Taleo, the provider of on demand talent management solutions, today released findings from its study entitled, ìThe Gap Between IT and Strategic HR in the UKî. The results show a major disconnect between the strategic functions of HR, including talent acquisition and workforce planning, and the ability of technology to support these business initiatives.
Key findings highlight only one quarter (25 per cent) of survey respondents feel that strategic HR functions such as workforce planning, leadership development and performance management are well supported by their IT systems. Additionally, only one third (33 per cent) of participants reported confidence in their current IT systemsí ability to support the recruitment and internal mobility of employees throughout the organisation.
With more than half of survey respondents indicating that talent management, including recruitment, is a high priority in the coming year, significant opportunities exist for UK organisations to focus on more integrated technology solutions to better support strategic talent management processes.
The study was commissioned by Taleo Research, the research division of Taleo. Views from 100 senior HR Managers in organisations with a minimum of 1,000 staff were collected, with additional findings of the report showing:
Current technology systems are out-dated.
- The majority of respondents (55 per cent) agree that HR needs more sophisticated technology systems and processes to support recruitment and development.
Only lower value, administrative functions are well supported.
- Survey respondents reported that administrative functions, such as payroll and employee administration (68 per cent) and evaluation and management reporting (53 per cent) are adequately supported by IT.
- On the other hand, strategic HR initiatives including performance management (28 per cent), leadership development and planning (25 per cent) and strategic workforce planning (25 per cent) are not well supported.
Lack of data and technology systems obstructs workforce management.
- Only 29 per cent of respondents felt that they had sufficient systems in place to gain a clear picture of existing employee skills.
The HR function is striving to become more strategic within the organisation.
- 63 per cent of respondents cited talent management (including recruitment) as a high priority in the coming year.
According to Taleo Research Vice President Alice Snell, ìThe gap between the support of administrative functions and strategic HR responsibilities needs to be addressed in order for HR directors to deliver results to the Board. When HR directors can assess the workforce changes needed by the business, acquire and develop the talent needed to optimise the workforce, and then measure the results, their true value can be realised.î
ìFindings of this study clearly show that HR is evolving to play a more strategic role in supporting fundamental business objectives, but the systems being used by HR functions are not keeping up,î commented Neil Hudspith, Senior Vice President, International Operations, Taleo. ìItís clear that talent management and other strategic initiatives are being recognised as essential functions by ambitious companies that want to retain and recruit the best people, but organisations need to arm their HR directors with the tools and technology needed to support this strategy. The right HR technology is a critical element of any HR strategy moving forward.î
A complete copy of the report can be downloaded at:
Study reveals HR Objectives poorly supported by IT Systems in UK organisations
Study reveals more than half of UK HR managers need more effective technology to support talent management demands
