Return to work doesn't have to mean a return to outdated equipment

Dive Brief:

With a focus on return to work, organizations have the opportunity to strategically replace outdated equipment from pre-COVID-19 offices, according to The International Association of IT Asset Managers (IAITAM). The association published guidance June 9 on how to turn "rushed and often costly" technology purchased for telework, into a return on investment through "asset refresh."
In March, when shelter-in-place orders began across the country, computer sales increased by 40% in the U.S. and notebook sales by more than 50%, according to data from The NPD Group. At times, it's more costly to maintain older machines and software than it is to upgrade, IAITAM said.
IT asset professionals can determine the costs associated with an asset throughout its total lifecycle — acquisition, use and disposal, IAITAM said. "Coming out of the pandemic, with a tight budget, there are questions you can ask to address the financial bottom line of IT investments," IAITAM President and CEO Dr. Barbara Rembiesa said in a statement. "Do you have a plan in place for turning these new technology assets into a return on investment? If not, this is the time to stop reacting and start planning."

Dive Insight:

Amid the switch to telework to prevent the spread of COVID-19, IAITAM advised companies and agencies to have a business continuity plan that included IT asset management and to confirm employees had IT assets that are accounted for and working properly.

Ideally, IT and HR work together to evaluate how they can improve the employee experience, Sally Stetson, principal and co-founder of executive search firm Salveson Stetson Group told HR Dive in a recent interview. For example, in a remote environment, they need to "work hand in hand to provide a seamless experience for onboarding," Stetson said.

Research also shows that HR must also rethink its partnership with IT to modernize talent acquisition.

"HR is evolving from using technology to count employees to making employees count, and recruiting is evolving from 'post and pray' to proactively identifying, engaging, and nurturing talent," Adam Feigenbaum, iCIMS chief customer officer, said in a January report.

The connection between HR and IT is expected to increase as digital transformation continues. IT may even begin reporting to HR, according to Matt Harris, head of workplace technology at Envoy.

"IT's relationship with HR and its people has the opportunity to completely transform the way business is done and the way employees exist in (and out of) the workplace," Harris wrote for CIO Dive, HR Dive's sister site. "Industry will start to see more IT teams report to HR and chief people officers, and even directly to the CEO."

As workplaces begin to reopen, IT asset managers will help companies and agencies "decide where to cut costs or avoid hidden fees associated with new purchases," Rembiesa said. HR should be included in the discussion of technology and equipment as the most effective return to work strategy is putting people first, according to experts.