Have you ever wondered what top recruiters do differently than you and what makes them so successful?

Well, the answer is easy– they use HR tech.

But what is HR tech, and how can it really help you hire better? And is it just limited to the hiring process?

Read on till the end to get the answers to these questions and many more.

What is HR tech?

HR tech, short for Human Resources technology, consists of a broad range of software applications designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of HR functions.

These include human capital management (HCM) systems, employee engagement platforms, learning management systems (LMS), payroll management, talent management, and more.

However, the one software that recruiters particularly love is the applicant tracking system (ATS). 

In fact, according to recent statistics,  94% of recruiters agree that their ATS has had a positive impact on their organization’s hiring processes.

This is because an ATS can help you automate your workflow, freeing you to work on the more important aspects of hiring.

Also read: Phil Strazzulla on AI and the future of HR technology

8 ways HR tech can help you 

benefits of hr tech

1. Reduces cost per hire

HR tech can help you cut down the cost per hire significantly!

How? By automating and simplifying almost every aspect of your recruitment process. 

Your ATS can manage tasks like sorting through resumes, scheduling interviews, and conducting initial screenings. 

This will let you spend less time on paperwork and more time on creating new hiring strategies

2. Speeds up candidate sourcing

Sourcing the right candidates can be challenging, but human resource technology is here to simplify the process. 

Its advanced candidate sourcing tools can search through multiple platforms and job boards to find the best fit for your job opening. 

These systems use AI and machine learning to analyze applicant profiles and job descriptions, allowing you to shortlist highly qualified prospects quickly. 

You may also like: Recruitment experts reveal their top tools and tactics for sourcing candidates!

3. Improves workforce planning

HR tech consists of forecasting tools, with which you can predict your hiring needs in the future, identify skill gaps in the company, avoid personnel shortages, and plan for staff changes. 

This technology allows you to study and understand hiring trends and make data-driven decisions about staffing. 

When you have a clear view of your upcoming requirements, you can ensure your talent pipeline is managed accordingly.

4. Gives access to advanced analytics and reporting

With HR tech, you can transform raw data into valuable insights. You can use it to track important recruitment metrics like time-to-hire, cost-per-hire, and source effectiveness to optimize your hiring process.

Moreover, this software can also be used to track diversity recruiting metrics and monitor the progress of your inclusion initiatives. 

Real-time information about your hiring process will help you make informed decisions and adjust your strategies as needed.

5. Enhances employer branding

HR tech platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and organized processes, making it easier for candidates to apply. They provide tools like chatbots that can respond instantly to applicant inquiries. 

You can also personalize your communication with job seekers by creating email templates for automated updates and collecting feedback at each stage of the hiring process. 

Also read: Employer branding and cost per hire: Is there any real connection?

6. Manage payroll efficiently

The work of HR tech doesn’t just stop at recruitment. It can help you with your work after that as well.

Automated payroll systems can handle calculations, tax deductions, and direct deposits, ensuring that all employees are paid correctly and on time. 

Additionally, you can integrate these systems with time-tracking tools, allowing precise payroll calculations based on actual hours worked. 

Compliance with tax regulations and labor laws is also streamlined, reducing the risk of legal issues. Overall, efficient payroll management contributes to a smoother HR operation and happier employees.

7. Boost employee engagement

Once you have hired the perfect candidate, you have to make sure they stay with you. To achieve that, you need to keep them engaged continuously. 

HR tech offers tools to increase employee engagement, such as continuous feedback systems, personalized development plans, and employee recognition programs. The chances of your staff leaving you are less if they feel valued.

Scheduling game nights can be fun for you as well if you use these platforms effectively. With their help, everything from organizing the events to tracking the scoreboards can be done easily.

Social collaboration tools like group chats and forums can improve communication and teamwork. They are particularly useful in remote or hybrid work settings.

You can also add gamification elements like leaderboards, points, badges, and challenges to make work more enjoyable and motivating. 

8. Streamline onboarding

The onboarding process is the transition from candidate to employee. It sets the tone for the new hire. 

You can use the automated orientation systems to provide new employees with the necessary information, training materials, and resources from day one. This ensures that they have a positive and efficient start.

These systems can also help you track the progress of the induction process, confirming that all necessary steps have been completed and giving reminders for pending tasks.

4 best HR software that professionals swear by

best hr tech software

1. Recruit CRM

Recruiter’s Choice | The highest rated Applicant Tracking System (ATS) with CRM System!

Recruit CRM is an ATS + CRM platform tailored to meet your recruitment needs. It offers useful features like Chrome extension, AI resume parsing, candidate matching, communication tools, and many more. 

Let’s not forget about its Workflow Automation add-on. It’s gold!

The user-friendly interface and powerful analytics tools make it a perfect choice for agencies looking for solutions to streamline their recruitment processes. 

These features, along with their unmatched customer support, are the reason why people are switching to Recruit CRM.

