Tag: innovation

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Innovation

Not Just Days Off: Designing Leave Policies That Show You Care 

By Temitope Adewole

Today’s workforce is more dynamic and diverse than ever. People come to work with different life experiences, values, and needs, and that includes how they take time off. From early-career professionals navigating new responsibilities to experienced employees juggling family or health priorities, the traditional, one-size-fits-all leave policy often falls short. 

Designing leave policies that truly support your people means going beyond compliance and compensation. It requires empathy, flexibility, and a thoughtful understanding of the many ways people work and live today. 

In this article, we explore how people managers can create leave policies that promote wellbeing, boost engagement, and foster a workplace culture where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.  

Types of Leave & Tailoring Them for Today’s Workforce 

An effective leave framework goes beyond statutory options like annual, sick, or maternity/paternity leave. It should offer adaptable formats that align with generational preferences: 

  • Gen Alpha (Born 2010 onwards): This emerging cohort may still be in higher institutions, but future policies must anticipate their expectations: digital-first processes and a strong focus on wellbeing. 
  • Gen Z & Millennials (20–40) value mental health and flexibility. Options like mental wellness days or remote-friendly time-off can go a long way. 
  • Gen X & Baby Boomers (40+) often juggle work with caregiving, taking eldercare leave, extended sick leave, or phased retirement plans especially relevant. 

Legal Compliance & Considerations   

While innovation is key, adherence to national labour laws remains non-negotiable. Leave policies must comply with regulations in each country of operation, including statutory leave entitlements, minimum wage implications during leave, and tax treatments. HR teams should collaborate with legal experts to ensure policies are up-to-date, especially in multinational environments. 

Communicating Leave Policies Effectively  

A well-designed policy means little if employees don’t understand or trust it. Use clear, jargon-free language and multiple channels (emails, HR portals, onboarding, and even team check-ins) to reinforce leave options. Embedding these discussions into onboarding and performance reviews builds awareness and trust. 

Boosting Satisfaction & Performance   

Research consistently shows that supportive leave policies boost employee morale, reduce burnout, and improve retention. When people feel their personal lives are respected, they’re more likely to stay engaged, committed, and invested in their roles. 

Leverage Technology – The HumanManager Advantage  

HumanManager simplifies leave management through an intuitive, centralized dashboard. With features like real-time leave balances, automated approval workflows, compliance alerts, and leave trend analytics, organisations can stay efficient and proactive. HumanManager’s modular setup also allows you to customise policies by department or region, striking the right balance between compliance and flexibility. 

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Innovation

Designing for Business Growth: How User Experience (UX) can drive Revenue 

By Kolapo Akinlade

It is no news that in today’s competitive business environment, organisations consistently find avenues for growth in every sense of it. One area often dismissed but integral to business expansion is the user interface and experience (UI/UX) in product and service design. A focus on UX helps companies develop products and services that meet users’ needs, elicit interest, encourage engagement, and, in turn, grow revenue. 

The Importance of User Experience (UX) in Business Growth 

1. User Satisfaction: A well-designed product or service equals good user experience, and a building block for satisfaction, loyalty and retention.  

2. Reduction in Bounce Rates and Increased Conversion Rates: A good user experience across business touchpoints can optimise interactions with increased chances of prospects being converted to loyal customers. 

3. Improving Brand Reputation: Sustained use of companies’ touch points by customers who always have satisfying experiences encourages repeat purchases, retention and loyalty among customers who go on to be brand advocates. 

It is noteworthy that research is a critical component of UX, providing valuable insights into user needs or pain points, behaviours and motivations. Businesses should harness these research outputs to address users’ motivations and meet their needs or expectations. 

This topic will be incomplete without touching on another critical aspect while designing for business growth, that is, Usability Testing and A/B Testing.  

Usability Testing is an essential aspect of UX, allowing businesses to test products and services with real users to: 

  1. Identify Usability Issues  
  1. Validate Design Decisions  
  1. Receive feedback for necessary improvements.

A/B testing, also known as split testing, on the other hand, is a method of comparing two or more versions of a product or service to determine which one performs better. This process helps in the following ways: 

  1. Design Elements Optimisation like buttons, forms and navigation, to enhance user experience and produce business outcomes. 
  1. Provision of guidance on Design Decisions: A/B testing is useful to bring forward the design that best meets the target users’ needs and projects the business in the right light to the market 

In conclusion, from enhancing user experience to boosting client loyalty, UX is essential to business growth. Businesses can develop goods and services which adequately encourage engagement by the Target Market, boost patronage and in turn revenue by making User Experience top priority.  

