How to communicate HRIS updates successfully

HRIS platforms like Workday and SuccessFactors don’t come cheap and when a new update rolls-out everybody clambers about to set the impending processes in place. Getting people on-board to ensure everyone understands the changes can be a challenge in itself. So without further ado, here are a few tips to launch an HRIS update successfully.

Segment key employee groups

Identifying and segmenting your target audience is a key part in creating a successful HRIS communication strategy. You will probably have different messaging for people managers, HR colleagues and employees.Armed with this insight, it will enable you to pinpoint what is relevant for your audience needs.

Identify key messages

What do you want people to know, feel and do? What do you want people to remember? Setting clear objectives will inform the key messages in your communication. You can dial up different messages for different audience groups, and at different stages across the life-cycle of the project.

Tailor and communicate key HRIS benefits to your segmented groups

It’s never a ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to messaging. To communicate what the new approach means for individuals – and to make sure everyone understands and feels involved – tailor the key benefits to suit each of your audience groups.

Review existing communication channels

Identify what channels and platforms have the maximum reach and engagement with your target audience. You many need to use different communication channels for different audience groups. Reviewing such data will provide actionable insights on which channels will deliver the greatest ROI.

Avoid HR jargon – be clear and simple

Use everyday language and avoid HR jargon. Speak directly to employees as individuals rather than as a group and ensure the tone is human and personal.

Set clear key performance indicators

Think about how you will measure success. If the objective is to log on to the HRIS platform to find out more, then set the measures in place. Think about how you will measure these key performance indicators; it’s much more efficient to set up measurement at the start of the process than adding retrospecively.