RTO or WFH: how HR technology is shaping the future of work

In the wake of the pandemic-driven workplace revolution, adaptability has become essential – and HR technology is the force behind this shift. In a world where work-from-home (WFH) and return-to-office (RTO) policies are in constant flux, leveraging HR technology is crucial for SMEs aiming to remain competitive and responsive. In fact, research from 2023 shows that close to 50% of total HR budgets are dedicated to technology, and with good reason.

From personalising benefits to fit local markets to managing payroll for globally distributed teams, HR tech enables organisations to stay agile in a rapidly changing environment. Scalable, adaptable platforms ensure seamless access to payslips and foster connection within remote teams. 

For today’s ambitious SMEs, HR technology isn’t just a tool; it’s a form of strategic workforce planning that can be adapted to evolving work policies, enhancing employee experience, and futureproofing your workforce. 

Unifying global workforces, broadening horizons

HR technology provides smaller SMEs with access to global digital infrastructures, which allows for streamlined management of global workforces, in turn providing a pathway to internationalisation. 

Through interactive online platforms, video conferencing tools, and online project management systems, HR leaders can now seamlessly manage dispersed teams, ensuring connectedness and productivity across varying regions and time zones. This capability enables SMEs to maintain a global presence, gain footing in foreign markets, and in doing so, deduce if those markets yield potential for further in-country expansion. 

As the future of work becomes increasingly globalised, HR tech is at the forefront of this move, enabling companies to build interconnected teams while broadening operational horizons. In doing so, it provides a roadmap to decentralising employment locations and dismantling the ‘regional hub’ framework, allowing SMEs to diversify their business models by operating in new international markets, while maintaining a connected, unified global workforce. 

Streamlining compliance for global excellence 

Operating in multiple countries poses a challenge for HR leaders as laws around hiring, employment, and tax differ hugely between regions. This naturally poses a serious headache for HR departments trying to stay compliant with multiple sets of complex regulations. Just last year, a PWC survey revealed that regulatory compliance is often or always on the minds of 76% of CEOs.

That’s why more leaders than ever are utilising HR tech to ensure that all mandatory benefits are being provided to employees per the laws in their countries of work. Leveraging these tools can help to ease the administrative burden and reduce the risk of non-compliance.

By relying on state-of-the-art HR tech to do the heavy lifting when it comes to complicated compliance requirements, leaders can boost their organisations’ reputations as reliable, trustworthy employers who value their workers, and ensure compliance no matter where in the world they’re operating. 

Promoting adaptability in an ever-changing world

With worker demand for flexibility at an all-time high, and much documented resistance to return-to-office mandates, companies wishing to keep their staff onside while successfully scaling internationally need to use all available resources to swiftly adapt their processes. Luckily, HR tech facilitates organisations to offer flexible, inclusive working models, providing the digital infrastructure to hire and maintain workforces in numerous locations.

An example from my own career is Mauve Group’s hybrid strategy, wherein tools like Mauve Insight – our innovative platform – enables both Mauve staff, clients and workers alike to optimise processes without replacing human interaction. Mauve Insight’s AI chatbot resolves 85% of inquiries. This ensures that while human support remains available, workers across different time zones can receive instant support and answers, allowing human expertise to focus on more complex issues.

In today’s dynamic workplace, HR technology is key to successfully hiring and retaining top talent overseas. Leveraging HR tech to support overseas workers and foster a culture of connectivity and supportiveness ensures dispersed workers feel valued and included – thus upping employee morale. After all, a happy workforce often equates to increased productivity, an additional welcome benefit of tech adoption.

By ensuring compliance with all local laws, especially those regarding worker compensation and benefits, companies can safeguard their reputations, building their image as strong, ethical employers and mitigating any risk of non-compliance. 

While many of the world’s biggest companies are pushing for the return of in-person work, the flexible working model is enabling SMEs to push further than ever before, faster than ever before by prioritising adaptability and investing in tools to promote flexible frameworks. 

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