Categories
Innovation

Empowering Workplaces: How AI Chatbots and Mobile Apps Are Redefining Employee Self-Service

By Deborah Eke

The workplace is evolving rapidly with technology leading the charge. It’s driving human resource management processes and interactions, allowing for enhanced employee engagement and efficiency.  

At the core of this dynamics is Employee Self Service (ESS), a concept that decentralises the administration and coordination of HR and associated processes. This has significantly improved productivity, cutting out drudgery while giving employees sufficient access and control over their own data as well as processes concerning them. 

These days, as expected, the introduction of Artificial Intelligence and Mobile versions of applications improves accessibility and energises the move of Self Service.

The impact of Self Service in HR management is seen in the following: 

  1. Streamlined Information Access: Complex data is at employees’ fingertips, reducing reliance on HR personnel. 
  2. Increased Efficiency: Automated workflows and seamless issue resolution save time and boost productivity. 

The power of self-service extends to mobile apps, putting HR functionalities at employees’ fingertips as in: 

  • 24/7 Accessibility: Employees can resolve queries and access information anytime, anywhere. 
  • Leave Management: users can request and approve leave requests on-the-go 
  • Payroll Access: pay slips, tax, pension information can be viewed securely 
  • Performance Tracking: Goals and performance indicators can be tracked and feedback given real-time 
  • Learning Management: learning resources are accessible anytime, anywhere. 

AI Chatbots lead the way, they give virtual personalised assistance to employees in complaint management, triaging information, and if needed, fast-tracking escalations. These concepts therefore facilitate the full expression of the impact of HR technology in organisations.

An all-in-one software like HumanManager is leading this transformation in HR technology and enriching employee experience. As HR management continues to evolve, innovative technology like AI and mobile solutions will continue to be critical for fully engaged and dynamic workforce.

Simplify your HR operations with HumanManager, your all-in-one solution for self-service, better employee engagement, and improved efficiency. Manage leave requests, track performance, and access key features anytime, anywhere with our easy-to-use mobile app.

Download the app on the Play Store or App Store, or contact us at [email protected] for more details.

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HM Digest

Tips to Stay Ahead in 2025 

By Olakunle Yusuff

As we approach the end of the year, it is common practice for individuals and organisations to reflect on the journey so far and set their sights on the opportunities ahead. Organisations usually plan strategies that maximise employee potential and align individual contributions with broader goals, while individuals redefine their goals and position themselves as indispensable assets in their workplace. 

Whether you’re an employer or an employee, 2025 presents a fresh canvas to stand out and make a lasting impact. To do this, you must focus on the following: 

  1. Embrace Lifelong Learning 

Continuously upskill to stay relevant in your field by learning digital skills such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, and automation tools and soft skills like emotional intelligence, adaptability, and collaboration.  

Take advantage of online learning platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or company training programs. Also, volunteer to be a part of impromptu projects within the organisation. This allows you to work with that person that you admire their skills.  

  1. Prioritise Adaptability 

No doubt, the pace of change in technology and business models will accelerate. Therefore, be open to learning and adopting new tools, workflows, and roles. You must show flexibility in taking on cross-functional tasks or projects. Be on top of the changes that are going on in your industry and share what you know with others. 

  1. Leverage Technology 

Master tools that enhance productivity, collaboration, and innovation. Automation is now the order of the day, which automation tools are you learning and mastering in 2025? What automation tool is available to make your current job role easier and ultimately more enjoyable? Find it, learn it, master it. 

  1. Focus on Impact 

Identify ways your role contributes to organisational success and align your work with the company’s goals and measurable outcomes. Also, regularly report and celebrate milestones achieved.  

5. Cultivate a Personal Brand 

This is one that many do or have not given a thought. A strong professional identity sets you apart. Build an online presence on LinkedIn or industry-specific platforms. Join industry-specific groups, participate in discussions, ask relevant questions and share thought leadership content, such as articles, tips, or case studies. 

