Human Resources Issues - Essay Example

Human Resources Issues Summary In today’s workplace, decisions have to be made very fast. These decisions can be made even if one is working from home. Human resource managers can now choose to leave most of their work on autopilot. They can then make critical choices affecting the progress of their companies. Decisions can be made faster even if one works from the comfort of their rooms. They can make things run better and faster (Rousseau, 2012). Only then can they become evidence-based human resource practitioners. The article talks about just how important technology is to the modern worker-whether they are in offices; they are students or consultants in their various offices and jobs. Companies can now use IT and computer software to make their work much easier. They can have interviews conducted in honest, transparent and accountable ways with the aid of IT and programmed computers. So far, typical interviews have proved that they cannot achieve this. HR departments need to pursue programs that will ensure that they have standardized practices as concerns their jobs. The programs promote flexibility at the workplace; which is good for both the employee and the firm (Rousseau, 2012). This paper discusses the benefits associated with telecommuting, or simply put, working from home. This is expected to reduce costs of doing business as well since all people will need is a computer, source of power and internet connectivity. Telecommuting Telecommuting is increasingly becoming popular. This is because it allows people to work from home and under minimal supervision. The five steps of control function include establishing standards, measurements, comparison of performance with standards, undertaking corrective actions, and minimal supervision. When standards are established-without necessarily pushing employees-they will obviously give their best. In the world today, it is not necessary that employees report to office when they can do most of their work from home (Johnson, 2001). Employees will simply perform according to the set standards of the company. Employee Convenience In fact, it is imperative that they will do so. From time to time, employees need to undertake corrective actions. These actions help them to take stock of their duties. It also helps their employers to understand that they can work under minimal conditions as well (Johnson, 2001). In the contemporary world, most of the office work can be coordinated from home. Employees need time to be with their families and friends. What employers need to emphasize on is quality of work and the delivery of services by employees. If all these factors are looked into, employer-employee relationship will be greatly enhanced. Telecommuting is the next big thing in terms of the convenience it offers working from home. The kind of leadership shown in the case study is that of understanding. Here a leader does not stick to the status quo. He does not necessarily believe that he has supreme powers over employees. On the contrary, he understands them, knowing that they have to work together as an entity. This is the kind of leadership that should exist in most offices all over the world. Employees must be given the space and chance to work at their own convenience. If all these factors are adhered to, obviously employees will provide their best services while employers will reap a lot from the fact that they can work from home and practice minimal supervision over them (Johnson, 2001). Another leadership style shown in the case study is that of patience. Employers need to be patient and allow employees to take their own course of action. It helps them to feel less restricted and constantly looked upon. Telecommuting has become popular because it allows employees the convenience of working from home. It also means that employees do not have to pay for extra expenses like bus fare or even have to wake up early in the morning to prepare for job. As long as they know what they should do, they have the moral obligation to do so. Minimal Role of Supervisors In telecommuting, the role of a supervisor is much minimized. Telecommuting gives them a chance to portray positive leadership. They are not like the managers they usually are. Rather, telecommuting presents them the chance not to be viewed as “dictators”, but as people who only focus on results (Rousseau, 2012). As long as the employees can deliver, there is no cause for alarm. The employee is also given room for personal development since they are motivated by working on self-schedule. Telecommuting is a positive development and will soon be practiced in virtually every office. What’s more, if employees can work from home, then it also means that office expenses will be greatly reduced. Logistical problems at the work place will also be greatly reduced in the future through telecommuting. Telecommuting will help employees to work from home, while also attending to house chores and checking on their children and loved ones (Rousseau, 2012). There will be no need for many offices and other logistics as well. The managers, supervisors and business leaders will also be allowed the chance to exploit their leadership skills- tolerance, patience and allowing development of an employee. SAP Technology SAP technology is an integration of business software that performs standard organizational functions for businesses. It provides business organizations with the option of using innovation to leverage cloud, mobile and in-memory computing into their systems. Managements of organizations need to adopt technologies that provide solutions to businesses faster and cheaply without compromising quality (Rousseau, 2012). The technology comes in handy for business applications as it offers them a platform to adopt new applications and technologies. The platform is flexible and can adapt to different business environments. It enables expansive businesses to extract huge data through in-memory computing and business intelligence. Through the SAP technology, business leaders are able to mobilize their workforce to have access to business systems and information on virtually every device, as they are compatible with most electronic gadgets. The technology boosts IT and business efficiency. The system incorporates Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Business Process Reengineering SAP firm software performs a vital role in almost the entire functional areas, from logistics to sales fulfillment; from business planning to customer relationship management. The system supports compound business processes as well prolongs services to partners, suppliers and customers (Rousseau, 2012). SAP features, which have been enhanced, include new application interfaces, greater deployment of Adobe interactive systems and updated role oriented access. These features served as solution to employee self-service, employee interaction and manager self-service. Multiple dimensions It offers better forecasting and planning tools, upgraded product cost module and greater aptitude to account for investments. These ensure direct planning, product plan cost estimate and business consolidation. In addition, SAP had automated allocations and balancing through multiple dimensions, improved contract collection and accounting, as well as division of obligations testing. It offers upgraded procurement self-service ability, restructured invoice management and improved services procurement. There enhance support for recruiters, improved performance management, goal setting capability, and upgraded online learning ability as well as sustenance for knowledge management (Rousseau, 2012). The system feature upgraded order-entry process, improved configuration and pricing, and enhanced backing for internet sales. Moreover, there are other features of better booking and travel and upgraded entry as well as speed of expense accounting. Other SAP features include industry watch, INMs, Learning management system, e-Account Mobile, Blackboard My Connect, Blackboard, Technology Evaluation Centre Inc. analyst, blog, decision support and enterprise. Overall, technology has transformed the way business is done at the workplace. References Johnson, N. J. (2001). Telecommuting and virtual offices: Issues and opportunities. Hershey, Pa: Idea Group. Rousseau, D. M. (2012). The Oxford handbook of evidence-based management. New York: Oxford University Press. Read More