Data 'vital' to boosting workplace performance

Technology and data can significantly improve performance in UK workplaces and drive forward progress, but some experts have argued that skill shortages are preventing companies from tapping into this potential.

According to a new report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), processes like talent analytics and big data help HR departments to adopt a more evidence-driven approach to things like engagement and e-learning.

However, the body also argued there are obstacles holding firms back from accessing these services, including skills gaps among HR workers and challenges posed by current infrastructure that protects against the sharing of data.

John McGurk, head of CIPD Scotland and author of the report, said HR leaders who are confident in dealing with data and analytics are now able to concentrate on using this information to influence business decisions.

But he explained there is currently tension between practitioners who feel analysts are not sharing enough data and do not have a full understanding of their workforce, and analysts who think practitioners are not asking the right questions.

"This is a healthy tension, but one which must be resolved if HR professionals are to fully embrace the talent analytics revolution, which is already central to business conversations," Mr McGurk added.

However, there are lots of ways managers can close skills gaps among HR teams, with one being turning to the services of external training providers that offer tools perfect for addressing these challenges.

Companies such as Virtual College have their own learning management system (LMS), which gives bosses complete control over their employees' training records and deliver online learning resources efficiently.

It also has more than 20 courses in its People Manager's Toolkit, which is aimed at senior staff in a managerial role and provides them with information about key issues and considerations they'll be faced with during their career in an accessible and flexible way.

This proves that if a skills gap does exist, it doesn't have to for long with the vast range of digital services available to HR professionals.