Today, we raise our gaze and leave the AI focus for a moment. AI seems to be the only ongoing discussion right now. Or what do you say, do you have time to think about something other than AI? I have noticed a 💥 explosion 💥 of courses focusing on AI for HR, webinars, and short online workshops.
Personally, I see AI as an incredibly important tool for doing things differently, efficiently, and modernly, but if we want to create real value, we should talk about EX.
In the next podcast episode from HR Digi, I will discuss my perspective on AI and also give a little lesson on what AI is - if you need it 🤷♀️
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Monthly Reflection: What are the world's most modern organizations doing?
Noted in the HR Tech industry 💡
Events and competence development
Podcast news 🎧
Then I want to wish you a very Happy Easter and hope that spring is soon here ☀️
When discussing with colleagues in the industry how to quickly assess if an organization is modern and innovative from an employee perspective, I have previously argued that it is if you use data as one of the cornerstones in your HR operations.
Other colleagues think that if you have a modern onboarding process that covers all perspectives of the new employee's onboarding - practical and social, the manager, the employees, and the organization - then you are a modern and innovative organization.
And now we have a third perspective with the advent of AI. The modern ones are those who quickly adapt and use AI in their operations.
But now I have learned something new that makes me say that the organizations that are truly modern are focused on Employee Experience!
- What's new, you may think.
- The term/area has been around for a long time?
- Yes, but often misleading and solely focused on employee experience and engagement, I say.
It means that we have had far too narrow a focus and not focused properly on the actual experience that the employee experiences and how to improve it so that employees can do a better, more efficient job.
Maybe we should call it Co-worker experience instead?
Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to participate in an Employee Experience practitioners workshop with some of the world's most successful organizations. The host of the event was IKEA, and Linda Tinnert, co-worker experience leader, who has been working in the field for several years. IKEA has found a clear link between focusing on Co-worker experience and making the experience as good as possible, improving profitability in the stores. And in addition - satisfied customers 😍💰
Facilitated by TI PEOPLE, who have worked together with IKEA to help the organization succeed in its efforts.
Sebastian Knepper from Deutsche Telecom wrote this post summarizing the workshop wisely.
We tend to focus only on our own area of responsibility and improve it. But often, an improved experience is an activity that needs to be carried out across the organization. So if you really care about your employees, you need to focus on understanding how they experience their everyday lives. And in that way, review how to address everything related to the experience. And yes, there are tools to find out. 🛠️🪚
Imagine being able to see and describe the connection between the experience and profitability and in that way focus on the right changes in the organization.
Do you dare and want to take on that responsibility? That role?
And if you have already done so, you are a 🌟 in a truly modern organization.
If you, in addition to this focus, use data, AI, and innovative solutions. Yes, then you are a winner 🏆 And not only you but also your employees, your customers, and even shareholders/taxpayers.
As a first introduction to the EX area, you can participate in the webinar that Populum: People & Culture Experience is hosting on April 9th, where we discuss EX specifically -
-> You can read more here.
If you feel after that that this is a very interesting area with relevance for me and you want to learn more, you should sign up for the three webinars that I, together with TI PEOPLE, will hold during April and May.
TI People is a consulting organization that I have long admired. They specialize in the EX area. These webinars will be conducted in English so that you can invite relevant colleagues.
May 7th, 12:30-13:00: What is EX, and where do you start?
May 21st, 12:30-13:00: EX focused organizations: Case studies
June 11th, 12:30-13:00: Bringing EX to life & next steps
It feels like every other month I'm positive, and the next month I'm negative about the HR Tech industry. This month a bit more negative again. Unfortunately, bankruptcies characterize the entire tech industry right now. I haven't seen this in any specific HR Tech companies, but when I read Breaket, there are no exciting positive news directly.
Does not meet the needs of the business world Before we delve into HR Tech events, I want to highlight a number of articles published in Personal & Leadership.
The articles address the issue of the design of PA programs and the need for change. Not only this interesting article with Johanna Flanke but also the one with Mathias Åkerblom, lecturer Mai Lundgren, and recent graduates Ellinor Eriksson & Nathalie Grazette. One thing is certain. Change is needed. New ingredients are needed to be relevant in today's corporate world. A major change is taking place in the labor market, and we need to equip PA students correctly and include this area. The HR association sees a need for more competence in sustainability issues, new technology and human aspects, and innovation. Other areas where more skills are needed include data and analysis, process efficiency through digitization, robotics, and automation.
Feel free to join the discussion by commenting on my post on the issue.
Provides organizations with new and powerful tools to get more out of feedback using generative AI. Read more here.
Talespin is a company specializing in virtual reality (VR) and other immersive learning technologies. The acquisition enables Cornerstone OnDemand to offer its customers a comprehensive training solution that includes the creation and delivery of VR experiences for employees.
You can read more here.
And then a slightly older news from February that Gothenburg-based GOOZO, an up-and-coming player in HR Tech offering a completely new approach to employee surveys and employee well-being, has received an investment. Goozo is a research-based platform that automates personnel measures and activities. Saves time, increases well-being, your profitability, and employee engagement.
Read more here.
