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How HR Teams Can Use Cloud Technology for a Competitive Advantage

Nothing kills a good mood like a pile of administrative paperwork—a mark of many interactions with the human resources department. But it doesn’t need to be that way. Paper-based systems for everything from onboarding to attendance to payroll are moving to the cloud using new systems that can help HR work better.

A vast majority of businesses are already using cloud technology in one way or another; in fact, one industry watcher observed that it’s quickly becoming the norm. Including HR in the transformation can automate and streamline critical functions like payroll and benefits administration—a move that can save money, improve productivity, and cut the risk of human error.

And there’s another advantage: The wealth of information collected through a cloud-based system can give you broad organizational insights and a distinct advantage over your competition.

Find (and Hold on to) Better Talent with Cloud Apps

It goes without saying that recruiting is one of HR’s biggest responsibilities. Recruiters already rely on various software and processes to find talent and assess skills—but until now, they’ve always been somewhat cumbersome and flawed.

The recruiting process has traditionally meant sifting through candidate information manually, which occupies hours of precious time. Human error, miscommunication, and disorganization are among the possible issues that can inadvertently lead to poor hiring decisions—and poor hiring decisions lead to a tremendous waste of money.

Cloud solutions have the power to change that. In the battle for top talent, HR departments can use the benefits cloud computing offers as a digital “magical charm” to stay ahead of the competition. For example, instead of an email or paper-driven process, applicants submit their resumes via the Internet and integrated analytics can assess their potential.

As another example, pre-employment testing evaluates a candidate’s personality and skills as they pertain to a particular position. Cloud-based software allows recruiters to access both passive and active candidates, storing the information in an easy-to-access database. Later, that information can be used to track, measure, and generate reports on the applicants. Plus, the whole process can be automated, reducing tedious paperwork and leaving room for more important matters.

Make Your Business More Attractive to Employees

Workplace transparency is just as important to employees as it is to employers: They want to understand their paycheck and benefits, quickly and at their convenience. Traditionally, tasks, like adjusting a W2 status or figuring out savings and spending account contributions, meant a call to HR—and more paper pushing for them. It was time-consuming, and they could only do during work hours when someone was available to help.

Today, cloud-based solutions put information directly into the hands of employees, letting them view and update it as needed. One payroll provider found that nearly 40 percent of registered mobile users access their pay information using mobile apps.

These platforms also make administrative tasks more efficient. For instance, if a worker wants to schedule time off, all they have to do is hop on the app and send a request. If they’re going to be late, they can send a message with the click of a button.

Making administrative tasks more efficient and more accessible to employees isn’t just about convenience; it streamlines HR and can be considered a company perk—which is always good for recruiting.

Mobile Technology Strengthens Your Brand and Reputation

One of the biggest benefits of cloud-based services is the ability to collect and organize a vast amount of data that can then be used to strengthen a business’s operations.

For example, many HR departments track a variety of signals to measure brand continuity and employee engagement. With cloud apps, this analysis is simplified so organizations can measure the results of their programs internally and externally.

Brand reputation is essential to business success. In fact, a recent study by Glassdoor found that 84 percent of respondents would consider leaving a job if a company with a better corporate reputation offered them one. Clearly, it’s critical for companies to ensure their brand is consistent, and cloud apps help monitor that. Whether it’s a collaboration app like Salesforce, a training app like Learnsmarter, or one of the many capital management apps available, cloud technology puts business-critical information into your hands.

HR teams who want to gain a competitive edge—whether by improving employee engagement or strengthening their recruiting efforts—should strongly consider leveraging the power of cloud apps. With so many different functions, inherent scalability, and unbeatable efficiency, these apps are the juggernauts of the corporate world—and they’re on your side.

Photo Credit: SalesBabu via Compfight cc

This article was first published on Millennial CEO on 2/22/16.

2014: Year of the Social Employer Brand Ambassador

We already know that social media is extremely powerful for business communication. Essentially, anyone with an internet connection has the potential to cultivate and grow a brand. Corporate brand, product brand, personal brand, employer brand — the possibilities are limitless.

It’s as easy as flipping on a light switch! Well maybe not that easy, but social channels have blown traditional media out of the water, and there’s no going back.

