HR can help prevent ‘dark side’ of technology

Technology will have a negative impact on morale and productivity if it is not aligned with business objectives and good people management, according to a recent report published by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). The report singles out the potential for technology to restrict employees’freedom and autonomy as a particular concern, and calls on employers to limit the impact of the ‘dark side’ of technology by involving HR in the design and implementation of new systems. Employers have one fundamental choice when implementing a technical system – whether the technology is a tool to empower employees or control them, according to the CIPD.

Oracle lands $67 million WA government contract

Oracle Corporation Australia recently signed a multi-million dollar contract with the West Australian Government to help facilitate a massive shared corporate services project, which aims to save Western Australian taxpayers $50 million a year. The government’s shared corporate services project will see more than 100 Government agencies consolidate their back-office functions into three shared service centers, including one for HR management. Currently, there are some 21 different financial management and 12 payroll systems in the largest 49 agencies, many of which are incompatible. The 10-year contract is worth $66.8 million.