Foresight
The Unlikely HeRoes of Digital Transformation Written by Vivette Rittman
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n this era of digital disruption, where companies are racing to embrace technology, one unlikely hero has emerged - Human Resources (HR). The HR department has become a crucial strategic partner for companies embarking on digital transformation journeys. In the past, digital transformation efforts often fell short of their intended objectives, primarily because they were not “human-centered.” Organisations are thus increasingly pivoting towards a “human-centered digital transformation.” Essentially, this is about putting people at the heart of the transformation process. It’s not just about fancy gadgets and sleek software; it’s about understanding what tools employees need in order to work smarter. Instead of IT dictating digital transformation, employees need to be equipped to co-create digital solutions that are fit for their specific purposes. Sara Teitelman, Co-Founder, and CEO of Ideal State, emphasises this point, stating, “Digital transformation can only succeed if it’s human-centered. You can deploy cutting-edge technology, but if the solutions don’t align with people’s specific needs, or if you fail to properly support them through this change, that awesome tech will be dead on arrival.” How many times has your company introduced digital solutions meant to boost productivity and address workflow issues, only to see them fail? More often than not, it’s due to a lack of consultation with staff before the solution is implemented and launched. HR plays a crucial role in facilitating this process and ensuring that staff have the necessary skills to utilize the introduced technology. As the famous quote goes “Culture will eat strategy for breakfast”. Organisational culture is always the most significant factor in any transformation 10
activity. HR acts as cultural architects by creating an environment where employees feel safe to embrace change. People tend to resist change, especially after the chaotic pandemic years, so it’s essential for HR to lay the groundwork for staff to embrace upcoming transitions. This involves creating a corporate culture that views failure as an opportunity for learning. The foundation of digital transformation lies in the continual optimisation of digital solutions, which can only happen if companies are not afraid to experiment - and experimentation often involves failures. Establishing a culture of experimentation requires HR to become cheerleaders of learning. HR assists in designing training programs that help employees acquire new skills and become “digital-savvy ninjas”. In Namibia, where digital literacy levels are relatively low, many shy away from new technologies because they are intimidated by the unfamiliar and are afraid to learn new things. HR serves as the experts needed to overcome this hurdle and increase adaptation to proposed digital solutions. Lastly, HR acts as talent scouts who actively seek out the right talent to drive the digital transformation train. They aren’t merely looking for tech wizards but individuals who can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. They ensure that the right skills are placed in the right positions for current and future alignment. In the digital age, successful digital transformation isn’t solely about having the latest technologies. It’s about having a team of empowered, adaptable, and happy employees who are ready to tackle the challenges of the digital frontier. HR, with its focus on the human aspect of transformation, has evolved into the strategic partner that every company needs on this essential journey.