Of course, with its potential to drive brand development, social proliferation can also have a huge impact on talent acquisition and retention. How does that work? The idea in leveraging social media to grow a brand is through a fan base that we call “brand ambassadors.” Collectively, your ambassador group functions like a marketing and promotional team that amplifies the message for whatever it is that you’re trying to sell — products, services, yourself or your organization.

Employer Brand Ambassadors: What’s the Challenge?

If you’re an employer, which audience should be your biggest, most important source of brand ambassadors? Customers? Industry thought leaders? Local media outlets? Nope — it’s your employees. But do organizations currently view employees this way? Based on my experience in working with HR executives, I struggle to say yes.

We know that social media instantly connects you with the online world, and the most effective way to grow an employer brand is through social media channels — Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, LinkedIn, blogs, Instagram, Pinterest — the list goes on. So ideally, if employees are your prime brand ambassadors, and social media is the best way to grow your brand, you should be able to say that, when your employees interact with others on social channels, they’re effectively promoting your organization as a great place to work.

Are you confident making that claim? Unfortunately for most employers, the answer seems to be NO!

Enter My Bold Prediction for 2014

With the holiday season upon us, we’re seeing our share of blog posts about HR Technology predictions for 2014. One of many good reads is from Craig Bryant at the TLNT blog, “5 Predictions for Where HR Technology is Going in 2014.

My key prediction is a tad bold, but here goes: I think that organizations are ready to give their employees the right tools, so they can easily represent the company as brand ambassadors on social media. In other words, employers will actively explore and implement cloud-based solutions that make it simple for employees to curate and share high-quality, on-brand content with their connections.

Why Does This Shift Matter?

The biggest barrier organizations face when integrating social media across business functions is the inability to ensure a consistent, coherent brand message and voice. It’s about mitigating risk and ensuring that employee social media activity creates a net positive impact, and doesn’t result in PR fiascos. (Case in point: HMV employees react to firing on Twitter.)

Organizations that figure out how to remove these barriers so employees can comfortably operate as employer brand ambassadors will see huge gains in all facets of their business. Think about it — if your company has 500 employees, and each employee has an average social media network of 300 people, that’s a direct network of 150,000. All of these 150,000 connections have a network of their own, so before you know it, you’re reaching millions — all because you enabled your inner circle.

Mark my words: 2014 will be a watershed year of “employee enablement.” Organizations will gain momentum by creating and supporting brand ambassadors who come from within their ranks.

There are very few players in this space, but watch for momentum in the year ahead. You’ll want to look at platforms like PostBeyond, Jostle and EveryoneSocial to see how they help organizations support employees as brand ambassadors. Fasten your seat belts ladies and gentlemen, 2014 is going to be a milestone year for social HR business tools!

(Editor’s Note: To discuss World of Work topics like this with others in the TalentCulture community, join our online #TChat Events every Wednesday, from 6:30-8pm ET. Everyone is welcome at events, or join our ongoing Twitter conversation anytime. Learn more…)

Image Credit: Pixabay

Recruiting: Going Mobile By Demand? #TChat Recap

This week at #TChat Events, the TalentCulture community explored the emerging role of mobile recruiting in today’s world of work.

First, let’s clarify — what does the term “mobile recruiting” mean? CareerBuilder defines it this way:

“The ability to market to prospective talent with or on a mobile device. More importantly, mobile recruiting is about the opportunity to connect with job seekers anywhere, and at any time; provide a better candidate experience; streamline your own process; and engage job seekers in entirely new and unique ways.”

It sounds like a lofty goal — but how do we get there from here? And how are employers overcoming key issues in implementing mobile strategies? To keep the conversation grounded, we welcomed two experts in talent acquisition:

Jessica Miller-Merrell, SPHR, Founder and Chief Blogger at Blogging4Jobs and
Rayanne Thorn, VP of Product Marketing and Strategy at Technomedia, global talent management solutions provider.

(Editor’s Note: See highlights from the #TChat events and related resource links at the end of this post.)

Mobile Is Everywhere — Why Isn’t Mobile Recruiting?

Many #TChat participants agreed that mobile recruiting is becoming a necessity, as individuals increasingly rely on smart phones and tablets to connect with information and people in our personal and professional lives.

