In 2021, HR faced challenges like the Great Resignation, work location uncertainties, a growing reliance upon tech for remote collaboration and a surge in DEI initiatives. Fast-forward to almost 2025, and priorities have shifted significantly, especially in HR tech.
New research from Forrester and HR Executive compares data on HR priorities from these two years, with analyst Katy Tynan saying there are still common disconnects between HR leadership, executives and the workforce. “When I talk to organizations, a lot of them are still struggling to do some of the basic stuff,” she says, referring to core HR functions such as people strategy and employee experience.
However, while the survey revealed that employee experience and engagement remain central focuses, the rise of generative AI has introduced new complexities.
It’s not surprising that many organizations still struggle with AI readiness, as HR teams report low confidence in leveraging AI tools effectively despite their growing presence in workforce strategies, says Tynan.
Adding another layer of complexity, HR technologies are outpacing organizational maturity, with many workforces struggling to adopt advanced tools and AI capabilities. Upskilling in AI and automation remains critical, yet it is under-prioritized, according to the Forrester analyst. “So, the question is, how do we use that technology in order to make ourselves better as professionals and create that work environment that we all want everyone to have at work?” asks Tynan.
Meanwhile, she says, leadership development investments have dropped, even as the issues facing executives and managers become more complex. To navigate the future, Tynan suggests, HR must focus on aligning technology adoption with organizational needs. This will require a level of trust in AI that empowers leaders to manage evolving workplace dynamics effectively.
Find out more from Tyan and check out the report findings at this HR Executive webinar, available to replay now.
HR tech in the news
Bluespine, an AI-driven claims cost reduction platform, has raised $7.2 million in seed funding led by Team8. The platform addresses medical overbilling by helping self-insured employers cut costs without sacrificing care.
Human capital technology service provider Alight launched Alight Worklife on Microsoft Teams, streamlining employee access to benefits within their daily workflows. Key features include AI-driven recommendations, a virtual assistant and a real-time account dashboard.
Eightfold’s Talent Survey
, involving 500 HR leaders and 1,200 employees, reveals that only 18% of organizations effectively align business strategy, C-suite collaboration and talent strategy. The remaining 82% report significant challenges in these areas.
Vensure Employer Solutions, an HR tech provider, secured nearly $2.2 billion in financing led by Stone Point Capital Markets to support its growth strategy. The company is focused on expanding its footprint, building on the launch of its Namely HCM platform at HR Tech.
Paychex has launched a new HR analytics solution for SMBs, combining real-time data with generative AI insights. Integrated into Paychex Flex and powered by Visier, this solution is designed to help businesses make informed HR decisions and compete for talent.
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