HR & IT Departments Merge
In a move that’s raising eyebrows (and maybe a few coffee mugs), big bosses are stirring up the traditional office structure by combining HR and IT departments. It seems that bosses want "people persons" and "tech geeks" to play in the same sandbox – and the reason for it isn't just about saving money. Company heads are implementing this new strategy to get ahead in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). With technological advancements gaining increasing momentum, business leaders realise they can’t make a plan for their tech without also making a plan for their people. The aim behind this new bold approach is to streamline decision-making and ensure that humans and machines work together more harmoniously.
What’s the rationale behind this change?
This change in strategy is largely being driven by the unstoppable rise of AI. As medium - and large-sized companies increasingly use tools such as chatbots and automated systems, they’re discovering that their HR and IT teams need to work more collaboratively. For example, a company might use AI to screen job applications or to help with payroll, but those tech solutions need to be carefully managed and implemented with the employees in mind. A survey by Nexthink (a global leader in employee experience management) found that 64% of Senior IT decision-makers in UK, USA, France and Germany, think this merger will happen within the next five years! So, instead of having two departments arguing over what they need, a single leader could make sure everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet. According to an article by BBC, this is already happening at big firms like Moderna, which has a "chief people and digital technology officer" overseeing both departments and has a partnership with the creators of ChatGPT.
How will this trend affect businesses and staff?
For many businesses, the potential advantages of merging these two departments could be strategically decisive. For example, such a merger of the departments can lead to quicker and more successful digital projects, efficient onboarding for new employees, and improved overall productivity. Notwithstanding the positive views of advocates of this new trend, not everyone is convinced on the idea. Apart from leaders and managers who support the traditional setup, some industry experts are concerned that implementing such a strategy may result in a dilution of knowledge, where the expertise of the respective professions is overshadowed by other corporate objectives. Furthermore, the skills, abilities and experiences of HR and IT specialists are very different and trying to combine these under a unified department may result in unintended adverse consequences such as staff demoralisation, underutilisation of expertise, blurred career paths, and unclear operational tactics.
Our view
AI is already interwoven in our personal and work lives, regardless of whether we know it or not, or want to accept it. From the apps we use on our phones, to the way we shop and work, it’s everywhere. Therefore, it’s not unusual or unsurprising that leading and/or innovative organisations will attempt to leverage AI by implementing new strategies such as merging departments. Accordingly, the professionals in those departments will need to adapt to their new roles and responsibilities. However, while change is undeniable and unrelenting, it’s critical for business leaders to not lose sight of the unique talent that the respective departments and their people possess for the sake of embracing the latest trends or chasing objectives without clearly defining objectives & strategies, and more importantly, involving those who are expected to achieve those corporate goals.
Talk to us
If you would like clear, concise, and easy to understand help and advice on how you can leverage AI in your business, or how to take advantage of technology to streamline your internal accounting processes, you can contact our Client Managers on 01474 326224. Alternatively, visit our website (atnpartnership.co.uk) or email us at info@atnpartnership.co.uk.