The convenience of mobile access is rapidly translating into job search behaviors, even though many employers haven’t yet optimized their websites for mobile access. SimplyHired says that the number of workers looking for jobs via mobile devices has skyrocketed, from 2.3 million to 9.3 million in the past year. Talemetry, says that 70% of job seekers are using mobile platforms, while Beyond.com estimates even higher, at 77%. (See the article and infographic.)

However, as the Wall Street Journal explained earlier this year, most companies aren’t moving fast enough. According to a recent CareerBuilder study, only 20% of Fortune 500 companies have mobile-optimized career sites. What is everyone waiting for? Read the full report, “Trends in Mobile Adoption: An Analysis of Mobile Recruitment Efforts Across Industries.”

Mobile Excellence: What Does It Look Like?

So, what does it take for employers to be “mobile recruitment ready”? Ideally, it starts with a website that is that is optimized for mobile interaction. SnapHop, a company that provides mobile talent management solutions, says these elements are necessary for a great candidate experience:

Support for all mobile platforms — access to sites from anywhere using, any mobile device;
Location awareness — automatically sense the candidate’s location and filter information accordingly;
Personalization — tailor information and recommendations by uncovering candidate preferences;
Social media presence — leverage social channels to connect with candidates and share relevant, timely content;
Responsive design — ensure that on all platforms, content is easy to skim and consume, and navigation flows with a minimum of resizing, panning, and scrolling.

Upward Mobility: Advantages of Mobile Recruitment

If you’re still not convinced about the business case for mobile recruitment, CareerBuilder for Employers developed a helpful presentation that outlines key issues and opportunities:

And what did the #TChat crowd say about the pros and cons of mobile recruiting? Check the highlights slideshow and other resource links below for great facts, real-world stories and ideas from across the TalentCulture community.

#TChat Week-In-Review: Mobile Devices + Recruiting = Perfect Match?

Jessica Miller Merrell

Watch the preview hangout now

SAT 10/26:

#TChat Preview:
TalentCulture Community Manager Tim McDonald framed this week’s topic in a post that featured a brief G+ Hangout video with one of our guests, Jessica Miller-Merrell, Read the Preview: “Mobile Devices + Recruiting = Perfect Match?

SUN 10/27:

Forbes.com Post: TalentCulture CEO, Meghan M. Biro recommended ways that employers can gain business advantage by embracing mobile strategies. Read: “5 Ways To Use Mobile To Recruit Top Talent.”

MON 10/28:

Related Post: Dan Newman, author of Millennial CEO, offered a broad perspective on the changing of the leadership guard — and its implications for business. Read: “Another Kind of Revolution: Social, Mobile, Cloud.

WED 10/30:

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Listen to the #TChat Radio show now

#TChat Radio: Our hosts, Meghan M. Biro and Kevin W. Grossman spoke with guests Jessica Miller-Merrell and Rayanne Thorn about how mobile adoption is revolutionizing the recruiting process today’s world of work. Listen to the radio recording now!

#TChat Twitter: Immediately following the radio show, Meghan, Kevin and guests moved over to the #TChat Twitter stream as I led the TalentCulture community through a conversation focused on 5 key questions. For highlights, check the Storify slideshow below:

#TChat Insights: Recruiting Is Rockin’ Mobile Platforms

[javascript src=”//storify.com/TalentCulture/tchat-insights-recruiting-is-rockin-mobile-at-lea.js?template=slideshow”]

Closing Notes & What’s Ahead

GRATITUDE: Thanks again to Jessica Miller-Merrell and Rayanne Thorn for helping us explore the potential of mobile platforms in the recruiting process. Your knowledge and passion are infectuous!

NOTE TO BLOGGERS: Did this week’s events prompt you to write about mobile recruiting trends or issues? We’d love to share your thoughts. Post a link on Twitter (include #TChat or @TalentCulture), or insert a comment below, and we’ll pass it along.

WHAT’S AHEAD: Next week, we dive into another fascinating topic — the role of social media in building brand influence. So save the date (November 6) for another #TChat double-header!

Meanwhile, the World of Work conversation continues. So join us on the #TChat Twitter stream, on our LinkedIn discussion group. or elsewhere on social media. The lights are always on here at TalentCulture, and your thoughts are always welcome.

