.
Tokyo-based HR tech company Grooves uses AI to make the recruiting and hiring process more efficient. Grooves employs big data and AI to form networks between APAC employers and potential candidates. This type of AI application is gaining popularity as virtual spaces become the primary medium for recruiting.
In fact, AI facilitates one of the biggest trends in HR tech today: augmented analytics. Rooted in machine learning capabilities, it helps HR professionals draw insights about employees and candidates autonomously. This enables HR management based on concrete data, rather than estimations.
AI is also helping APAC businesses automate everyday HR responsibilities, such as payroll. Singapore-based startup HReasily accomplishes this through an AI software platform that integrates several core HR functions which includes payroll, expenses, leave management, and more.
Unsurprisingly, AI and automation are expected to experience significant adoption among APAC businesses in the years ahead. Increased investment, innovation, and shifting government policies will help boost these technologies into the future.
HR Tech for Next-Gen Logistics
Tech companies are helping APAC businesses handle their HR logistics seamlessly, where HR professionals have to manage expansive datasets and often dozens or even hundreds of employees. These tools have become even more valuable as companies have moved in waves to virtual platforms since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
One great example is the startup Pulsify, which uses AI to help HR teams optimise logistics. HIRE Technologies, which specialises in relationship and engagement logistics, recently acquired the company. The platform has tools for a wide range of HR functions, such as goal setting, employee reviews, feedback, and surveys.
HR logistics tech is also proving valuable for navigating compliance regulations and issues. Compliance standards can become complicated as more APAC businesses grow and expand internationally. One of the top benefits of HR tech is its ability to help companies handle these issues through purpose-built platforms that automate solutions for this.
APAC’s Impact
Today’s APAC businesses are setting a global standard for innovation and progress with the help of cutting-edge HR technology. Remote work is revolutionising employment, and HR tech has never been more important. These tools enable APAC businesses to form authentic connections with their employees and operate with industry-leading efficiency and productivity.
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