The HR Huddle

discuss a very busy month in HR tech news.  The conversation starts with several significant acquisitions and partnerships, all related to bringing AI functionality to customers.  15Five's purchase of Kona promises management coaching powered by AI; Nayya’s integrations with bswift and Workday will bring personalized benefit guidance to employees.  The two also discuss Workday’s plan to roll out TechWolf’s skills intelligence capabilities to its 20,000+ employees. Cliff and Cindy then share their perspective on the potential industry impact of DeepSeek, the Chinese AI app that rivals ChatGPT in functionality. The discussion also touches on global pay and benefit regulatory changes and recent executive orders affecting DEI initiatives in the U.S.Key points covered include:↪️ Recent acquisitions, integration partnerships, and staffing announcements signal continued investments in AI capabilities for HR tech. Workday announces its plan to rollout TechWolf's AI-powered skills intelligence capabilities to its global workforce of 20,000+ employees with the goal of helping them better manage their careers.↪️ A global wave of new pay and benefit regulations, ranging from Italy's parental benefits to Singapore's mental health protections, reflect a worldwide shift toward comprehensive workplace protection despite DEI rollbacks in the U.S.  – ↪️ The DeepSeek AI app that rivals ChatGPT in terms of functionality but with 95% lower costs challenges assumptions about AI development and sends ripples through the tech market.  However, its China-based data centers raise questions about data security.↪️ The recently announced The Stargate Project is a private joint venture initiative that promises to build AI infrastructure across the U.S.  Oracle, Softbank, and OpenAI are lead partners in the project, estimated to cost around $500B.  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 | LinkedInCliff StevensonTwitter | LinkedIn Cindy MaurerLinkedIn

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest George LaRocque, Founder and Chief Analyst at WorkTech, explore the continued impact of AI on HR platforms, discussing how traditional HR tech is evolving into "work tech" with a focus on data-driven, employee-first solutions. The conversation covers critical considerations for HR leaders navigating this transition, from pricing models to strategic implementation. Key points covered include:↪️ The shift from HR tech to work tech represents a fundamental change in how organizations handle workforce management, with emphasis on data relevance, interoperability, and employee-first design.↪️ The emergence of AI agents is reshaping HR platforms, with a trend toward more integrated ecosystems. ↪️ Organizations should approach their HR tech stack as an investment portfolio, carefully balancing innovation and risk when considering new technologies and, particularly startups.↪️ HR tech vendors are grappling with new AI-driven pricing models, moving from traditional subscription-based pricing to usage-based and results-based structures.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 George LaRocqueTwitter | LinkedInWorkTechTwitter | LinkedIn

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss a range of changes in the HR market, starting with Paychex's intent to acquire Paycor for $4.1 billion – a move that would impact the small- and mid-sized HR tech markets. They also cover key executive announcements, including new appointments at UKG and 15Five. The conversation culminates with insights from the World Economic Forum's latest report on the future of jobs, which identifies, broadening digital access, cost of living increases, and climate mitigation, and demographic shifts among the most important trends impacting workforces.Key points covered include:↪️ The Paychex’s pending acquisition of Paycor represents a strategic move to gain upmarket share. Stacey and Cliff discuss the signs pointing to market maturity in the payroll tech segment and the potential for further consolidation.↪️ UKG makes a strategic leadership moves, by appointing as president and CFO Arlen Schenkman, who previously held senior executive roles at Boomi, Citrix, and SAP. 15Five adds to its board of directors Larry Donovan, who most recently was chief revenue officer for Dayforce. Stacey and Cliff talk about how these leaders could influence corporate strategies. ↪️ The World Economic Forum 2025 report, The Future of Jobs, predicts that 39% of workers’ skills will become outdated within five years; the report identifies, analytical thinking, resilience, flexibility, and agility as critical competencies for the future.↪️ NVIDIA's Jensen Huang suggests IT departments will become the "HR department for AI agents," raising important questions about the future relationship between HR and IT and the implementation and governance of AI-enabled systems..Special announcement! Fostering a more inclusive and positive culture in a workplace of constant change is hard and messy but not impossible. In our in-depth and collaborative learning program, we break it down. Join Navigating Change with Confidence, a cohort-based, immersive program launching in January 2025. Click here to learn more.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 Jeanne Achille, Founder & CEO at Devon Group, explore how organizations are grappling with AI implementation, from the ground-up adoption by employees to the challenges of executive oversight. They cover the importance of focusing on AI's benefits rather than limitations, particularly in HR where the technology is becoming increasingly embedded in daily operations. Key points covered include:↪️ The rapid advancement of AI adoption (18-24 months) compared to previous tech transitions like the internet (8-10 years), requiring organizations to act quickly and strategically.↪️ Organizations should focus on automating non-exception tasks first while maintaining human oversight for complex decision-making and exceptions.↪️ Small and mid-sized companies are showing more agility in AI implementation compared to large enterprises, where IT-led initiatives often delay HR-related AI projects.↪️ The growing need for executive-level understanding and involvement in AI strategy, as its impact spans across departments from HR to operations.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 Jeanne AchilleLinkedInDevon GroupInstagram | LinkedIn 