See you on the stream!

Image Credit: GailJadeHamilton via Flickr

Tech Disruption: Too Much Of A Good Thing? #TChat Preview

(Editor’s Note: Are you looking for a full review of week’s events, including resource links? See the #TChat Recap “Quantum Change: Embracing Innovation.”)

Innovation at the speed of business.

That sounds like a tagline for countless high-tech vendors, doesn’t it?

Once upon a time, it was a strategic call-to-action for organizations seeking competitive advantage in the digital age. But what does this catchphrase imply today, for a global workplace that’s more turbo-charged than ever?

Ready Or Not — Here Comes More Change

For better or worse, disruption has become part of our lives. Technology is advancing at a feverish pace, and a new wave of digitally-savvy workers is entering the workforce in droves. Yet at the same time, employee engagement seems to remain stuck almost in neutral. This apparent disconnect raises nagging questions about how effectively innovation really drives individual and business performance.

We Have Seen the Future, And It Is Us

Most of us agree that tools, alone, have little value. It’s what we do with them that matters. So, in a world where technology is continually disrupting our organizational workflows, what lies ahead, and how can we prepare more effectively? As the rate of innovation accelerates, can adoption actually keep pace? How can we stay ahead of the learning curve? Why does it matter? And what are the human consequences — good, bad, and indifferent?

These are big questions with serious business implications. That’s why we’ve asked a workplace innovation expert to be our guest at #TChat forums this week. Jim Lundy, founder and CEO of Aragon Research has been at the forefront of enterprise collaboration and learning technology for almost 30 years — both in product marketing and sales executive roles at vendors like Saba Software and Xerox — and as an industry analyst at Gartner and now Aragon.

#TChat Events: Fusing Technology Disruption And Adoption

This week’s conversation promises to offer a fascinating peek at what’s ahead — and why that matters for all of us in the world of work. So join us as our “Summer Restart” series looks at why and how technology disruption and adoption are essential companions in business transformation. Bring your questions, concerns and ideas, and let’s talk!

#TChat Radio — Wed, Aug 14 at 6:30pmET / 3:30pmPT

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Tune-in to the #TChat Radio show

Jim Lundy joins our hosts, Meghan M. Biro and Kevin W. Grossman to talk about the most disruptive technologies on the horizon, and their potential impact on organizations. Listen live and dial-in with your questions and feedback!

#TChat Twitter — Wed, Aug 14 at 7pmET / 4pmPT

Immediately following the radio show, Jim follows us to the #TChat Twitter stream, as we open the discussion to the entire TalentCulture community. Anyone with a Twitter account is invited to participate, as we explore these questions:

Q1: What are the top disruptive HR technologies today and why?
Q2: How can the enterprise leverage innovation for positive workplace outcomes?
Q3: Why disruption? Can’t we just improve the process/tech status quo?
Q4: What can leaders do to encourage employee engagement via disruption?
Q5: Has innovation flattened today’s world of work for the better?

Throughout the week, we’ll keep the discussion going on the #TChat Twitter feed and on our new LinkedIn Discussion Group. So please join us share your questions, ideas and opinions.

We’ll see you on the stream!

Image Credit: CBS Television

High Tech or High Touch? #TChat Recap

Epic Times in HR Innovation

For geeks in the TalentCulture community, this was a red-letter week. We saw an impressive spectrum of innovative technology solutions roll through the HRO Today Forum in Philadelphia.

As planned, TalentCulture founders, Meghan Biro and Kevin Grossman were on-hand each day — sharing photos, updates and color commentary, live on the #TChat stream. It was like opening a virtual window into the state of HR innovation — and along with it, a perfect springboard to discuss promising “world of work” technologies and best practices.

I dialed-in from a distance, and couldn’t help feeling drawn to the energy of the iTalent innovation showdown (which Connect6° won, by the way), as well as the enthusiasm of #TChat-ters who openly exchanged ideas about HR tech at our Wednesday Twitter discussion. (See complete highlights in the Storify slideshow near the end of this post.)

Key Takeaway: Seek Balance

So, did we reach consensus about technology’s role in acquiring and nurturing talent? Did we agree on what matters most — high tech or high touch?

