Impact of COVID-19 on HR Technology
What is changing in the HR technology space as a result of COVID-19? Some organizations are seeing an uptick in interest and customer support, while others are providing free access to their product.
According to the HCM Technology Report earlier this week, some HR technology companies have seen an increase in needed support and/or interest in their product. For example, LMS-focused business Docebo has seen a surge of customer calls. This could be a result of an increased interested in trainings and learning courses to train employees on new skills, as a result of the pandemic. HCM Technology Report also mentioned that a virtual recruiting technology company saw surges in call support as organizations must now complete interviews online. This may change depending on the economic outcome of the outbreak.
Source: Docebo at SoftwareReviews, Accessed March 20, 2020
Select HR technology companies are offering free access to their product for limited time. HR Executive reported that Grokker, ThinkHR, and HR Acuity are all making services available free.
Grokker, which provides health and well-being online videos, is giving free access until April 30. This could be helpful for employees while working in isolation and living through the impacts of COVID-19.
ThinkHR has been providing up-to-date information regarding COVID-19. It is providing open access to some of its content based on the overwhelming need for support. The most common topics discussed are related to employee health and pay as well as workforce planning for the future.
HR Acuity is providing free services specifically related to employee relations and workforce management. Its product focuses heavily on various documentation such as performance management, sick leave, etc. Due to mass employee populations working from home and needing to track work, this type of product could be highly important for organizations.
Our Take
The success of HR technology companies will depend on their ability to support HR departments (and entire organizations) during the pandemic and next few months. The major topics HR professionals are concerned about must be addressed by the HR vendor or the buyers may seek a new technology solution that can better assist in this new age of working.