The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives, including the way we work. Companies across the world have had to adapt to new ways of doing business and managing employees, including those in the blue-collar workforce. These employees are often essential workers, performing critical jobs in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and logistics. For example, construction workers, mechanics, factory workers, electricians, plumbers, welders, and janitors.
As businesses seek to navigate the pandemic and prepare for the post-pandemic future, they must find new ways to empower and support their blue-collar employees. One such way is through the use of HR tech.
HR tech refers to the use of technology to manage human resources functions. It encompasses a wide range of tools and software, including HR management systems, applicant tracking systems, and performance management software. HR tech has been around for many years, but its importance has grown significantly during the pandemic. With more employees working remotely, businesses have had to rely on technology to manage HR processes and stay connected with their workforce.
However, while HR tech has been widely adopted in white-collar employee hiring practices such as the administration department, it has been slower to take hold in the blue-collar employment systems. This is due in part to the perception that blue-collar workers may not be as tech-savvy as their white-collar counterparts. Additionally, blue-collar workers often work in physically demanding jobs that require them to be on their feet and use their hands, making it more challenging to use technology.
Despite these challenges, HR tech has the potential to significantly benefit blue-collar workers. By using HR tech tools, companies can empower their blue-collar employees in several ways:
- Streamlining HR Processes
HR tech can automate many HR processes, including time tracking, payroll processing, and benefits administration. By automating these tasks, companies can reduce the administrative burdens on their HR teams, freeing them up to focus on more strategic initiatives. Additionally, automating HR processes can help to reduce errors and ensure that employees are paid accurately and on time.
- Providing Access to Information
HR tech can also provide blue-collar workers with access to important information, such as company policies, benefits information, and training materials. This can be particularly useful for workers who may not have easy access to a computer or may not be able to attend in-person training sessions. By providing this information electronically, companies can ensure that all employees have access to the same information, regardless of their location or work schedule.
- Enabling Communication
HR tech tools can also facilitate communication between blue-collar employees and their supervisors. For example, mobile apps can be used to send push notifications to workers regarding schedule changes or other important information. Additionally, HR tech tools can provide a way for employees to provide feedback or report issues to their supervisors, which can help to improve workplace safety and productivity.
- Empowering Career Development
Finally, HR tech can help to empower blue-collar workers by providing access to career development opportunities. For example, companies can use learning management systems to provide online training courses to employees, allowing them to develop new skills and advance their careers. Additionally, performance management software can help to identify high-performing employees and provide them with opportunities for promotion or additional training.
In conclusion, HR tech has the potential to significantly benefit blue-collar workers and empower them to define their “new normal” in the post-pandemic world. By streamlining HR processes, providing access to information, enabling communication, and empowering career development, companies can help to support their blue-collar employees and improve their overall job satisfaction and productivity.
While there are challenges to implementing HR tech in blue-collar industries, companies that invest in these tools will be well-positioned to succeed in the post-pandemic world.
