Around a third (32%) of workers say their organisation is not acting fast enough to keep up with the pace of technology innovation – and it could be holding HR leaders back from collaborating with their senior peers including the CEO.
This is according to Advanced’s new Annual Trends Survey for 2019-20, which has seen over 1,000 senior business decision makers give their opinion on how British businesses are faring in the digital-first era. It’s perhaps no surprise, then, that only 31% of organisations benefit from real-time information when adopting new and innovative technologies.
It’s these technologies, according to Advanced’s Group HR Director Alex Arundale, that will enable HR leaders to work more closely with, and influence, other c-suite leaders, while giving them a bigger share of voice in the boardroom. She explains: “The value of strong leadership in driving business growth cannot be underestimated but, as the saying goes ‘data overrules hierarchy’, which means data-driven technology must play a part.
“Leaders need to be able to plan, and be prepared, for what the future brings and technology enables this by giving access to real-time insights that will help inform decisions. After all, how can they make insightful decisions at pace if they don’t have an accurate view of their business? This gives leaders the visibility they need to succeed and prepare for the future.
“The HR Director can, and should, become a strategic partner – and sounding board – to the CEO. They can help the CEO understand how the business is performing, where weaknesses lie, whether more efficiencies can be made and identify new growth areas.”
Interestingly, the survey also reveals that nearly half (47%) think the most important attribute for a business leader in the digital era is the ability to react with pace and make bold decisions – hitting the top spot for the first time. This reinforces the need for leaders to use technologies that can improve collaboration and therefore future-proof their organisation.
What’s more, 31% say that commitment from leadership is most important when developing and adopting innovative technologies – this is over and above customer insight, speed of implementation and development costs which sits at 26%, 23% and 18% respectively.
Alex concludes:
“The message from our survey findings is loud and clear – leaders need to take technology more seriously. This will encourage stronger HR/CEO relations and enable better and faster decisions – and improve employee confidence in the process.”
Download the Annual Trends Survey for 2019-20 here.