TECHNOLOGY IS NOT THE ANSWER

IT'S THE QUESTION

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Technology carries a huge weight of expectation across our HR functions and organisations. Too often, we hope that the latest solution – packed with features and promises, will fix the biggest problems in our organisations. But even the most advanced technology is still only one part of the equation. And we cannot expect technology alone to resolve our challenges without putting in the groundwork - we need to take a holistic view. The problem is, so often we expect our tech to be the complete solution - and in doing so, we overlook the human work that makes transformation stick. We invest in the tool, but forget the thinking, clarity, and foundation-building that’s required to make it successful and sustainable.

When that happens, tech doesn’t improve the system. It accelerates its dysfunction. Poor processes, disconnected teams, misguided decisions, underinvestment in people and change. We can’t automate our way out of problems like these.

So, before rolling out the next AI platform, or layering in another software tool, take a step back. Get really clear on the reality it’s about to inherit. Because technology amplifies whatever it’s plugged into. If your foundations aren’t strong, things won’t get better - they’ll just break faster. But if your people practices are human-centred and purpose driven, that strength can scale.

To unlock the true power of technology, we have to do the real work first: simplify complexity, design around people, align with purpose and lead with inclusion.

When we reframe through this lens, the question then becomes “how can technology help us?” It’s the enabler. When blended with a focus on business value and organisational collaboration, technology becomes the catalyst. It helps us to augment our solutions, to automate, personalise, and scale. That’s when the real magic happens.

These six strategies will help you to harness the true power of your HR technology, get your digital solutions working hard for you, and deliver the best outcomes for your people, business and customers.

1. Technology is Not the Answer

Technology is only part of the picture. We can’t expect the tech alone to resolve all our challenges without building strong foundations. We have to take a holistic view - and do the human work first.

Takeaway Tips

Build strong, sustainable foundations with your HR practices and the architecture that will enable your tech.
Simplify complexity, design around your people, and lead with inclusion.

2. Technology is the Enabler

Once we’ve built strong foundations the question then becomes “how can technology help us?” It’s the enabler, helping us to augment our solutions, to automate, personalise, and scale. That’s when we harness the true power of our tech.

Takeaway Tips

Real transformation isn't a tech solution alone - it's tech enabled.
Get really clear on the business problem you're looking to fix, and the outcomes you want to achieve.

3. The HR & IT Partnership

The HR and IT partnership is the foundation of sustainable, tech-enabled transformation. This means blending your expertise to co-create the solutions your people and organisation really need. Because together, you can build what neither function could create alone.

Takeaway Tips

The HR & IT relationship determines the success of your tech solutions, and your digital transformation journey.
Build a true partnership and bring your teams together to co-create the future.

4. The Best Technology Solution Gets Used

It doesn’t matter how cutting edge a new piece of technology is, if it doesn’t land well in your organisation, and if your people won't use it - that’s not a successful solution. The best tech solution is the one that gets used. For real success choose purposefully, design intentionally, and support your people with clarity and care.

Takeaway Tips

The best tech solution is the one that gets used - in your organisation, by your people, and delivers the business outcomes you need.
Fix your foundations, design around the employee experience and try before you buy.

5. The Hidden Cost of Technical Debt

Technical debt results from quick fix tech shortcuts chosen over better solutions which take longer to build. These quick fixes might look good in the moment but they often come back to bite - and your teams will feel the consequences. Fix the root cause and set your people and organisation up for success.

Takeaway Tips

Technical quick fixes can often deliver short term gain, but bring long term pain - which might not be obvious in the moment.
Fix the root cause of technical issues, avoid sticking plaster solutions and always keep your eyes on the future.

6. Blending Humans & Tech

Real transformation comes from blending the best of both worlds. When we blend tech with human capabilities, we unlock business outcomes that are smarter, faster, fairer, safer – and built to last.

Takeaway Tips

Consider what decisions you're handing over to your tech, and who is responsible for the outcomes.
Factor in fairness, transparency and trust, and keep in mind the long term risks or consequences.

These six strategies will help you unlock the true power of your technology, deliver maximum value for your people, business and customers, and provide a competitive advantage for your organisation.

Are you ready to harness the true power of your HR tech?

Read the extended article here

Additional resources:

Discover the 12 transformation principles behind High Impact HR.

For a deeper dive plus the tools and mindset to make High Impact HR a reality in your organisation,

you can find my upcoming book here.

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