6. Foster Strong Relationships 

Network within and outside your organisation. The easiest way to start this is by seeking and offering mentorship to others. Attending virtual and in-person industry and social events to expand your connections to get in the mix of what’s going on. If you can afford it, join a social club; while it is good for business, it also might be good for your well-being. 

7. Prioritize Wellness  

Incorporate wellness practices to stay productive and maintain mental health. Pay attention to what you eat and drink, set boundaries for work hours, participate in wellness programs and adopt mindfulness techniques. Now is the time to have your physician on the speed dial, especially if you are over 40. 

8. Be Proactive and Innovative 

Take the initiative to solve problems and improve processes. regularly suggest ideas for efficiency or innovation. Stay informed about trends and propose how they can benefit your team. 

9. Develop Leadership Skills 

Employers value employees who can lead projects and inspire teams. Again, volunteer for leadership opportunities in projects. Take courses in conflict resolution, team management, and strategic thinking. These are soft skills that you would find helpful even outside of the workplace. 

By focusing on these areas, you will thrive in your role and position yourself as an asset in a rapidly evolving workplace. Which of these strategies would you like to explore? You do not have to do all the above at once; it is a process that you should enjoy as you strive to be and do better in 2025.

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HM Digest

HumanManager Limited Champions Innovation at Kogi State Stakeholders Forum 

Ademiluyi addressing the Forum

Managing Director of HumanManager Limited (HML), Adekunbi Ademiluyi, at a pivotal Public and Private Stakeholders’ Strategic Engagement Meeting, held in Kogi State, stressed the importance of collaboration and long-term commitment to fostering innovation and development within the State.  

Organized recently by the Kogi State Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology, the event was focused on developing a roadmap and policy for public and private partnerships.  

Ademiluyi who represented the SystemSpecs Group Managing Director, John Tani Obaro, highlighted HumanManager’s extensive experience in partnering with financial technology services and key stakeholders across various sectors in Nigeria. 

She noted the company’s numerous awards and involvement in scholarship programs and educational partnerships, stressing the significance of starting from the grassroots level, particularly focusing on children and education.  

“We are here for the long haul and not just making speeches. It starts with us and with our children,” she added. 

Emphasising the unique geographical advantage of Kogi State, the only state in Nigeria with ten local borders, and the potential for establishing transportation hubs and innovation zones, she queried: “Are we ensuring that there is a transportation hub, not just interstate, but intercountry as well?”  

The event concluded with a call for continuous collaboration and mentorship. “We hope that as we are having this conversation, you will guide us and let us know how we can work together,” Ademiluyi said. 

HumanManager, a member of the SystemSpecs Group, is a leading provider of innovative solutions for human capital management, payment, and identity management. Our mission is to empower organisations with the tools they need to achieve their strategic goals and drive sustainable growth. 

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HM Digest

Unleash Your Employees’ Potential with HumanManager’s Comprehensive Learning Module 

By Stephen Adewumi

In a world driven by constant evolution, staying ahead requires continuous learning and adaptability. HumanManager proudly unveils its latest offering – the Learning module, a robust platform designed to empower your staff and propel them towards their full potential.  

Gone are the days of traditional training methods. Today, a sophisticated LMS is imperative for staying competitive. A well-structured learning management system serves as the backbone for efficient training, ensuring that employees are equipped with the skills needed to navigate the rapidly changing business environment.  

With our Learning module, we have set new standards that fit current business needs for tailored and impactful learning experiences. 

What makes our LMS unique? 

Our LMS’ vast content library offers a comprehensive pool of courses tailored to specific needs and goals, which you can access on the go. Aside from learning through this platform, employees can become content creators, fostering internal expertise and crafting custom learning materials.  

Effortless management and delivery are at the core of HumanManager Learning. With smooth scheduling and top-notch support, organising training sessions becomes easy-peasy. You also get to stay compliant with organisational guidelines – thanks to detailed reports and valuable insights that inform training strategies and track progress effectively. 

The interactive and engaging learning experience is taken to new heights with features like virtual classrooms, multimedia support, and online assessments. These elements foster active participation, collaboration, and knowledge retention, ensuring that the learning journey is not only informative but enjoyable. 

HumanManager Learning goes beyond being just an LMS. It is key to unlocking the full potential of your staff and propelling your organisation towards a future of continuous success and innovation. 

Email: [email protected] or call +2342016348922 to learn more about HumanManager Learning Module.