In today’s technology-fueled environment, it’s easy to think that there’s a tool to tackle every problem. And there may be.

Sometimes a deterrent is that learning to effectively use new technology tools or software takes time, effort, and a lot of patience. For HR professionals, adding training for new HR software to their already busy schedules is just too time consuming. It can feel like maintaining the status quo is the better option, certainly in the short term.

However, as the role of the HR team changes, properly investing in technology can help HR departments and organizations run more smoothly and give them the room to do more important, human-focused work.

With that in mind, here are five ways technology is improving today’s HR practices:

1. HR tech provides easy and quick access to accurate informationEffective HR requires information—lots of information. Human capital management (HCM) systems and human resource management systems (HRMS) give HR managers access to important information. Employee records, talent management, recruitment, performance management and even employee engagement. And, new apps, software, and social media channels allow HR teams to gather important feedback from employees that fuel key business decisions and strategies.
2. HR tech connects staff on a global scaleToday’s best brands are defined by their ability to fulfill customer requests quickly and efficiently. This often requires specialized teams in multiple locations across several countries. Keeping distant teams connected and engaged is no easy task. Thankfully technology can help. Tools like online work tools, chat bots and crowdsourcing tools enable global teams in their day to day. Using real time, easily accessible information through cloud-based HCM systems allow staff to access everything they need to do their jobs effectively—even if they’re hundreds of miles away from company headquarters.
3. HR tech ensures workplace flexibility through connectivityIn Deloitte’s 2018 Global Human Capital Trends survey, 44 percent of respondents believed that face-to-face meetings will decrease in the future. It’s easy to see why. With the rapid improvement of video conferencing solutions, mobile messaging services like WhatsApp and Slack, and even social media, employees are more connected than ever before. Not working in the same office is no longer the issue it once was. This allows companies to provide more flexibility around how and where employees work.
4. HR tech enables efficiency in the workplace for all departmentsAccording to Deloitte’s Human Capital Trends study, 42% percent of respondents believed Artificial Intelligence will be widely deployed in their organizations in the next 3–5 years. For many organizations, the advantages of automation are already being felt. When important HR processes like payroll, performance appraisals, and compensation systems are automated, it makes it easier for employees to get answers to important HR questions quickly. This in turn boosts workers’ productivity and efficiency.
5. HR tech leaves time for more human interaction, not lessAs HR industry analyst Josh Bersin writes, ““Whether we like it or not, HR teams spend a lot of time on transactional work. Our new research shows that 41% of HR professionals’ time is spent on ‘transactional activities’." HR teams are trying to fix this with the help of automation and HR technology. By reducing the amount of time they have to spend on traditional HR tasks like payroll, benefits, performance tracking, and others, HR teams can focus on th employees. Making the important connections that then fuel employee enthusiasm and efficiency to attract top talent.

We can’t know where HR tech will take us in the future, but one thing is for certain, technology can help HR teams with everything from administrative tasks to employee management. HR needs to adapt to shifting trends and deal with emerging challenges as they emerge, and software can help them get there.

Technology is rapidly changing the nature of work—and the role of HR. We know that automation, AI, and evolving communication will all be key parts of this transformation. They already are! The important part of this change is to embrace it.

Now ask yourself, is your team prepared for the future of HR technology?