Curious to see Recruit CRM in action? Book a demo now!

2. BambooHR

BambooHR is a cloud-based software solution known for its suite of tools for managing HR functions, including applicant tracking, onboarding, employee records, and performance management. 

The system also offers customizable workflows and automated reminders, ensuring that your company’s work runs smoothly and efficiently. Its mobile app allows you to manage tasks on the go, providing flexibility and convenience. 

3. Workday

Workday is a leading provider of business cloud applications in the finance and human resources sector. Its HR software includes tools for talent management, payroll, workforce planning, and recruitment analytics. 

The software provides real-time data insights, allowing organizations to optimize their processes. 

Its advanced analytics provide deep insights into workforce trends and performance, helping you develop strategic action plans. 

4. Greenhouse

Greenhouse is a modern hiring platform that helps organizations with features like customizable interview kits, scorecards, and robust reporting. 

Its integration capabilities with other HR tools make it a versatile choice for organizations to centralize their workings in one place. 

The platform provides a structured interview process that ensures consistency and fairness in candidate evaluations. Its onboarding features help new hires adapt quickly and effectively. 

Also read: 5 hacks to choose the best recruiting software for your company

Success stories that prove the impact of HR tech

1. Humanity’s speed of delivery with Recruit CRM

The challenge

The global recruitment market has been changing quite a bit, and several hybrid models have come into play. 

Recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) involves clients and companies outsourcing their hiring needs to third-party vendors like recruitment firms or RPO firms, often through a contractual relationship. Humanity has worked with various RPO models, including:

  • An end-to-end RPO solution: Used for specific business divisions or roles or encompassing all hiring across the organization.
  • A project RPO solution: For specific needs, such as recruitment backlogs or launching new teams within a specified timeframe.
  • An on-demand recruiter solution: Involves having one or two outsourced recruiters join your talent acquisition team for specific projects or periods.

Why did Humanity choose Recruit CRM?

“I can’t begin to tell you the amount of research I had put into this on finding the right CRM. There are tons of Sales ones out there, but it really took an effort to find something that is easy to use, not overly complicated, and non-bulky for recruitment.”

Annie Osterloh, the general manager of Humanity

Recruit CRM stood out due to its:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Free Chrome extension
  • Best CRM to provide a one-of-a-kind experience to clients and candidates
  • Resume parser
  • Lightweight design
  • Excellent customer support
  • Mobile recruiting app
  • Email integrations, sample email templates, and more

The result

By choosing Recruit CRM, Humanity improved its speed of delivery. 

The search function and ability to code candidates helped them keep up with the continually changing candidate market. Today, Humanity is on its way to becoming the top RPO provider in South Africa.

Read more: Exploring 10 growth studies of recruitment agencies using Recruit CRM [Reasons to invest in it]

2. New Moms’ transformation with BambooHR

The challenge

In 2015, Emily White Hodge began searching for an HRIS to manage the people’s needs at New Moms, a nonprofit organization in Chicago supporting young families experiencing poverty and homelessness. 

The existing paper-based system was inefficient, wasting significant time and resources.

Why did New Moms choose BambooHR?

Emily selected BambooHR for its affordability and robust features, such as performance management and clear reporting. Additionally, its customer service and intuitive interface were crucial to their decision.

The results

BambooHR transformed New Moms’ operations, leading to:

  • Performance Management: Shifted from annual reviews to weekly coaching conversations.
  • Mission Support: Strengthened the organization’s ability to support young moms.
  • Accountability: Enhanced transparency for funders, leading to additional funding opportunities.

Frequently asked questions 

1. Are HR tech tools and recruiting tools different?

Even though their functions often overlap, HR tech tools and recruiting tools are different. 

HR tech tools cover a wide range of human resource functions, including payroll, benefits administration, and employee engagement. While recruiting tools such as ATS and resume parsing focus on the hiring process only. 

2. How secure is employee data in HR tech?

HR tech providers prioritize the security of employee data. Most platforms use robust encryption methods, secure access controls, and conduct regular security audits to protect sensitive information. 

Compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR and CCPA is common in these systems. This ensures that your employee data is handled with the utmost care.

3. What challenges might companies face when adopting HR tech, and how can they overcome them?

You may face some challenges while adopting HR tech, such as resistance to change, difficulties in integration with existing systems, and complications during data migration. 

To overcome these issues, it’s crucial to provide thorough training and support for your team to ease the transition. 

Selecting solutions with strong integration capabilities with your current systems can minimize disruptions. 

4. What are the future trends in HR tech that we should be aware of?

Expected future trends in the HR tech sector include the increased use of artificial intelligence for predictive analytics and talent matching, blockchain for secure and transparent record-keeping, and VR for training. 

Mobile-first solutions and enhanced employee engagement platforms will also become more common in the market. 

There’s also a growing focus on integrating wellness programs and mental health support into HR platforms.