Embracing innovative technologies of the digital age can yield a plethora of benefits for HR professionals. Whether it's to help create an efficient training program, automate regulatory obligations or centralise workforce data, there are many ways in which technology can be used to save time and improve accuracy in your everyday life. 

Making the technological transition from manual to digital has the potential to revolutionise your HR practices. Not only can these technologies assist you within your own role but they can also help the employees in your office. We have highlighted some of the most notable technologies that we think you should think about investing in for your workplace.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality 
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are two key technologies that have the potential to streamline a range of fundamental HR tasks. One such example of this is the on-boarding of new employees. Instead of cumbersome 'tick-box' exercises that often leave employees underwhelmed, VR could be used to facilitate highly interactive, scalable and cost-effective training. 

Alternatively, AR - which supplements real-world viewing with enhanced virtual characteristics such as sounds, text or graphics - could be used to provide employees with training that would otherwise be too dangerous to perform in the real world. As a consequence, employees will be accustomed to crucial 'what-if' scenarios without being exposed to harm. 

While the two technologies are often discussed interchangeably, there are actually some key differences between VR and AR, and ultimately, both can benefit the HR workplace in a range of areas.

Wireless and portable charging
Millennials, who will form more than 35% of the global workforce by the year 2020, don't want to be stuck behind a desk all day. In fact, it is estimated that just 40% of the working day is spent at a desk, illustrating that mobility is crucial for the modern employee. HR departments must therefore be willing to accommodate the need to be mobile around the office. 

One such solution is to invest in wireless charging desks, subsequently allowing employees to move around freely without needing to carry chargers around the office. Moreover, with an estimated 34% increase in work-related productivity when employees have the ability to use mobile phones in the office, wireless charging could yield a more focused and efficient workforce. 

Interactive whiteboards
We now live and work in a world of globalization, whereby employees need to discuss, collaborate and produce on a remote and borderless basis. The days of producing one-way PowerPoint presentations are dwindling, not least because they place restrictions on the number of end users that have the ability to engage in the underlying message.

Interactive whiteboards can help solve this problem, as they allow colleagues to access, edit, share and save information in real-time. Not only will this boost communication throughout the company, but by integrating interactive whiteboard sessions with mobile applications, allowing employees to engage while on-the-move.

Artificial Intelligence 
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a technology that is increasing its capabilities at an exponential pace. While potentialities within the human resources arena are endless, one such example of its usage could be to replace low-value manual tasks with highly accurate automation. 

For example, by facilitating the onboarding process, employee benefits and KPI management in an autonomous manner, HR professionals can free-up time to concentrate on other, more productive and strategic tasks.