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by Nikos Kefis, Senior HR Consulting Manager, NHS Shared Business Services. |
With over 1.5 million employees, the NHS faces a complex challenge in managing recruitment, training, performance, payroll, and staff development. Technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming workforce management, reducing the amount of time spent on routine, repetitive tasks and freeing up valuable resources.
Why the NHS needs to act now
To stay ahead, NHS organisations need to make the most of the technologies available to them. To quote Matthew Swindells, formerly NHS England’s director of information: “Huge benefits are available early on in a journey that is much duller than bots replacing doctors.”
Inexpensive, tried-and-tested and easy to implement algorithms are available that simulate a human consuming data and taking action. This brings:
- Efficiency and Cost Reduction
Automation speeds up HR processes and reduces operational costs. - Enhanced Employee Experience
Self-service platforms and streamlined processes improve staff satisfaction and engagement. - Data-Driven Decision Making
Automating HR processes generates valuable data for predictive analytics, helping to model future workforce needs and service demands. - Flexibility and Collaboration
Digital tools enable better collaboration across departments and locations, supporting remote and hybrid work models. - Smarter Talent Management
AI and automation can optimise recruitment, performance management, and employee development, helping you attract and retain top talent.
How to get HR digitisation right
To maximise the benefits of HR digitisation, keep these key principles in mind:
- Make it work for you, not you for it
Ensure that HR technology supports your overall strategy. Collaborate across teams to highlight the value of new systems and processes. - Put people first
Prioritise the user experience. Make it simple. Design HR systems with employee needs at the core to drive adoption and satisfaction. - Think integration, sustainability, and scalability
Adopt an incremental transformation approach. Ensure new solutions integrate smoothly with core HR systems and are easy to scale. - Create an enhanced HR operating model
Adapt your HR model to respond to real-time employee feedback. Develop bespoke processes tailored to different workforce segments, supported by automation and digital tools.
Take the first step toward success
At NHS SBS, we’re here to guide you through your HR digitisation journey. Our HR Excellence team and network of automation and AI specialists help create more efficient, responsive, and employee-focused workplaces.
How we can help:
- Platform: we can set up platforms to measure employee engagement and satisfaction from hire to retirement.
- Automation: we can build a “digital workforce” which automates routine tasks and improve efficiency.
- AI: we can help you use AI-driven tools to support clinical decisions, optimise rostering, and enhance employee engagement.
- Virtual Agents: we can implement AI-powered chatbots and voice assistants to reduce administrative workload and improve employee experience.
We deliver proven results, driving major cost savings and productivity gains.
Get in touch today to find out how we can save you time, money, and effort.
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