Wait. That’s not the right question. This isn’t a zero-sum game. Instead, shouldn’t we ask something more useful? Try this:

How well are we balancing the natural tension between “high tech” and “high touch,” for best results in our organization?

Truth is, there will never be a “final answer.” In an ever-changing business environment, we’ll always be seeking true north. A commitment to continuous improvement can help. But even with constant recalibration, it’s easy to miss the mark. So, for future reference, maybe we should tuck this tiny nugget of #TChat advice into the back of our minds:

Whatever helps us go THERE should be good. Thanks for the reminder, Zachary!

#TChat Week-in-Review

SUN 4/28

Forbes.com: TalentCulture CEO, Meghan M. Biro, set the stage for the week in her post: “HR Technology: A Revolution for the World of Work.”

MON 4/29

Publication1

Watch Tim’s G+ Hangout videos in his #TChat Preview

Meghan on Monday: To start the week, Meghan expanded on her Forbes commentary in a message to the TalentCulture community: “HR Tech as High Art and Deep Science.”

#TChat Preview: Our community manager, Tim McDonald, outlined the theme and key questions in a preview post: “Live From the Edge of HR Innovation,” featuring brief video interviews with four of the five finalists in this year’s HRO Today Forum iTalent Competition.

WED 5/1

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Listen to the radio show recording now

#TChat Radio: In a special 1-hour “open mic” roundtable live from the HRO Today Forum social media lounge, Jessica Miller-Merrell (Blogging4Jobs), Matt Charney (Talemetry), and a variety of other conference attendees talked with Meghan and Kevin about the changing role of HR, and technology’s role in supporting that shift.

Partner News: Speaking of innovative HR technology, we announced a partnership with Achievers this week — our first formal business alliance in TalentCulture’s 3-year history. Exciting stuff. Learn more in “TalentCulture + Achievers: Better Together!”

#TChat Twitter: Our expanding community gathered around the #TChat Twitter stream, as Achievers Community Manager, Katie Paterson, led us in a real-time exchange of ideas about innovation in HR practices and technology. The feed lit-up with great ideas and interaction throughout the hour. Watch highlights below:

#TChat Twitter Highlights Slideshow: “Live From the Edge of HR Innovation”

[javascript src=”//storify.com/TalentCulture/tchat-insights-live-from-the-edge-of-hr-innovatio.js?template=slideshow”]

Closing Notes & What’s Ahead

SPECIAL THANKS: Again, thanks to the HROToday Forum social media team for sharing their perspectives live from the conference, and thanks to Achievers Social Community Manager, Katie Paterson, for spearheading this week’s #TChat Twitter conversation. You brought insight, humor and energy that everyone could feel.

NOTE TO BLOGGERS: Did this week’s events prompt you to write about HR Innovation or related issues? We’re happy to share your thoughts. Just post a link on Twitter (include #TChat or @TalentCulture), or insert a comment below, and we’ll pass it along.

WHAT’S AHEAD: Next week, education and social learning advocate, Angela Maiers, returns to talk about how our nation can prepare today’s students to become tomorrow’s business and technology leaders. Stay tuned for a “sneak peek” video in our preview this weekend!

Until then, as always, the World of Work conversation continues each day. So join us on the #TChat Twitter stream, or on our new LinkedIn discussion group. And feel free to explore other areas of our redesigned website. The lights are always on at TalentCulture, and your ideas and opinions are always welcome.

We’ll see you on the stream!

Image credit: Pixabay

Clouding: Can it Cross the Job Chasm? #TChat Recap

“See the lonely man on the corner.
What he’s waiting for, I don’t know.
But he waits everyday now.
He’s just waiting for something to show.”
–Genesis

Contract Work Wears Many Faces

They wait on street corners and in parking lots, flanking big box home improvement stores and local hardware stores. They cluster in groups to keep one another company, hoping together for better opportunities ahead. They keep their distance from the entrances, waving their hands low or snapping their chins back in earnest as cars pull up and in to park. They smile hopefully and wait for a sign that work awaits in your front yard, around your house, at your construction site or at your business office.

We call them “day laborers.” They’re mostly men, who may also be illegal immigrants. They have low-wage skills and are willing to toil in high-risk work environments for cash on an “as needed” basis. (This assumes that they will actually be paid at the end of the day, but there are no guarantees.)

