Jump to
If you want to stay competitive today, you need to push ahead with the digital transformation of human resources management. Young talents pay particular attention to digital working environments, innovative tools, and flexible processes. Companies without up-to-date HR software or digital solutions risk falling behind in the eyes of young professionals.
Risks: Analog processes deter young talent
- Missed talent: Over 90% of Generation Z say that technology influences their choice of job. Young applicants want to work with the latest technology – analog processes or outdated intranets are off-putting and cause rejection.
- Competitive disadvantage: Companies that do not have digitized HR are losing out in the “war for talent.” The tech-savvy Generation Z specifically seeks out employers who understand digitalization as a lived value and do not tolerate media discontinuity in their processes.
- Resistance and loss of image: Younger generations consider mountains of paper, cumbersome application procedures, or a lack of self-service solutions to be outdated – and, when in doubt, prefer to move on.
Employers can achieve noticeable improvements and increase their attractiveness in the short term with targeted digitization measures. The focus is on rapid implementation that relieves the burden on employees and HR alike and marks the entry into a modern digital working world.
Immediate measures for HR digitization
- Introduce digital personnel files: Paperless administration through digital personnel files makes it easier to search for documents, improves GDPR compliance, and saves time in daily administrative tasks.
- Activate self-service portals: Employees can independently process vacation requests, address changes, or certificates digitally. This reduces the number of inquiries to the HR department and gives the HR team valuable time back.
- Digital workflows and automation: Automate routine tasks such as submitting and approving absences, sick notes, or expense reports. Standardized processes in recruiting or onboarding can also be quickly digitized.
- Use e-signatures: Digital contract signatures speed up the hiring process and increase efficiency—for example, for employment contracts or training agreements.
- Test quick HR software solutions: Digital tools allow you to set up core processes such as time tracking, absence management, or applicant management digitally with just a few clicks. Many systems offer trial periods and can be integrated with little effort.
- Communication and training: Offer short digital training courses or information sessions for your team to build acceptance for new tools and processes. Quick successes increase motivation and reduce reservations.
These quick wins will quickly lead to greater transparency, employee retention, and efficiency in your HR department—and send a clear signal to young talent that your company is a digital leader.
Solutions: Using digital HR to build a young employer brand
- Complete digitization of HR processes: From smart applicant management and onboarding apps to digital feedback tools, all HR processes must be intuitive, mobile, and instantly accessible.
- Self-service and automation: Generation Z employees expect to be able to change their master data themselves, request vacation time online, or book training courses directly online.
- Use of modern technologies and AI: Recommendation engines, chatbots, and smart HR analytics deliver the experiences that are standard for young talent and significantly increase employer attractiveness.
Practical example: Digital native HR environment
A growing organization noticed that it was receiving fewer and fewer applications from young talent. After conducting a survey, students and graduates cited a lack of digital processes, confusing application forms, and paper administration as the main reasons.
After switching to fully digital HR processes, including an application app, self-service for employees, and the integration of feedback tools, the number of applicants rose by 40%. Young employees particularly praised the intuitive use via smartphones, transparency, and the future-oriented work culture.
Conclusion
Digital HR transformation has become a must: it is the only way for companies to attract and retain young talent and remain successful in the market. For millennials and Gen Z, modern digital HR management is not just a plus point, but a decisive selection criterion when choosing an employer – analog processes are considered a real no-go.
Check how digital your HR is already. Modernize your human resources management in a targeted manner to score points with the younger generation as a digital employer and stay fit for the future!
