Tapping on technology to accelerate business transformation has given many enterprises a competitive advantage, particularly those who have focused on data and talent as the primary drivers. As with other business operations, an organisation’s Human Resource (HR) functions can also be digitalised and transformed for improved productivity and enhanced employee experience, and it is therefore critical for HR professionals to have the knowledge and tools to make that transformation.
Workforce Singapore (WSG) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) have introduced an HR Tech Transformation Programme (HRTTP), as well as an HR Job Redesign toolkit. These two initiatives are part of the recommendations under Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower’s HR industry transformation manpower plan and HR Jobs Transformation Map (JTM).
HRTTP targets to benefit 50 enterprises and over 250 local HR professionals from SMEs and non-SMEs. The programme aims to support enterprises in implementing HR technology through HR process re-engineering, redesigning of impacted HR job(s) and managing HR job transitions arising from the HR technology adoption. Participating enterprises have up to one year to complete their job redesign project.
The stakeholders believe with strengthened HR processes and redesigned HR roles, HR professionals at their respective organisations can then allocate more time addressing strategic HR issues to meet the organisation’s business objectives, while leveraging HR technology to enable a positive employee experience and enhance connectivity through online delivery of HR services.
Technology has been a critical enabler in business transformation as it raises work efficiency and creates a more agile workforce. WSG is pleased to support the transformation of the HR workforce by harnessing HR technology to redesign jobs to more strategic HR roles, thereby transforming HR from a cost-centre to a business-enabler.”
– Tan Choon Shian, Chief Executive, WSG
The HRTTP was piloted in March 2020, where 10 enterprises, of which five were SMEs, participated and implemented HR tech solutions. The programme had enabled HR to implement various technology solutions such as mobile learning, digitised employee data collection, and robotic process automation.
Further, according to WSG and SNEF, it had resulted in higher productivity and time and cost savings, and allowed close to 70 local HR professionals, of which 25% were mature workers, to take on higher-value job roles, such as data analytics and designing employee experience strategies. Participants were from diverse backgrounds, including those who did not hold formal HR qualifications or individuals who have been working in the HR field for many years.
Under the programme, the appointed consultant will support enterprises in job redesign and deliver programme outcomes which include enhancing job value and attractiveness through job enrichment and enlargement. Work processes will also be reviewed to streamline administrative or transactional tasks to improve productivity. Enterprises will receive support on their implementation of new HR technology solutions.
Launched in conjunction with the HRTTP, the HR Job Redesign Toolkit looks to enable enterprises to self-help at scale for HR job roles to enable digital transformation, and job redesign at their workplace. This toolkit is a broad-based interactive tool to support HR in job redesign methodology and change management with downloadable templates and will help HR professionals apply HR technology to different HR practices, and understand its benefits and potential.
As reported by OpenGov Asia, WSG also launched the Professional Conversion Programme (PCP) for i4.0 professionals, executives, and associates earlier this year to help manufacturing companies grow and reskill their workforce. The programme aims to provide new hires and existing employees with i4.0 knowledge and skills, allowing them to either switch careers into the manufacturing industry or be reskilled to take on higher-value jobs in their current companies. By 2023, the PCP is expected to benefit over 200 trainees.