I’ve never hired one of these workers myself. However, I know others who have, and who’ve thankfully paid them for their labor.

Talent Supply Meets Demand: Old School

What does this have to do with TalentCulture? Actually, in many ways, the classic “day labor” model is starting to seem closer than ever to a professional career path.

This week in #TChat forums we’ve been talking about on-demand talent, the rise of the contingent workforce, Humans as a Service (HuaaS) and talent “clouding.” It’s been a fascinating ride; however we’ve focused primarily on how it applies to specialized skills and talent, including business services, marketing and IT — and how this approach can help companies reduce fixed costs associated with headcount. It’s considered edgy — and it’s supported by emerging technologies and innovative business practices.

But there’s another world of work that operates in parallel each day. The one defined by low-wages, high risk and physical labor. Its an on-demand labor market that has become commoditized over thousands of years. Yardwork. Household maintenance and repair. Household chores. Cash and carry.

Can you perform these tasks well? Some of us are handy with DIY projects, but don’t ask me to install a sprinkler system (found a friend to help with that one) or clean my rain gutters (my lovely wife forbids me to climb ladders). Could you fix your own plumbing or electrical systems? Not me — although I did install a dimmer switch once with great pride (and a fair share of sweat and cursing).

Talent Supply Meets Demand: A New View?

While powerful new talent software platforms and freelance online clearinghouses now help us manage today’s on-demand, fluid “professional” workforce, let’s not forget that we’ve been clouding humans for a long, long time. But if we’ve learned anything from history — especially with more recent worker protections and employment laws — we should be mindful that this new world of specialized project work could eventually be commoditized — and not for the better.

Yes, the economics will fluctuate with supply and demand, and business will find efficiency in digital pathways to just-in-time talent. Yes, many are choosing to offer their talent independently — not because they must, but because they prefer operating as free agents. But many others are not so comfortable in that zone.

For now, those who have the skills, the savvy, and the determination to package and promote themselves professionally will help drive their own opportunities, while the corporate world rethinks vendor management.

I just hope that this kind of talent clouding doesn’t arrive on my corner anytime soon.

#TChat Week-in-Review: “Cloud Talent” Guests

Because “Talent as a Service” is a new and complex concept, we invited two experts in HR innovation to inform and guide this week’s discussion:

Also, by popular demand, we’ve captured below links to the week’s various activities and resources, to help you easily find, review and share information now and in the future. We look forward to hearing from you early and often as the conversation continues to evolve within the World of Work.

#TChat “Cloud Talent” Resource Links

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See the guest videos on Tim McDonald’s post now…

SAT 3/30  “Sneak Peek” videos: In bite-sized interviews with our community manager, Tim McDonald, both Richie Etwaru and Jason Averbook weighed in with a definition of “Talent as a Service.”

SUN 3/31  “Will Leaders Embrace Talent in a Cloud?” TalentCulture CEO, Meghan M. Biro, offered her perspective and advice in her weekly Forbes.com column.

MON 4/1  #TChat Weekly Preview  “Cloud Talent: Gaining Ground?” outlined the week’s premise and core questions.

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Listen to the #TChat Radio show recording now…

TUE 4/2  #TChat Radio Show  Both Jason and Richie joined our radio hosts to clarify the business issues and opportunities associated with talent “clouding” strategies. It’s a fascinating 30-minute session for anyone interested workforce trends and their impact on global business management, as well as individual careers.

WED 4/3  #TChat Twitter  Jason and Richie returned — this time to connect directly with the TalentCulture tribe live on the Twitter — for a dynamic discussion about the realities and possibilities of “clouding” as a talent strategy. See highlights from the conversation in the slideshow below…

#TChat Twitter Highlights Slideshow: Cloud Talent: Gaining Ground?

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Closing Notes & What’s Ahead

SPECIAL THANKS: Again, thanks to Jason Averbook, and Richie Etwaru, for contributing your time and expertise to help inform and inspire our community. We look forward to continued dialogue with you both on “talent clouding” and other World of Work topics.