On March 21, the winner was announced at this year's gala, and it was:
Refapp 🏆👏🏻🎉
The finalists in the category I'm interested in, that is, innovation companies in recruitment, were: - -
- Higher
- Workwide
- Zynca
- Gritify
You can read more about the Recruitment Awards here.
In each newsletter, Fosway gets a point. Nowadays, Fosway delivers evaluations of various areas almost every week 🫣
Maybe I should stop including them in the newsletter, and you can follow them yourself instead 🤷
Regardless, it's clear that there is a change happening in the learning market if you're a really large organization with complex needs. There are very few solutions to choose from now, and as you can see, Cornerstone OnDemand had a very strong position even before its latest acquisition and is ranked highest in both performance & potential. In addition to that, it's mainly the major HCM system providers that compete with them.
Heartpace has put together a smart guide for those who want to know more about how to conduct their wage survey, with or without system support.
Download the wage survey - Heartpace here.
Always interesting to read the insights from TNG Unfortunately, I missed their event this time.
Job and recruitment trends 2024 In TNG Insights
Trust-based business rhetoric HR - with Pontus F. Christoffersen
I've been a bit lax in writing about podcast episodes in the recent newsletters. There's been so much else to cover. But now that the events in the HR Tech world are a bit fewer, I just want to take the opportunity to share which episodes have been released and will be released during the spring. Especially for those of you who may not be regular listeners to the podcast but are curious about specific topics/participants.
You can find all episodes here if you've missed anything 🎙️
In the coming weeks, three episodes are planned:
1. A solo episode with me, Anna Carlsson, about AI and HR. Both how I think HR should approach AI and an educational part about AI for those who need it.
2. An episode with the exciting solution Twyne. I like to invite innovative solutions to the podcast for you to get some new ideas about what's possible.
3. A modern HR leader with wise thoughts on HR, tech, and AI.
1. Behind the scenes at Spotify: Data, Analysis & AI with Katarina Berg - A superb episode if you want insights into how Spotify works with HR, focusing on data and AI. It's really something that interests many 💚
2. HR at the forefront: Insights from Sweden's HR Association with Johanna Flanke. Johanna shares the insights she has gathered from various corners of the HR world, from research and work in both the private and public sectors to university education and leaders' views on HR. And of course, the role of technology.
3. Dare to challenge traditional wage systems! with Mikael Wirén from Payap Finally, there's news in the wage system area. Does salary need to be so complicated, really? And do wage systems need to be as complex as they actually are?
4. Do you want to be the company of the future? Invest in parental health for success with Astrid Gyllenkrok Kristensen and Nina Boustedt. A sponsored episode from LEIA Health about what employers can do to promote employee health and support managers and employees before, during, and after parental leave.
5. HR plays a central role in sustainability transition – are you ready? with Johanna Leander and Peter Lodin from CatalystOne Solutions Another sponsored episode focusing on the upcoming Sustainability Reporting.
6. Bubbles released in 2023: Insights into HR and Tech 2023 a solo episode with me,
Below you'll find some of the most important upcoming HR Tech events. In parallel, there are plenty of webinars happening from various system providers, industry organizations, and publications. But they usually don't fit here. Maybe if it's me speaking 🫣 I have some self-interest, of course 😍
I myself am attending Sime in Stockholm on April 22-23 to really get inspiration in areas outside of HR. The theme this time is "Collaborating with Technology to Evolve Humanity." 🚀
2024 trends: AI in HR and the growing focus on Employee Experience
Yes, what does this have to do with Tech? A lot. Take the opportunity to learn how to link HR initiatives to overall business goals.
Yes, what does this have to do with Tech? A lot. Take the opportunity to learn how to link HR initiatives to overall business goals.You can read more about the event here --> Trust-based Business Rhetoric for HR
Learn more about digitalization and AI for HRYou can read more and sign up for the education
here --> HR 💜 tech & AI
Read more and sign up here -->
Learn more about the event here.
Nordic EdTech is globally recognized for its quality and innovation, but scaling up a profitable business can be a challenge. The Nordic EdTech Summit is the first event to bring together the EdTech community in Northern Europe.
Read more here.
You can read more here -->
Learn more about digitalization and AI for HR - in person with others
Read more and sign up here --> Basic Course - Digitalization and AI for HR 🤖
HR technologies April 17-18 London
Gartner Reimagine HR September 17-18 London
Unleash World October 16-17 Paris
And don't forget that you can apply for retraining support for the courses and also for coaching.
Several participants in my courses have received support for participation from the retraining fund.
The goal of the newsletter is to write about news in the HR Tech market and the area of digitalization and innovation for management and HR, and also to tell about episodes of the HR Digitalization podcast.Now remember that you ► click on subscribe ︎
My name is Anna Carlsson, and I'm a curious HR Tech analyst with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of business, humanity, and technology. I believe that technology is not a side activity within HR; digitalization is fundamental to making room for a more human-focused workplace. My passion is to lead the movement for future HR, by creating it together with clients and colleagues, as well as educating and developing organizations and individuals.
I run HR Digi, which includes the HR Digitalization podcast where I am also the podcast host. Within HR Digi, we offer consulting, advisory support, education, and inspiration to create a modern digital organization.
👉 Book a digital coffee with me so we can discuss how I can support you in your work.
