Yesterday I listened to the “Prepare and Predict” webinar hosted annually by Workday and moderated by Bill Kutik, the founder of the HR Technology conferences. R “Ray” Wang from Constellation Research, Jim Holincheck from Gartner and Jason Averbook from Knowledge Infusion each offered three predictions for 2011. All three panelists are heavily savvy in the field of HR technology and while their comments were not necessarily about HRO, the overlap and relevance were significant.
So many things in HR and HRO are considered emerging trends and receiving significant coverage in the media. Sometimes the hype exceeds the reality, and that again seems to be the case with the use of social media in HR and even talent management. Yes, they are growing in both interest and use, but there are few breakthrough examples offered in case studies.
Jim Holincheck sees the use of social media making the most useful and practical progress in recruiting, and to some extent in learning. Many RPO service providers are leading in using social media like LinkedIn to broaden the net for recruiting. Making the applicant process more engaging and “warm” can also help build a pipeline of “warm” candidates.
The panelists agreed that first there needs to be a policy that guides who can do what, and then define the business expectations for any application initiatives. And don’t think you have a lot of time to figure this out. According to Ray Wang, the personal use of smart phones is already driving demand for action-oriented mobile and unified communications in many areas.
The key is not just that various new tools and technologies are present, whether in-house or via HRO, but how they are being used. A growing group will say they are using a talent management application. But the consensus on the panel was that what is really happening is basic automation, putting process elements like appraisals online. Currently, the greatest client-reported benefit of a talent management application is automation, not business results.
It is true that you have to walk before you can run and that the basic “wiring” needs to be in place. That brings me to one of my foundation principles; have an HR strategy that is aligned with business needs, designed to deliver business outcomes and including a design approach for HR technology and service delivery.
HRO buyers – it is only if you have a longer term plan and know where you want to get, and why, that you can select an ERP; otherwise, consider SaaS (as many are), determine how to balance best of breed with the need for integration, and which areas to support internally or outsource as you build a new or change out an old platform of HR systems and services.
HRO providers – show cautious clients looking to meet a few basic needs how your systems and services can enable automation and self and manager services at competitive costs, and is also ready to meet the HR needs of the business as it matures and is ready to move up the ladder of business value through HR as a strategy business partner.
Linda Merritt, Research Director, HRO, NelsonHall
HRO Insights 
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