“Simplification, standardization, and systematic processes are the three pillars for improving employee experience with tech.” —Vinod Bidwaik

Struggling to navigate the crowded HR tech landscape?

In this episode of The CHRO Mindset Podcast, Vinod Bidwaik, CHRO & Group Director at AP Globale and Sakal Media Group, shares practical wisdom on choosing the best HR software that truly deliver value, improve employee experience, and future-proof your HR decisions.

From avoiding common tech pitfalls to leveraging AI without losing the human touch, this conversation is packed with insights every HR leader needs for their long-pending question, ‘How to choose the best HR software for your company?’

Tune in now and gain clarity in a world full of HR tech noise!

 

Watch this episode if you are:

An HR leader or decision-maker overwhelmed by too many HR tech choices and unsure what will actually move the needle.

So, when do you need the best HR software? It’s when,

  • You’re planning to invest in HR tech but want to avoid expensive mistakes
  • You want AI to support HR decisions without losing the human touch
  • You’re looking to improve productivity, adoption, and employee experience through the right tools

 

Mic Drop Moment

“Instead of going for the tool, let’s go for the outcome.” —Vinod Bidwaik 

is a sharp reminder for HR leaders navigating today’s crowded HR tech landscape. Too often, organizations buy technology because it’s trending, widely adopted, or packed with impressive features without clearly defining what problem it should solve.

Vinod flips that thinking. While choosing the best workforce management tools for HR leaders, he urges CHROs to start with business outcomes: better employee experience, higher adoption, improved decision-making, or reduced manual effort.

When outcomes are clear, the right technology naturally follows. This mindset helps HR avoid expensive buying mistakes, low adoption, and tools that look good on slides but add little real value.

Read “Before You Click ‘Buy’: 6 HR Tech Checks” and learn how to spot hype, avoid costly mistakes, and choose HR tech that actually delivers value.

No Prep. Only Perspectives.

1.One HR tool that’s overhyped right now?

Vinod Bidwaik—Dashboards

2. First question you would ask before approving an HR tech purchase?

Vinod Bidwaik—Is it necessary for us?

3. Integrate more or simplify more?

Vinod Bidwaik—First simplify and then integrate.

4. One workplace technology that’ll disappear in the next 5 years?

Vinod Bidwaik—Standalone learning management

5. A tech trend people are misunderstanding?

Vinod Bidwaik— AI will replace our jobs

Food for Thought: How to choose HR Software for your Company?

1: How should CHROs choose the best HR software in a crowded market?

In this episode of The CHRO Mindset Podcast, Vinod Bidwaik explains that HR leaders often get distracted by trends, peer pressure, and feature-heavy demos. The right approach is to start with clarity on outcomes, not tools. HR tech should solve a real business or people problem not just look impressive.

Actionable takeaways:

  • Define the problem before evaluating tools
  • Map tech goals to business outcomes
  • Avoid “me-too” buying decisions
  • Prioritize adoption over feature count
  • Validate value with real users early

 

2: What are the biggest HR tech buying mistakes organizations make?

Vinod highlights common pitfalls HR teams fall into buying based on trends, over-indexing on features, and ignoring organizational readiness. In the episode, he stresses that even globally acclaimed tools fail if maturity and relevance are overlooked.

Actionable takeaways:

  • Don’t buy tech just because competitors did
  • Skip features you won’t realistically use
  • Assess HR process maturity honestly
  • Pilot before full-scale implementation
  • Plan for adoption, not just deployment

 

3: How can HR leaders decide what to automate vs keep human?

This episode draws a clear boundary between automation, augmentation, and human judgment. The need for HR technology solutions to improve employee experience is felt when repetitive tasks are ideal for automation, decision-heavy processes need AI support, and sensitive people matters must remain human-led.

Actionable takeaways:

  • Automate repetitive, transactional tasks
  • Use AI to recommend, not decide
  • Keep conflict and feedback human-led
  • Review bias risks before automating
  • Define clear decision ownership upfront

 

4: How does the best HR software genuinely improve employee experience?

According to Vinod, employee experience improves only when tech simplifies work. In the episode, he introduces the 3S framework: Simplification, Standardization, Systematic execution as the foundation of meaningful HR tech adoption.

Actionable takeaways:

  • Simplify processes before digitizing
  • Standardize workflows across teams
  • Eliminate multi-login frustrations
  • Ensure mobile-first usability

Ask employees: “What’s in it for me?”

 

5: What governance rules should HR follow when using AI in HR?

As AI enters hiring, performance, and learning decisions, Vinod strongly advocates governance with human accountability. In the episode, he reiterates that AI should assist not replace human judgment, especially in sensitive people decisions.

Actionable takeaways:

  • Use AI for shortlisting, not final decisions
  • Keep humans accountable for outcomes
  • Set clear data usage boundaries
  • Train managers on ethical AI use
  • Review AI decisions regularly for bias