Enterprise software titan, SAP SE, recently initiated a pioneering virtual startup program via SAP.iO Foundry in Tel Aviv. The meticulously designed initiative aims to uplift deskless workers and their managers. Ten specially chosen international startups, armed with innovative solutions, are poised to address these professionals’ distinct challenges.
Deskless workers, as per SAP SuccessFactors’ definition, perform tasks away from a conventional desk, often having intermittent access to technology or internal systems. They grapple with unique challenges such as obsolete hiring procedures, insufficient rewards, and limited opportunities for substantial development beyond necessary training. Moreover, the absence of adequate technology frequently hampers deskless workers, their managers, and the HR teams supporting them from efficiently mitigating these persistent issues.
In addition to deskless workers, SAP.iO’s initiative focuses on addressing people managers’ challenges. A recent study by SAP SuccessFactors indicated that over 90% of these managers have observed significant evolution in their roles over the past three years. This change marks a shift from tactical and administrative tasks towards an emphasis on enhancing team well-being and promoting growth. However, many managers often lack the necessary technological tools to fully understand their team’s needs. Consequently, HR leaders encounter difficulties in assisting managers through this transition.
SAP.iO Foundry Strives to Bridge the Gap Via Startup Collaborations
In response to these research findings, SAP.iO is seeking to bridge these gaps through collaborations with ten selected startups. These startups offer creative solutions to the identified challenges, and integrating these solutions into SAP’s product suite forms part of SAP.iO’s strategy to mitigate the issues.
SAP remains committed to aiding its customers in navigating the rapidly evolving business landscape, recognizing the critical role employee experience plays in an organization’s success. By leveraging these innovative startup solutions, SAP aims to equip its customers with the necessary tools to enhance the employee experience, irrespective of their geographic location.
Commenting on the recent announcement, SAP SuccessFactors Chief Marketing & Solutions Officer Aaron Green stated:
”At SAP, we are committed to helping our customers succeed in a rapidly changing world, and we understand the critical role employee experience plays in the success of any organization. By combining our expertise with the innovative solutions of our partner startups, we are able to provide our customers with the capabilities they need to create a better employee experience, no matter where they work.”
Cultivating Innovation through SAP Technology and Solutions
Over the next 30 weeks, the startups will benefit from guidance and support from seasoned SAP executives. They will gain exposure to SAP technology, application programming interfaces (APIs), and opportunities to collaborate with SAP’s extensive global customer network.
The chosen startups for the SAP.iO Foundry Tel Aviv program include Arist, Beekeeper, Bites Learning Ltd., Connecteam, LumApps, Operations1, Retrain.ai, Sense, Winningtemp, and Yoobic.
Arist facilitates Fortune 500 companies to drive behavioral change through bite-sized courses delivered over multiple platforms. Beekeeper, on the other hand, provides frontline employees with a single platform to streamline work and team collaboration. Bites Learning Ltd. offers organizations an engaging platform to disseminate professional knowledge through interactive short videos.
Furthermore, Connecteam simplifies the management of non-desk workforces with its mobile-first platform. LumApps propels collaboration and knowledge sharing across enterprises through ultra-personalized communications. Meanwhile, Operations1 aids in digitizing operational shopfloor processes.
Retrain.ai stands out with an AI-driven talent intelligence platform, while Sense accelerates the hiring process with its AI-powered talent engagement platform. Moreover, Winningtemp harnesses AI to analyze and present employee experience data. Lastly, Yoobic offers a mobile frontline employee experience platform tailored for the retail, restaurant, and hospitality industries.
SAP.iO Foundry Tel Aviv is one of the strategic locations in SAP’s international network of startup accelerators. SAP.iO Foundry Tel Aviv is recognized for fostering an innovation ecosystem that thrives on diversity and inclusion. It is a part of SAP’s global foundries situated in major startup hubs, including New York, San Francisco, Berlin, Munich, Paris, Singapore, and Bangalore.
The Tel Aviv Foundry offers a unique blend of technological advancement and entrepreneurial spirit, owing to its location in Israel, often referred to as the “Start-Up Nation.” The startups in the program benefit from the vibrant tech scene, world-class talent, and robust infrastructure of the region. This symbiosis between SAP and the startups results in a fruitful partnership that is
