In this interview, we share the insights and experiences of Rolf Jorna, who serves as a judge for the HR Technology Awards for the second consecutive year. We discuss his experiences from the first edition, the trends he has noticed in the HR-tech world, and what he will specifically focus on this year.
What are some lessons or insights you gained during the first edition of the HR Technology Awards last year?
“What I find really beautiful is that in the Netherlands, we are paying attention to HR and technology. We hadn’t done that enough before. I think this helps put the topic of HR and technology on the map, and rightly so. Despite being a small country, there are many great technological developments in the field of HR that we can celebrate and showcase, because a lot is happening.
That was also a reason for me to join the jury. What you then see is that there is even more than you think. As an HR director, you have a certain view of the market, the needs of employees, managers, and/or candidates often related to the issues you are dealing with and the technological answers to them. For example, with recruitment challenges, you mainly look for technological developments in that area. But you might be less focused on learning and development, and there are developments there as well.
Looking back, I found it good that we draw attention to all these aspects in this way. During the pitches, you really see new tools that you couldn’t have thought of yourself. And I also thought the event itself was top-notch, with a lot of information exchange, sharing best practices, and the network you build. Also, pitches where companies stand on stage with their technological partner show how important sharing best practices is.”
Are there certain trends or themes that particularly stood out to you in HR Tech over the past year?
“Yes, certainly. You see that things are moving quickly. When I reread my own interview from last year, I mentioned process optimization and efficiency for managers, employees, and candidates, where technology can naturally contribute enormously. At that turning point, you saw more and more AI and ChatGPT. This took off massively and showcased new technological developments worldwide.
That’s cool to see. But at the same time, it brings complexity. It raises questions like: what is your vision on AI? How do you handle it as an organization? What do you choose? Moving too quickly with the trend can push you in a direction that might be overtaken later. So, it’s important to determine where you spend time and money on HR technological developments as an organization.”
Are there specific trends or themes you will pay extra attention to as a judge this year?
“AI is, of course, a broad term and is often used indiscriminately. Without realizing it, I was already working with AI. An example: we work with an employee engagement survey with open questions. We analyze the answers to those open questions with AI. We now call that AI, but three years ago, we did the same without using that term.
This year, I will critically examine the developments presented. Is it the use of a buzzword, or is it a thoughtful technological innovation? We’re not looking for the ‘one-day wonder’ that’s well-marketed. It’s about actual technological innovation and return on investment. What does it actually deliver for the organization and its employees? Those are the things I will look at.”
Did you receive any specific feedback from winners or nominees of the HR Technology Awards last year?
“Of course, some nominees were disappointed that they didn’t win. Everyone participates to win! I also spoke to new parties who say they are not participating yet because they want to be sure they will win, which is quite competitive. But also, parties that are participating now know that it is meaningful.
Moreover, people appreciated the platform we provide to share best practices. They saw technological innovations they might not have noticed otherwise and found the networking part very valuable.”
We look forward to the second edition of the HR Technology Awards and are curious about the new developments and innovations that will be featured this year. Thank you, Rolf, for your insights and involvement in this important event.
