Modernizing HR Through Automation: Moving Beyond Copy-Paste Communication
An interview with Aleks Sibilia, an experienced HR leader from Berlin, on how automation makes HR processes more efficient, ensures consistent communication, and frees HR to connect more deeply with employees.
Essi Järvinen
Like many fields, Human Resources is filled with repetitive – and some might say mundane – tasks. From onboarding new employees to managing maternity and sick leave, HR teams often rely on standard emails or copy-pasted Slack messages. Although many companies have adopted email and Slack automation, efficiently managing these processes can still be a struggle.
Aleks discovered Introist, a modern HR automation platform, at just the right moment – when he was ready for a change. Frustrated by outdated practices and the pressure to improve efficiency, he searched for a new solution.
“There are various recruiting systems, HR tools, and Slack that offer automation features, but nothing brings them all together quite like Introist.”
Connecting All HR Systems and Creating Documentation
For instance, when Slack automation fails, it usually goes unnoticed, leaving messages unsent without any feedback. Introist solves this problem by providing clear feedback and showcasing the entire process related to the message. Messages are dispatched through the channels that employees already use, allowing conversations to flow seamlessly. With all this in one place, the HR team can support one another more effectively and quickly create new processes or modify existing ones centrally. Thus, the processes will not be dependent on one person.
The real strength of Introist lies in its encouragement of continuous development and improvement of HR processes. It effectively manages communication for various HR functions, including welcoming new hires, training, handling sick leave, conducting performance evaluations, and managing employee exits, all within a streamlined system. This ensures communication is efficient and consistent, supporting compliance and auditing needs.
Aleks points out that not all companies have well-defined HR processes, nor do many maintain proper documentation. Introducing Introist to an organization has the amazing side effect that by creating workflows, you automatically build a handbook or documentation around it.
By improving HR quality, automation can reduce the need to hire additional HR staff and help save costs.
“Companies shouldn’t hire expensive HR Business Partners or leaders merely to copy and paste emails. Instead, they should create processes that can be managed by modern technologies and monitored by capable professionals. The next generation of people leaders understands where technology can enhance operations and where a human touch is irreplaceable. After all, it’s called ‘Human’ Resources.”
Automation or Human Interaction?
Aleks emphasizes that HR should be a strategic partner within the business rather than merely an operational executor. Establishing transparent processes and defining the responsibilities between HR and other business functions is essential. He advocates that HR professionals should dedicate most of their time to engaging with people instead of doing repetitive tasks that can be automated.
“When processes are confined to the brains of the HR department, the overall system can become nontransparent to employees and people managers. For example, the Introist platform provides an intuitive system for onboarding and sends automated messages to everyone involved to clarify their roles, responsibilities, and upcoming tasks.”
When repetitive tasks are automated, and systems run efficiently, HR can focus on its core responsibilities – interacting with people. This could involve casual conversations during coffee breaks or scheduled meetings to discuss long-term sick leaves, parental leaves, or mental health issues reflecting on work. Aleks highlights the importance of automating specific tasks while dedicating personal attention where needed.
“Maternity leave, for instance, can be complex, especially here in Germany. By personally guiding an expecting mother, HR can provide her with the clarity she needs, eliminating the hassle of searching for forms and instructions. This not only enhances the employee experience but also improves overall efficiency.”
The Importance of Seamless Communication
Aleks emphasizes that the employee experience begins on the very first day or even before. Arriving at the office without the necessary tools can lead to doubts about one’s worth in a new role. Although it might seem like “just” communication, a lack of it or poor-quality communication can have a profound impact.
“Mistakes in HR can have serious consequences. Simple oversights, such as forgetting to order a laptop or send a welcome email, can significantly affect performance and motivation. This is why consistency and quality in HR practices should rely on effective automation; crucial matters like these should not be left to human memory.”
By minimizing manual tasks, Introist can enhance processes and benefit various departments, including marketing, communications, and C-level executives, by efficiently managing regular communication.
Closing Thoughts: Understanding the Future of HR
As HR evolves with automation, teams spend less time on repetitive tasks and more on meaningful employee interactions. Tools like Introist help organize tasks and maintain clear communication, enhancing HR operations. By wisely using technology, companies can operate more efficiently without expanding HR teams, creating workplaces where everyone feels valued and supported, thus achieving greater success overall.