Ten HR Technology Trends 2018

With 2018 predicted to be a year of more transformative development and increasingly disruptive technology advancement, HR professionals need to be on the lookout for the latest trends, and adapt them quickly to keep their companies at the forefront of innovation.

Here are ten technology trends that the Human Resources world will experience in 2018.

1. HR Innovation

Innovation within the Human Resources industry can be seen with HR professionals setting the pace with new performance management models, new learning methods, new ways to reduce bias, and new approaches to recruit and train people.

2. Surge of People Analytics

With its ability to produce insights into the workforce, help companies retain talents and spot employees who are likely to leave, the use of People Analytics is becoming prevalent in 2018. Data provided allows HR professionals to have a deep understanding of employee’s needs, concerns and so on.

3. Changes in Talent Sourcing

The norm is shifting from full time employment trends to a blend of increasingly hiring remote workers, workers on flexible schedule, part time workers and consultants. This type of approach is changing the way HR professionals recruit candidates with technology leading the charge.

4. Popularity of Wellness Apps

With the understanding that employees must be emotionally and physically well in order to perform at their maximum levels, HR managers are taking the steps to ensure that workers are monitored and empowered to take care of themselves. Health and wellness apps are rapidly being adopted to measure individual performance, activity and fitness levels, with great improvements in engagement, health, and mental wellbeing.

5. Increased Migration to the Cloud

With cloud-based HRMS, payroll, and talent management services, as well as financials and other ERP solutions offerings in the cloud, the question is no longer “if” a company will move to the cloud, but rather “when” and “how.”

6. Rise of Intelligent Self-Service Tools

There is a fast-growing shift towards more data-driven, intelligent digital organizations and more self-sufficient/analytical employees. This is increasing the need for tools that integrate case management, document management, employee communications, and help-desk interactions. Self-service and employee experience platforms are the backbone of employee service centers and are simplifying training, expense reporting, time tracking, and almost every other HR function.

7. New Breed of Corporate Learning Tools

Companies are modernizing learning and development to be more democratic, self-directed and appealing to younger workers by making greater use of video and other new breed of micro-learning platforms including virtual reality, augmented reality, experience platforms, modernized learning management systems, and AI-based systems for learning and training.

8. Smarter Recruitment

The market for recruitment tools is thriving with innovation, as HR needs tools to help find people with the right capabilities and learning skills, not just technical or cognitive abilities. High volume recruitment is being automated, skilled job hiring is being transformed by open sourcing tools, recruitment management systems, and improved assessments.

9. Blockchain

Also called distributed ledger technology, blockchain is basically a database that keeps an ever-growing list of records. It allows digital information to be distributed but not copied. In HR, potential uses for blockchain include digital process management, solve certification issues, increase transparency, improve overseas electronic payroll, automate routine and data-heavy processes, cybersecurity and fraud prevention.

10. Intelligent Apps and Analytics

Machine learning HR applications is changing the nature of work and the structure of the workplace. Apps for attracting talent, worker performance analysis, applicant tracking and assessment, enterprise management, internal management, etc. are enhancing better decision making with the use of machines as a tool and collaborator.

For more on 2018 technology trends, visit our Employer Solutions resources center.