Digital transformation: Practical insights from the people profession
Our article series showcases the role of people professionals and their experiences in helping their organisations navigate and evolve through digital change
Our article series showcases the role of people professionals and their experiences in helping their organisations navigate and evolve through digital change
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Digital transformation is a hot topic that is being widely discussed in many different contexts. Indeed, it was one of the critical themes people professionals identified as impacting the current and future world of work, according to the CIPD People Profession 2030 report. But what exactly is digital transformation? Why does it matter? How can employers and people professionals prepare themselves, and their organisations, to embrace it and to derive maximum advantage from it? |
This and the following series of articles will explore these questions, combining the practical implications drawn from in-depth research and study, with the insight and experience of people professionals who have taken crucial steps in digital transformation.
Our series begins with an explanation of why digital transformation matters to people professionals. Using Kane et al’s research, we explain what it is and how to do it effectively. In the second chapter, the Group People Director of Axiom Telecom in the UAE shares his organisation’s digital transformation journey from a traditional bricks-and-mortar retailer, wholesaler and distributor to a predominantly digital platform distributor. The focus in subsequent chapter shifts to digital transformation within the people function. We organise people professionals’ stories in these chapters by specialist functions such as HR information systems, recruitment, and learning and development. Where applicable we share the impact of change on their organisations. We will conclude the series with reflections from experts and acknowledgements of the people professionals who have contributed to the series.
Recognising the very real challenges of screen fatigue and time constraints facing our readers, we’ve sought to publish this content in short, individual chapters rather than as a single, long-form report. After the initial launch of the first three chapters, we will look to publish subsequent chapters monthly, completing the series in early 2022.
We hope that the experiences shared in this series inspire more people professionals to take a proactive role in the digital transformation of their organisations and people functions. And in doing so, change the notion that the people function is not regularly involved in decisions to invest and implement new technologies, as uncovered in past CIPD research.
Read the latest article in our series below.
Thought leadership
What is digital transformation and why should it matter to people professionals?
Thought leadership
Dominic Keogh-Peters, Axiom Telecom’s Group People Director, talks to the CIPD about the key role of the people function in his organisation’s digital transformation
Thought leadership
Practical insights from small and medium-sized enterprises on how HR information systems can be used to improve organisational efficiency and access to people data
Thought leadership
Practical insights from large organisations on how HR information systems can be used to improve organisational efficiency and access to people data
Thought leadership
How can people functions leverage automation and digital technology to improve recruitment, selection and onboarding?
Thought leadership
Enabling flexible, accessible learning that improves a learner’s existing practice
Thought leadership
How can people professionals leverage learning platforms to stimulate innovation, map career growth for employees and improve their learning experience?
Thought leadership
Case study examples of how people professionals can leverage technology to improve worker wellbeing
Thought leadership
How can technology be used to allow better access to pay and a fairer assessment of employee performance and potential?
Guidance on how to manage the impact AI-driven change is having on human skills; the key concepts and challenges, and a structure for responding to the profound impact of AI on human skills
This case study looks at the rollout of an AI writing assistant at a large organisation. It highlights how failing to involve employees and preserve foundational skills creates a trust gap that undermines investment
This case study details steps taken by a not-for-profit membership organisation to navigate towards a collective position on using generative AI
Discover how the CIPD and the Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW) found insights from eight diverse case studies around the friction between AI and workforce stability. Learn why strategic pauses are necessary and why safeguarding your organisation’s future expertise is essential
Discover how the CIPD and the Institute for the Future of Work are supporting organisations in understanding how to take a people-centred approach to integrate AI-enabled solutions effectively and responsibly at work
Find out what people professionals said about their working lives and career development prospects in our recent pulse survey
As artificial intelligence continues its rapid advancement and becomes the much touted focus for investment and development, we highlight the critical role of the people profession and explain how the CIPD and its members will be involved shaping its impact at work