Every day new pieces of technology enter the marketplace, and in a few short weeks it’s usually apparent if that tech is going to succeed or fail. But sometimes it can be hard to tell if a new trend is worth investing in. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of trends so that it’s easier to recognize when something is actually useful or just another passing fad. Here are a few pieces of tech to look out for:
1. Cloud tech
Cloud-based technology has been around for awhile now, but more advancements are being made all the time. According to The Wall Street Journal, every aspect of HR can benefit from cloud-based tech including payroll, recruiting, e-learning and employee engagement. Rather than implementing a cloud solution later, more companies are switching to tech that is built for the cloud from the beginning, meaning there’s better functionality overall. This gives employees, managers and HR professionals the ability to access information from anywhere and prevent data loss at all levels.
2. Mobile optimization
More often, people are turning to mobile devices to access their information. That makes it more important than ever to optimize software for mobile. HR Cloud noted that online applications for onboarding procedures are likely to move to mobile platforms moving forward. This could also play a role in employee recruitment strategies. If potential candidates are viewing and applying for open positions from mobile devices, those companies with a strong mobile-facing presence will be more likely to attract that talent. With increased mobile optimization, companies will be ready for a digital landscape that’s moving away from desktop access.

More HR functions are moving to mobile platforms.More HR functions are moving to mobile platforms.
3. Data management
Attendance systems are a top priority for businesses with hourly employees. From old-fashioned punch cards to thumbprint scanners, this is one aspect of payroll management that has steadily been moving forward over the past decade. According to Paychex, investment trends in data management, including attendance systems, is likely to stay strong over the next few years. These improved systems will give employees better ways to access their timesheet data and allow managers to use that information for better scheduling tactics and payroll implementation.
4. Workflow management
Hiring can be a complicated process. From writing up job descriptions and holding interviews to training courses, there’s a lot of time and money that goes into hiring just a single employee. Being able to manage that workflow from a single system makes life a lot easier for HR Professionals. That’s why Global HR Research offers solutions that optimize the onboarding process from a single platform. Plus, this system is scalable, so it can benefit everyone from small startups to large Fortune 500 companies.
Typically, HR expenditures can be a hefty portion of a company’s budget. And when employee turnover is high, those expenses can rise dramatically. By outsourcing this workflow to a third-party platform, managers can focus on building the company and producing products that generate income. Technology trends will be key in optimizing HR going forward.