IT and HR systems should be more closely aligned

According to a recent report, HR and IT professionals need to work together more efficiently to recognise the positive impact that HR technology can have on a business.

The study, cited in HR Magazine, investigates the working relationship between HR and IT departments, as well as companies use of HR and payroll software or other vital aspects of HR technology, finding that 85 per cent of respondents felt that embracing cutting edge HR technology was vital to a business.

Nevertheless, despite the recognised importance of such technology, a mere one third of organisations are planning to upgrade their current systems over the next two years, citing the major obstacle in the innovation process to be the collaboration between internal HR and IT departments. Inter-business conflicts surrounding HR software have prompted many businesses to outsource payroll processing and provide a well managed HR software solution.

Meanwhile, the study found that of all the HR processes, strategic solutions such as succession planning and onboarding were least likely to utilise a technology solution.

Vice president of marketing at survey company Taleo, was cited in HR Magazine as commenting on his research, saying: ''Most HR departments think there is still greater integration required... a clear sign that expectations over the role of HR systems differ significantly between IT and HR departments.''