Q&A with HR Tech influencer: Brian Sommer

“There is no one strategy that fits all firms. HR must be as dynamic as the business environment.” – Brian Sommer, consulting executive, adviser, author and keynote speaker.

This article was first published on Human Resource Executive

The role of HR leaders has never been more important, as organisations struggle to keep up with near-daily changes to the world of work ushered in by the coronavirus pandemic and other global challenges. With such a tall order for HR leaders, it is beneficial to look to industry experts for their experience and guidance.

Earlier this year, HRE and the HR Tech Conference unveiled the second edition of the Top 100 HR Tech Influencers, comprised of HR, business and technology leaders whose insights are needed now more than ever.

Influencer Brian Sommer, founder and president of TechVentive, is also a consulting executive, adviser, author and keynote speaker.

Sommer recently spoke with HRE about the pandemic’s impact on HR and the technology that powers HR innovation.

HRE: How can HR leaders best evaluate the rapid influx of post-pandemic tools flooding the market?

Carefully! Some of these ‘helpful’ tools come with catches. The software might be free or at a massively discounted price for now but prices could soar after the initial trial period. Some tools have caps on the number of potential users. If you find the terms unacceptable, walk away.

For some of the new tools that could provide long-lasting value, make sure these products can be tightly integrated with your existing HRMS and other HCM tools. And, of course, ensure that the contractual terms are something you can live with.  In the end, don’t rush your decision because of the pandemic–do your diligence and run a proper selection project.

HRE: As the job market drastically changes, what types of tools will be most essential for recruiting and talent acquisition?

Different ones! After the Great Recession of 2009, employers were unprepared for the sheer volume of applicants (and many unqualified applicants) that were seeking new employment. Employers weren’t looking to improve their diversity/inclusion efforts much then; however, that must be front and centre now.

Overall, new, smart (i.e., machine learning-based) applications should process more video interviews, rank candidates in a much fairer method than an ATS and look for people with new kinds of value–not just what you glean from scanning their resume.

HRE: How can HR leaders—and HR tech buyers—continue to focus on and invest in areas like D&I with business priorities so suddenly shifted?

Business priorities are still quite fluid and HR must remain flexible. Some firms are still contracting, some have stabilised and others are growing. There is no one strategy that fits all firms. HR must be as dynamic as the business environment.

Key focus may include more self-service apps (easy to use in a work-from-home world), HR apps that serve more than HR personnel, solutions that scale up & down, and, of course, solutions that free up HR time to work on more strategic corporate initiatives.

Sommer will also be delivering a keynote presentation at HR Tech Festival Asia Online 2020, which is taking place from September 29 – October 1.

His presentation, titled Productivity: The new challenges for HR and its support for the organisation, will address issues such as how current events have created a new set of requirements with new technology and processes.

Year 2020 is an exceptional year and to show solidarity with the HR community, HRM Asia are offering all HR professionals complimentary access to HR Tech Festival Asia Online this year. The road ahead in the new norm will be challenging. So, spread the word and let’s band together at HR Tech Festival Asia Online 2020.

As seats are limited, reserve your free access pass today, and visit the website for more information, the latest agenda, as well as updates on speakers and exhibitors.