The HR Huddle

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss international acquisitions, AI implementations across the industry, and the growing focus on skills-based approaches to workforce management. This conversation explores how organizations are navigating technology decisions during a period of economic uncertainty, particularly in the US market.The hosts also preview Sapient Insights Group's 28th Annual HR Systems Survey launching May 1st, highlighting new questions on AI adoption, contingent workforce management, and integration strategies. Key points covered include:↪️ Integration strategy is critical - organizations with data integration strategies see 16-17% better business outcomes, yet only 20% of companies have such strategies in place.↪️ AI development is shifting from a "checkers" approach (collecting maximum data) to a "chess" approach (strategic data selection for specific outcomes).↪️Skills validation and standardization are becoming critical challenges, with new initiatives like skills-first.org and extended reality training platforms addressing these needs.↪️ Europe and Asia-Pacific markets are showing stronger AI adoption at the mid-market and SMB levels compared to the more uncertain US market.Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInStacey HarrisInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInCliff StevensonTwitter | LinkedIn 

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest Richard Rosenow, VP People Analytics Strategy at One Model, discuss the evolution of people analytics and systems thinking in HR. This conversation explores the role of "workforce systems leaders" who coordinate the people data supply chain across strategy, operations, technology, data, and analytics. Key points covered include:↪️ People analytics is best viewed as "listening at scale," allowing HR professionals to understand workforce dynamics through data while still leveraging their human-centered strengths.↪️ A new "workforce systems leader" role is naturally emerging to coordinate the people data supply chain (strategy, ops, tech, data, analytics) and relieve overwhelmed CHROs↪️ The biggest challenge in people analytics today isn't technology or data skills but driving organizational change and securing resources to implement insights.↪️ Modern analytics platforms are making technology more accessible, allowing HR professionals to return to their core strengths while being data-informed.Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInTeri ZipperInstagram |  Twitter |  LinkedIn Richard RosenowTwitter | LinkedIn

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson explore several notable executive movements, including new leadership roles at Udemy, iSolved, and Rippling. They analyze recent product-related announcements such as the full integration of ApplicantPro into isolved’s brand and UKG’s launch of Ready Suite into the Canadian market. The conversation also touches on the high-profile legal dispute between Deel and Rippling and its implications for buyers and data security practices.Key points covered include:↪️ isolved's full and complete integration of ApplicantPro into its brand and business,, strengthening the company’s all-in-one platform approach for SMB customers.↪️ UKG’s launch of Ready Suite into the Canadian market, offering a native payroll solution for small businesses as well as its full product suite.  The move is part of the company’s expansion beyond the 3000-plus employee market.↪️ The lawsuit over alleged corporate espionage between Deel and Rippling highlights critical questions around data access controls and security practices for HR tech vendors.↪️ According to the recent Paychex survey, while 72% of small businesses have a somewhat positive to very positive sentiment about AI use, 18% struggle with AI use because of poor data.  Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInStacey HarrisInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInCliff StevensonTwitter | LinkedIn

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper sits down with HR tech legend Lexy Martin, the originator of the annual HR System Survey Report. Lexy shares her journey from being one of the first women in tech programming in 1967 to becoming a renowned researcher and thought leader in HR technology. The conversation explores her groundbreaking work in self-service HR solutions, lessons from decades of research, and her current focus on helping people "redirect" rather than retire. Throughout the discussion, Lexy offers valuable insights on career transitions that apply to professionals at any age.Key points covered include:↪️ Integration of HR technology remains a significant challenge, requiring cross-functional collaboration and effective change management.↪️ People analytics consistently proves to be the technology that most improves organizational performance when properly implemented.↪️ Successful career "redirecting" requires foundations including financial stability, physical/emotional health, strong relationships, and time to "cocoon" and reflect.↪️ Modern thought leadership is evolving from individual expertise to community-based learning and knowledge sharing.Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInTeri ZipperInstagram |  Twitter |  LinkedIn Lexy MartinLinkedIn

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech,Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss the implications of recent  M&A activity including Deel’s acquisition of Safeguard Global's payroll team, which brings with it more than 1,000 payroll clients; BTS Group’s acquisition of Sounding Board, a coaching and leadership development platform; and Employ’s acquisition of Pillar, bringing AI-enabled interviewing insights to Employ’s applicant tracking portfolio. Stacey and Cliff also unpack the broader significance of the just-announced strategic partnership between hireEZ, an AI-enabled hiring platform, with Talroo, a provider of AI-driven job advertising for frontline workers and tradespeople.  The hosts further discuss ways in which AI is being implemented across HR platforms, bringing in examples such as PlanSource's use of AI for benefits administration, SalaryIQ’s ability to uncover competitive job-related insights, and Engagedly's new AI-enabled talent platform. They also cover findings from Payscales’ 2025 report for compensation trends and  DEI investments.Key points covered include:↪️ M&A activity in the HR tech market was strong in 2024; Drake Star’s  Q4 2024 report showed the highest levels of activity and deal values and projected a 9.4% growth for HR tech in 2025.↪️  Data analysis, chatbots, help tools, AI agents are among the primary ways AI is being used in HR tech applications; careful human oversight is important in all cases.  Using the tools in negative ways (such as monitoring employee conversations) results in employee distrust and renders the the tools ineffective. ↪️ Despite political backlash around DEI initiatives, Payscale's 2025 report shows only 11% of organizations plan to reduce DEI investments while 28% plan to increase them.↪️ HR technology solutions that help companies target frontline workers and tradespeople are seeing increased investment.  This is as-yet a largely untapped market and one that could be important in a time of economic uncertainty.Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInStacey HarrisInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInCliff StevensonTwitter | LinkedIn 