NOTE TO BLOGGERS: Did this week’s events prompt you to write about “humans as a service” or related issues? We’re happy to share your thoughts. Just post a link on Twitter (include #TChat or @TalentCulture), or insert a comment below, and we’ll pass it along.

WHAT’S AHEAD: Next week, we shift gears to consider how to understand and move beyond workplace stereotypes, with guest experts John Wilson, Founder and CEO of WilsonHCG, and Ashley Lauren Perez, a WilsonHCG Sourcing Specialist and highly regarded HR blogger.

Until then, we’ll continue the World of Work conversation each day. So join us on the #TChat Twitter stream, or on our new LinkedIn discussion group. And feel free to explore other areas of our redesigned blog/community website. The lights are always on at TalentCulture, and your ideas and opinions are always welcome.

We’ll see you on the stream!

Image credit: Pixabay

Cloud Talent: Gaining Ground? #TChat Preview

(Editorial Note: Want to read the RECAP of this week’s events? See “Clouding: Can it Cross the Job Chasm? #TChat Recap”)

Over the past decade, the concept of Software as a Service (SaaS) has transformed the way we work, learn and live. Individuals and organizations, alike, have welcomed the convenience, flexibility and efficiency of on-demand applications – delivered from “the cloud” over digital networks.

Not surprisingly, business strategists now wonder how this “cloud” model can transform other aspects of business management. And in the World of Work community, we wonder — can this “on demand” model be extended effectively to human resources? How?

#TChat Focus Topic: Talent as a Service

First, let’s be sure we’re on the same page. What exactly do we mean by “Talent as a Service” (TaaS)? As I explained yesterday in a Forbes.com post, “Will Leaders Embrace Talent in a Cloud?” think of it essentially as recruiting on an as-needed basis from a cloud-based talent pool.

Of course, this already happens, as contingent workers are sourced for temporary assignments and projects via online freelance clearinghouses and similar services. But I can’t help wondering if this approach will scale effectively and efficiently for the global enterprise, as well as smaller companies and consultants? What does this mean for professional skills development and knowledge sharing? And what are the implications for  corporate cultures, everywhere?

#TChat Guests

Some of the most innovative minds in human capital management and cloud technology are now focused on these questions. And I’m thrilled to say that two of those experts are joining the TalentCulture Community this week!

As we revealed along with their “sneak peek” videos last weekend, we are welcoming two brilliant guests:

I expect a week filled with both future-thinking predictions, as well as actionable advice. And I’m sure that this is only the start of a conversation that will continue to resonate with our community for a long time to come! Join us for this week’s events, and let’s talk about the possibilities!

TChatRadio_logo_020813#TChat Radio

#TChat Radio — Tuesday, April 2 at 7:30pmET (4:30pmPT)

Both Jason and Richie will join Kevin Grossman and me to tackle key issues that come with “clouding” strategies.

#TChat Twitter

#TChat Twitter – Wednesday,  April 3 at 7pm ET / 4pm PT.

Join our weekly online forum, and share your thoughts with others about these key questions:

Q1: Do you think that “Human as a Service” models will really take hold? Why or why not?
Q2: How can the process of “clouding humans” create competitive advantage for business?
Q3: Could “clouding” humans be immoral? Unethical? Do you see HR compliance issues?
Q4: What processes should business leaders put in place to scale true on-demand talent, globally?
Q5: What kinds of HR technology requirements will facilitate on-demand talent now? In the future?

Want to see more about this week’s topic? Read Richie Etwaru’s blog post, “Go Beyond Everything as a Service.” Or see the “sneak peek” blog post from TalentCulture community manager, Tim McDonald, where both of our guests offer quick video definitions of “Humans as a Service” concept.

Throughout the week, we’ll keep the discussion going on the #TChat Twitter feed and on our new LinkedIn Discussion Group. So please join us share your questions, ideas and opinions.

We’ll see you on the stream!

Image credit: Pixabay

Leaders Dive Into The Workplace Cloud

I only sometimes talk about technology here. Yes, my inner nerd is still alive and well for those of you wondering what I’ve been up to lately. I’ve been hanging out in the clouds pondering this enormous topic. I assume, like 90% of us, it is there, meeting my needs, and don’t worry overmuch about marketing labels. Leaders have a way of offloading (ignoring?) many of the technical details as we hurry about our over-scheduled days.

