By Jim Link Chief Human Resource Office of Randstad North America, one of the world’s largest HR services providers and staffing firms.
Every organization wants to be known as an employer of choice — the kind of company where talented employees wish to work. But in reality, building a destination workplace is incredibly difficult and nuanced. It involves nearly every aspect of HR, from pay and benefits to training, diversity, transparent communication from leadership and so much more. It includes everything that makes up the employment relationship. It’s not so much a tangible thing as it is a particular type of psychological environment.
But there are some tangible factors incorporated into designing a destination workplace, and one increasingly critical factor is technology.
My organization's new survey on the future of work makes it crystal clear a company’s reputation as a digital leader has a huge bearing on its ability to attract and retain talent. Forty percent of survey respondents said they’ve left a job where they didn't have access to the latest digital tools, and 58% said they would need to find a new job to level up their digital skills.
Today’s employees want to work in a digitally-savvy organization — meaning, employers must implement technologies for a more connected, efficient and modern workplace, as well as investing in strategies for training or re-skilling workers to be digitally competent.
Making Digital Part Of The Experience
Consider technology the new ping pong table. For years, having the latest digital tools was indicative of a great office environment, and it still is. Technology is a new means to create a framework to engage employees and is experiential, and employers need to tap into it.
We did just that in our newest branch opening, where we mixed human-centered design and technology. A virtual assistant greets and connects guests with the person they’re meeting or information they’re seeking. Interactive kiosks use artificial intelligence (AI) and gamification software to help job seekers uncover well-matched career opportunities. The branch also features hoteling options with communal and individual workspaces.