HR Automation – Separating Hype From Reality
Automation holds a lot of promise for HR. Automating processes means the function can let the everyday work be carried out by technology while HR professionals themselves can spend more time being more strategic and adding value. Who wouldn’t welcome the ability to deliver perfect workflows at the touch of a button?
Sponsored by
Home » Events » On Demand Webinars » HR Automation – Separating Hype From Reality
In the latest webinar from The HR World, an informed and involved panel of HR experts got to grips with the current and future use of automation within the HR function. Askaniusz Sawicki, People Services & HR Transformation EMEA Director, Ricoh Europe – also the webinar’s sponsors – was joined by Aaron Alburey, Managing Director and Co-Founder of specialist HR and People transformation consultancy LACE Partners, and Alison Richardson, Director of HR Operations, Yodel.
Askaniusz offered an in depth and intriguing view into the technology and approach surrounding the use of automation in HR. Alburey’s experience in implementation and application of automation was also in evidence while Richardson was able to cite specific examples from her own company where automation has been introduced in areas such as recruitment. Indeed this latter example was particularly valuable in showing the benefit of automation. Yodel expands its workforce by many thousands in the run up to the busy period around Christmas and it cannot expect to achieve this expansion through the work of human recruiters alone. By using automation technology it is possible speed up the process, giving a better experience to candidates and enabling HR professionals to spend their time on more value adding activities.
Indeed, this was one of the principal benefits of using automation. By enabling systems to share data and make administration processes work without the need for a human to do anything, employees and resources can be better used elsewhere with employees feeling more engaged with the work they are able to do.
Key to deploying the technology correctly, however, is an understanding of what data is important and how it should be used – as well as keeping one eye on where human intervention is still valuable. Askaniusz was able to explain how his business solution ensured the right data went to the right place and person, underpinning processes such as onboarding and payroll. Aaron Alburey was also clear that getting automation right was a great way to deliver satisfying candidate and employee experiences.
The webinar was packed with insights, thoughts and practical steps forward and demonstrated that while systems and solutions are already in use there is a huge amount of potential to still be explored. No doubt but this will be a subject to which we will return to in the future.
Details
Share
About Ricoh
Ricoh empowers organisations by automating HR processes and integrating disparate systems, creating a more efficient workplace. Automation reduces repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on meaningful work, boosting engagement and productivity. With improved accuracy and compliance, your HR processes become streamlined, enabling faster decision-making and a smoother experience for all staff. Ricoh’s expertise helps create a user-friendly environment that drives better outcomes across your organisation.
Speakers
Aaron Alburey - Managing Director and Co-Founder, LACE Partners
Aaron Alburey is Managing Director and co-founder of LACE Partners, the specialist HR and People transformation consultancy.
Prior to founding LACE, Aaron held Partner positions at Deloitte and Accenture where he became known for his ability in delivering and executing complex business change and HR and Payroll projects for global cross industry clients.
Passionate about the power of HR to influence business performance and productivity, Aaron is a regular writer and speaker at events on the topic. Aaron is a Fellow of the CIPD and founding member of the Company of HR Professionals.
Outside of work Aaron’s time is split between his blend of six children, his love of indoor climbing and his passion for all things sci-fi.
Alison Richardson: Director of HR Operations, Yodel
Alison Richardson is the Director of HR Operations at Yodel, leading the company’s recruitment team and helping to create over 10,000 roles. Alison drives health and wellbeing initiatives across the business, including supporting mental health first aiders and champions, colleague wellbeing and Yodel’s diversity & inclusivity activity.
Having previously spent over 10 years in various senior HR positions at the National Nuclear Laboratory, Alison started at Yodel in 2018 as Senior HR Business Partner. There, she supported the sort and transport operations before moving on to become Head of HR Operations in December 2019.
Alison has over 20 years’ experience in human resources with a proven track record of delivering business improvements and managing relationships with key stakeholders.
Askaniusz Sawicki: People Services & HR Transformation EMEA Director, Ricoh Europe
Askaniusz Sawicki is the People Services & HR Transformation EMEA Director at RICOH, leading HR agenda for the European Shared Service Centres in Poland, the UK, Germany, and Spain, and driving HR transformation across the EMEA region. With over 20 years of experience in telecommunications, FMCG, and digital services, Askaniusz is a seasoned HR leader known for his strategic and operational expertise, strong business acumen, and excellent communication skills.
He has held key roles in companies like Orange, T-Mobile, and Coca-Cola HBC, gaining extensive experience in HR processes, organizational culture, change management, and leadership development. A skilled coach, mentor, and speaker, Askaniusz has successfully led strategic HR initiatives at Ricoh for over six years.
In his free time, he enjoys traveling with his family and Jack Russell Terriers, exploring new cuisines, nature and relaxing with good books and films.
Host
Simon Kent - Head of Content, The HR World
Simon Kent has been a freelance journalist in the field of HR and the workplace for over 20 years. He cut his teeth travelling the country asking people what they did for a living for The Guardian and developing an interest in how work and employees are managed.
He has written extensively for the national press, business and professional publications dedicated to general and specific HR functions, taking in HR tech, pay and benefits, legal, training, recruitment and more. He has edited HR and public sector magazines, digging out the best stories and liaising with senior level personnel and high-profile public sector leaders to bring great content to readers.
He has written books, blogs, white papers, features, profile, case studies and more. He has chaired round tables and brought high quality coverage online to a diverse platforms as electronic media has evolved. He continues to be motivated to find the stories and subjects that matter most to readers and ensure they deliver value every time.
Upcoming Event
