Low-code, low down.

It might not come as a surprise to you to learn that HR technology vendors have been extremely busy throughout the global pandemic. Not just in their immediate response to the crisis, but in advancing their platforms to facilitate long term changes to our ways of working.

Covid-19 kicked off a wave of innovation across the #hrtechnology sector, and vendors I've spoken to recently have been working exceptionally hard to introduce new product features that streamline the employee experience, as hybrid working models gain more and more popularity.

But perhaps one of the most interesting developments, and one I think could truly benefit HR, is the emergence of low or no code platforms.

Gartner forecasts that by 2024, 75% of large enterprises will be using at least four, low-code development tools for both IT application development and citizen development initiatives.

So, what are low-code HR technology platforms?..

In a nutshell, low-code HR technology platforms embrace a visual approach to content creation, offering things like predesigned workflows and drag-and-drop customisation. They are simpler for HR end users to use, take less time to prototype and ultimately require less resource to deploy.

Now, that might not sound all that significant, but in an era where speed and agility have become such an intrinsic part of running a successful HR & People service, the idea of low code could potentially be a game changer for many HR practitioners.

Why?..

Well, for the first time, low code put’s the power of design firmly in the hands of HR. It opens up the prospect of content creation and configuration to a far broader audience, not just those with a flair for digital.

Could low-code have a positive impact on the digital skills gap?

The other exciting thing about low code platforms, is their broader potential to inspire a new wave of talent to get involved in technology.

According to Microsoft’s “Unlocking the UK’s potential with digital skills” report, just 17% of employees currently feel able to create digital tools and systems for other workers to adopt.

Low-code ultimately makes the process of designing new technology experiences more accessible and appealing to a wider pool of talent.

That's not just a big deal for HR, but a big deal for business and our economic recovery as we strive to create new ways of working and unlock the potential of the workforce in the new world of work.