How the Internet of Things is Changing HR

Many thought that IoT technologies have nothing to do with how Human Resources function. However, as it turns out, IoT can benefit HR in various ways. As a result, more and more HR leaders and managers are turning to the Internet of Things, with many organisations upping the ante and preparing their HR workforce for these waves of new technology. 

The Internet of Things refers to the exploding numbers of connected smart devices. It can be anything, from smartphones to smartwatches, fitness trackers, and thermostats. So, how does IoT affect HR's functions? 

Read on to find out how the Internet of Things is changing HR.

1. Productivity

IoT can help improve productivity among employees. These technologies have eye-tracking capabilities to detect eye movement through sensors. By tracking these motions, HR personnel can identify factors like specific working hours or disruptions due to background noises.

The information HR can gather using IoT technologies can help them collect data on how productive employees are, especially those working remotely. As a result, they can help employees improve time and stress management through sessions, allowing them to be more productive during working hours. 

In addition, IoT sensor technology can help identify who among the employees is the most productive, enabling them to assist employees where needed. For instance, they can install a beacon in a keyboard to help count presses per minute. When HR notices the employee is more efficient with typing than taking calls, they can transfer that employee to the back office to improve productivity.

HR can also use IoT devices to monitor the workplace's physical parameters. For instance, resource management software can provide real-time information about an employee's performance status, helping to enhance workforce productivity levels. 

If HR notices low productivity, they can use IoT to gauge external factors affecting the employee's performance. It can be due to factors like humidity, temperature, and luminosity. The device will help them determine which of these factors are causing a hindrance to productivity. They can also leverage smart devices to help keep employees fit and active and help them to perform at their best. 

2. Employee Experience 

HR can leverage IoT to improve the employee experience. It helps ensure workplace comfort and well-being. Employers want their workers to be productive without compromising their health and well-being. An employee with health issues can lead to more sick days, affecting productivity and reducing revenue. IoT devices like wearables can provide HR with data about employees' health, from walking distance to vitals, number of steps, food intake, etc. 

HR can identify any health issues and identify hazardous situations according to the data that these IoT devices can provide. For instance, some wearables can pinpoint specific locations of sick employees and establish a map of safety and pre-authorized zones. IoT technologies can also help make the workplace safer, improving efficiency and productivity. 

Another way IoT is helping improve employee experience is by offering the option for remote work. While the "work from home" trend has soared in popularity during the pandemic, it continues to be popular, with more and more companies giving employees the freedom and flexibility to work anywhere. Furthermore, IoT has helped make team collaboration quicker and more reliable, thanks to apps, video and animation video conferencing tools.

IoT empowers employees to take control of their work lives and have a healthy work-life balance. More and more employees are now working from the comfort of their homes with the help of IoT devices to stay connected and collaborate with their teams at the office. These tools allow them to make decisions based on previous actions and carry out duties without a command, cutting the time out of the typical workday by allowing employees to remain connected, thanks to innovative communication methods.

Experts predict IoT will continue to grow and become more seamless in the coming years, creating an improved employee experience for increased productivity. There will be less downtime, and employees will spend less time performing unnecessary tasks like retrieving lost emails. 

Above all, IoT helps HR monitor employees' health, which could disrupt work and affect productivity. With the data gathered from IoT, HR can devise a plan to improve the workplace, resulting in happier and more productive employees. 

3. Improve Recruitment 

One of the benefits of IoT in HR is improving the recruitment process. Recruitment is one department that entails a lot of paperwork, from job ads to resumes. With the help of IoT, HR can minimise the use of paperwork. The technology allows HR to store everything online, including employment history and personal details. To integrate IoT in recruitment, companies must consider hiring IoT engineers to help set up an HR-related system.

Data analytics has been around since 2005. However, it has only become relevant today. Studies show that almost 30% of employers believe one bad hire can cost them a lot of money. Big data and IoT can prevent this by helping recruiters to gather data about potential hires through various means, from online resumes to social media profiles and employment records. 

The process has allowed companies to be more selective when hiring prospective employees. It has also resulted in increased demand for data scientists across all industries. Using data analytics for recruitment allows HR to find the best talents much faster without browsing through thousands of resumes.

In addition, IoT is helping HR engage in a bias-free hiring process, which is essential in this age, where diversity and inclusivity are a priority. IoT technologies are helping to remove biases in all aspects of the hiring process. They help augment an organisation's recruitment practices in a technologically advanced world, resulting in a more diverse and inclusive recruitment process. Furthermore, HR can use AI-backed interviewing tools to help them identify the best candidates from the job market.

IoT also helps HR to develop online assessments that can be an effective way to assess candidates without unconscious biases. In addition, IoT technologies can help to eliminate inconsistencies seen throughout the hiring process.