A study has shown that investment in technology such as mobile applications is part of a growing trend that will change the face of human resources.

The 2013 HR Service Delivery and Technology Survey released by Global professional services company Towers Watson, claims over a third of countries in the Asia-pacific area are moving to streamline their HR departments.

Technology is seen as the main driver of the cost-cutting and HR efficiency measures.

The survey polled 578 Asia-Pacific based companies to reveal that 33 per cent will make changes to their HR structure before the end of next year. Most are shooting for operational efficiencies or improvements in product quality.

From the hundreds of companies polled, the key areas targeted for strategic changes are:

  • Training and development
  • Identification of high potential individuals
  • Performance management
  • Succession management
  • Employee management
  • Recruitment and selection

Towers Watson’s Asia Pacific HR Service Delivery practice Director, Robert Zampetti says it is all about trimming down on the humans, and pushing technological solutions.

“Without question, HR service delivery is in a state of change,” he said.

“This means they can change the game by modifying their structure, rethinking long-held processes, adopting new HR technologies and processes, and extending capabilities to the organization via manager self-service and shared services. In the end, it means using new concepts, approaches and technology to provide better HR services.”

“We’re seeing elsewhere in the world that companies are carefully examining both their HR structures and the way HR services are being delivered, and Asia is no different: there’s a need to review, refine and enhance for the function,” Zampetti added.