The Cloud” is one of those technology marketing terms which represents a shift in the way technology is delivered; after all, you’d have to really be tuned out to not hear the word ‘cloud’ at least once every 15 minutes.

Oddly enough, though, cloud computing is the ultimate it’s-been there-a-long-time technology. And it is forcing leaders and HR practitioners to sit up and take notice. Why?

At its core, ‘cloud’ is really about optimizing the effectiveness of IT and systems in the workplace. Cloud computing is the successor of distributed computing, client-server and utility computing, a model where defined services depend on standardization and customer satisfaction depends upon optimization of those defined services.

Furthermore, as concepts go, it’s an abstract one, and as most tech stars will tell you, every problem in computer science can be solved by adding a layer of abstraction.  So, if you’re a techie, you know cloud is just a way to deliver computing resources.

If you’re an end user, you may think cloud is a way to get the computing resources you want without necessarily having to understand, or pay for, the ramifications of your decisions.

For those of us less technical Luddites, there are a couple of areas where the eventual impact of cloud seems greatly underestimated.  I’m speaking, of course, about  HR, especially recruiting and job search, as well as leadership, particularly as it relates to human capital management.

But when it comes to the cloud, what do leaders need to know?  Here are a couple critical cloud questions for organizational leaders & talent managers:

1) What does cloud mean for hiring and managing people?

2) What do leaders need to know about the cloud?  Are leaders struggling with any misconceptions?

Chances are most leaders will answer “no” for #1; for #2, most will likely not be sure of their answer.  But while the concept of cloud computing, like leadership, is a complex one, it underscores a far simpler truth:

The cloud is already in your workplace.

All that recruiting and HR software you use, delivered via the Software as a Service (SaaS) model? It’s cloud. Online networking and career sites like Facebook and Monster? Delivered via the cloud.

Do you use Gmail to connect with prospects? On some level this could be translated as Cloud. Store your resume online, or keep files in Box.net? Cloud. And so on.

As you can see – It’s everywhere – including your organization.

For users, the changes may be subtle. Many leaders perceive these changes strictly as benefits, and there are many – no servers to buy, no on-site IT guy to worry about. But there are also – especially in HR – areas of concern, like security, multi-tenancy (shared services within the cloud) and reliability/availability (there have been some spectacular, recent cloud crashes).

Here are 3 common misconceptions about cloud computing and what leaders really need to know:

Security in the cloud is one of the challenge areas where misconceptions abound. At its most basic, security in the cloud is the same as security in an enterprise data center: policies and processes must be in place to ensure uptime, adequate resources must be provisioned, reliable and proven backup and disaster recovery procedures must be in place – and audited, and security must be in any contract you sign with a cloud provider.

In fact you must be able to define your requirements for data security. Part of the discussion should be which applications or data to put in the cloud, because not all data and applications should be in the cloud. Quiz – no, grill – your cloud provider about the security of its offering and the practices it employs to keep your data secure.

Multi-tenancy is a bit different. There are three general forms of clouds – public, private and hybrid – and three ways in which cloud services are provided: IaaS, or infrastructure as a service; PaaS, or platform as a service, and SaaS, software as a service.

If you choose multi-tenancy because it’s less expensive, you must also realize that your data and apps will be sharing space with someone else’s data and apps. You’ll be a tenant among tenants. One of your security safeguards will be gone. Just something to think about, and negotiate.

Reliability (also known as availability) is the stuff of Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Make sure to set requirements – SLAs – for uptime, reliability and availability, and negotiate penalties into your contract in the event they’re breached. Don’t accept a contract that lacks a financial penalty or for which the remedy is a service ‘credit’. This is your business, after all. It’s your data.

So leaders, go to the cloud by all means, but go with your eyes open. Ask hard questions. Cloud is an innovation that promises massive efficiencies. Make sure you’re on the right side of those promises. Protect you business, your data, your people.

In IT adding a layer of abstraction may help solve problems; chances are, in HR, an added layer of abstraction will just make it harder to know who’s doing what to whom, and if it’s really the desired outcome.

So go to the cloud, but remember: be careful out there.

Also posted by Meghan M. Biro on MonsterThinking Blog