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper is joined by HR executive, Bob Hanley, and consultant, Kim Nugent, to examine the shift from tenure-based to skills-based promotion decisions. Both guests bring experience from major organizations including Abbott Labs, Whirlpool, and Microsoft. Their discussion explores generational workplace differences, remote work challenges, and methods for creating trust and psychological safety.Key points covered include:↪️ Organizations need flexible career architectures that allow employees, especially younger generations, to create their own career paths rather than following predetermined vertical progressions.↪️ While technology and analytics have improved talent management, organizations still struggle with the human elements of development - including feedback, communication, and building trust in hybrid work environments.↪️ HR leaders must balance remote/hybrid work options with intentional in-person experiences to build social networks and mentorship opportunities, particularly for early-career professionals.↪️ Skills development serves as career security for employees, while organizations need to improve how they identify and sponsor talent beyond traditional experience requirements.Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInTeri ZipperInstagram |  Twitter |  LinkedIn Bob HanleyLinkedInKim NugentLinkedIn

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss significant internal changes at major HR tech companies, including Workday, Zoho, Anaplan, Dayforce, and Darwinbox.  The conversation covers changes in leadership, funding news, workforce layoffs, hiring plans, and growth metrics.  Key topics include:↪️ Major changes at Workday: Plans to cut approximately 1,750 jobs as company doubles down on AI focus; former Google and SAP executive Garrit Kazmaier is replacing Sayan Chakrobarty as president of product and technology; and the just-announced strategic partnership with global talent company Randstad will integrate Workday’s recruiting agent, powered by Illuminate, with Randstad’s extensive talent network to bring AI support to recruiting and hiring processes.Shailesh Kumar Davey has assumed the CEO role at Zoho, the Indian multinational tech company; he succeeds founder Sridhar Vembo, who now has the role of chief scientist and will focus fully on R&D initiatives.  ↪️ Darwinbox, another Indian company, is looking to raise $120 to $150 million to expand its global footprint, further product innovation, and increase its competitiveness with market leaders such as SAP, Successfactors, and Workday.↪️ As return-to-office mandates continue to make the news, research shows that hybrid and remote work models can boost productivity by up to 12% compared to full-time office work. Don’t miss this timely conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInStacey HarrisInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInCliff StevensonTwitter | LinkedIn 

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest Peter “The Culture Doctor” Phelan, Founder and CEO of ValuesCulture, explore the powerful role of humor in HR. Through personal anecdotes and scientific insights, Peter illustrates how incorporating appropriate humor can accelerate stakeholder relationships and make complex HR topics more engaging and accessible, while maintaining credibility and professionalism.Key points covered include:↪️ Leveraging humor strategically in professional settings requires an understanding of context and timing, with Peter sharing how his early experiences transitioning from academic presentations to Bloomberg Radio helped shape his approach to "edutainment" in corporate environments.↪️ In an era of increasing AI adoption and workplace uncertainty, humor serves as a powerful differentiator and relationship builder, helping HR professionals become indispensable through stronger human connections with their stakeholders.↪️ HR professionals who don't consider themselves naturally funny can still effectively incorporate humor by starting with curated content like relevant cartoons and gradually building confidence to share their own relatable workplace experiences.↪️ The "Trust Equation" framework demonstrates how strategic use of humor can enhance professional relationships by building credibility and intimacy while reducing perceived self-orientation, creating stronger connections with stakeholders.Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInTeri ZipperInstagram |  Twitter |  LinkedIn Peter PhelanLinkedInValuesCultureLinkedIn

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson explore how companies like ADP, Phenom, Paradox, and HiBob are strategically expanding through acquisitions that enhance their data capabilities and global reach. They analyze how these developments reflect broader industry trends toward data-driven decision-making and the strategic integration of AI in HR processes. Key points covered include:↪️ HiBob's pending acquisition of Mosaic for FP&A capabilities and ADP's expansion into Mexico through PEI signal a push toward integrated financial and workforce planning in the mid-market space.↪️ Workday introduces an industry-first AI agent system of record, emphasizing the growing importance of managing and securing AI tools within HR systems.↪️ Recent industry events, including Cornerstone's sales kickoff and Visier's conference, reveal increasing focus on skills development, workforce planning, and the critical importance of clean data for effective AI implementation.↪️ The intersection of HR tech and business outcomes is becoming increasingly important, as evidenced by vendors expanding their capabilities beyond traditional HR functions.Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInStacey HarrisInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInCliff StevensonTwitter | LinkedIn 

Heather Bussing, an employment attorney and law professor with expertise in HR technology, joins to discuss the EU Pay Transparency Directive's major implications for workplace pay equity. They delve into how the directive mandates companies disclose pay information prior to interviews and necessitate objective pay criteria. Key points include the impact on small businesses, the shift to data-driven pay strategies, and the vital role of technology in analyzing pay equity issues. The conversation emphasizes the urgency of compliance and the need for a collaborative approach in HR to foster inclusivity.