Leaders, Friends, and Future Leaders,
Welcome to your weekly download of what’s buzzing in the world of Human Capital Management, distilled from the sharp observations of our Brandon Hall Group™ analyst team. My goal here is to cut through the noise, highlight what truly matters, and give you the foresight you need to lead effectively. We’re on a mission to build the most insightful HCM community, and your success is our benchmark.
Three major currents from over the past week are impossible to ignore: AI’s relentless integration into everything HR, a talent landscape that demands new levels of agility, and vendor moves that could reshape your tech stack.
-
AI Isn’t Just Coming, It’s Here — And It’s Getting Smarter, Fast.
Our analyst team and our community of thousands are seeing an explosion of AI applications, moving well beyond hype and into practical, impactful use cases:
- The All-In AI Enterprise: We’re seeing major players like SAP go all-in, aiming to integrate all systems, generate massive data piles, and then use AI (like their new partnership with Perplexity) to capitalize on it for HR and the broader business. They’re even investing heavily in user experience to ensure widespread AI adoption. The gamble is clear: more data + more sources + AI = comprehensive insight and business value.
- Conversational HCM is the New Interface: The future of interacting with HR technology is becoming increasingly conversational. Imagine managers simply chatting with AI assistants to get workforce insights, schedule interviews, or understand team productivity, making HCM accessible even to non-technical users.
- From Admin to Intelligent Orchestration: AI is transforming HCM from mere administrative record-keeping to an intelligent system that predicts needs, automates routine work, and delivers insights through natural conversation. This means shifting from reactive to predictive workforce planning. For instance, AI can now predict capacity risks by analyzing production schedules against skill levels, then automatically recommend targeted training or hiring weeks in advance.
- Specialized AI Agents Emerge: Look at UKG launching its Bryte payroll AI agents for both Pro and Ready suites, and even rewards/recognition providers are embracing generative AI to support better, more frequent recognition. We also saw Anthropic unveil Claude Opus 4, now considered a top-tier coding model.
- The Legal Edge: On the flip side, the class action suit against Workday concerning its AI-enabled recruiting tools being allowed to proceed highlights the critical need for vigilance around AI ethics and bias.
What this means for you: If AI isn’t at the top of your HR strategy discussions, you’re already falling behind. It’s time to explore how AI can enhance your specific HR functions, from talent acquisition to learning and payroll. Are you ready to harness AI? Our analysts can help you build a winning AI strategy.
-
The Talent Equation: Skills, Engagement, and the Frontline Focus.
The war for talent continues, but the battlegrounds are shifting.
- The Innovation Imperative (or Lack Thereof?): A striking Korn Ferry survey showed 0% of healthcare executives believe they are on the leading edge of innovation. Our analyst Claude Werder rightly asks: Do these organizations want to be innovative, or are they too buried in daily tasks to think about the future? This is a critical question for leaders in any industry feeling stretched thin.
- Skills for Success: We’re reminded by SHRM of essential management skills for these uncertain times: boosting employee engagement, the power of one-on-ones, and clear communication. While not earth-shattering, Claude suggests that by using our own BHG data and case study examples (even anonymously), we can provide far more differentiated and practical guidance.
- Validating Skills is Key: Companies like iQor are increasingly focused on validating skill and competency development. This aligns with new vendor offerings like Quantum Workplace’s “Growth” product, which is tied to career development.
- Spotlight on the Frontline: Vendors are recognizing the unique needs of the frontline workforce. Axonify, for example, builds solutions specifically architected for these employees rather than just adapting corporate systems, and ClearCompany is also increasingly targeting frontline workers in mid-market organizations.
What this means for you: Rethink your approach to talent development. Are you equipping your managers with the right skills? Can you truly validate the skills your workforce possesses? Are you effectively engaging your frontline employees, who are often the face of your brand? Elevate your talent strategy. A Brandon Hall Group Institute™ Membership gives you access to research, case studies, and tools to build a high-performing workforce.
-
Market Movers & Shakers: What Vendor Activity Signals.
The HCM technology market is anything but static. Here are a few developments our analysts flagged:
- Big Investments, Big Ambitions: Rippling, a platform for HR, IT, and Finance, just raised a hefty $450 million Series G at a $16.8 billion valuation. This signals continued investor confidence in integrated platform solutions.
- Consolidation and Specialization: Engagedly acquired HiringTool, while questions arise about the individual brand growth of companies like Jobvite, JazzHR, and Lever under their parent, Employ Solutions. This indicates ongoing market consolidation and the need to watch parent companies closely.
- New Client Wins & Niche Plays: Schoox announced a new enterprise-level client, Surge Entertainment (owned by Drew Brees), showing that specialized learning platforms continue to carve out success.
- Opportunities in Change: Zee Entertainment, a consistent BHG Excellence Award winner, gained a new CHRO from Netflix. This presents an excellent opportunity for engagement and partnership, starting with understanding the new leader’s vision.
What this means for you: Your current tech stack might be powerful, but the landscape is constantly evolving. It’s crucial to stay informed about vendor health, innovation roadmaps, and how market shifts could impact your long-term strategy. Need help navigating the vendor landscape? Our Excellence Matrix and vendor briefings can provide the clarity you need.
The Path Forward with Brandon Hall Group™
The insights above are just a glimpse of the intelligence our analyst team uncovers weekly. Our mission is to empower you and your organization to excel by making sense of these trends and connecting you with the solutions and strategies that drive real results.
We are committed to growing our Institute to 30,000 members, creating a powerful community of HR leaders like you. Join us on this journey.
- Become an Institute Member: Get unparalleled access to our research, data, analysts, and a community of peers.
- Explore our Advisory Services: Let our experts guide you through your specific HCM challenges.
- Share Your Success: Consider applying for our prestigious Excellence Awards.
Let’s build the future of HR, together.
Until next week,
Mike Cooke
CEO
Brandon Hall Group™