As the year winds down, we’re taking a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate everything 2024 brought our way. In this special year-end episode, the team comes together to share memorable moments, hard-earned lessons, and a glimpse into what’s next.Join us as we dive into the highs and lows, revisit the resolutionswe set, and discuss how we’ve grown—both as individuals and as a team. Whetheryou’ve been on this journey with us all year or are tuning in for the firsttime, this episode is a heartfelt wrap-up to the year, filled with gratitude,insights, and a few surprises along the way. Let’s close out the year togetherand set the stage for an even brighter 2025!

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss a wide variety of topics, ranging from Sapient’s latest findings on the benefits space to recent mergers and acquisitions, including Deel's acquisition of Assemble, The Cloud Connectors’ merger with Joynd, and the UKG-Experian integration partnership. They also explore the implications of the recent net neutrality ruling and its potential impact on HR technology providers. Key points covered include:↪️ Recent HR tech partnerships are focusing on compensation management and integration capabilities. Stacey and Cliff discuss the implications of Deel’s acquisition of Assemble and The Cloud Connectors’ merger with Joynd, both of which have the goal of enhancing HR-specific data integration and connectivity.↪️ The Federal Appeals Court just struck down FCC net neutrality rules, raising concerns about potential impacts on SaaS providers and small vendors in the HR tech space.↪️ The Greenhouse 2024 State of Job Hunting report reveals concerning statistics about candidate experience, with 61% of job seekers experiencing ghosting and 64% reporting discrimination during interviews.↪️ Stacey and Cliff discuss growing concerns about AI's negative impact on the candidate experience in recruiting.  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 | X | LinkedInCliff StevensonX | LinkedIn 

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest Michelle Stewart, Senior Manager of HR Systems at Federated Co-operatives Limited, explore the challenges of managing multiple HR systems, dealing with frequent software updates, and creating seamless user experiences while working within organizational constraints. This conversation highlights the importance of stakeholder relationships and transparent communication in successful HR technology implementation.Key points covered include:↪️ Successful HR systems management requires building strong stakeholder relationships and understanding business needs before implementing technical solutions.↪️ Transparency in project prioritization and capacity helps manage expectations and builds trust with HR peers and business partners.↪️ Modern HR tech requires constant evaluation of new features and updates across multiple systems, making it essential to maintain a consolidated backlog of enhancement requests.↪️ Integration of new technologies should focus on seamless user experiences rather than adding complexity to the tech stack.Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInTeri ZipperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Michelle StewartLinkedIn Federated Co-operatives LimitedInstagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss significant personnel changes at major companies including ADP, Workday, and UKG, exploring what these leadership shifts mean for the industry's direction. The conversation covers new product launches and partnerships, including Paychex's HR Analytics Premium Plus with Visier integration and Anaplan's operational workforce planning application.Key points covered include:↪️ Several major HR tech companies announced leadership changes, including UKG naming Suresh Vittal as CPO and Workday appointing Rob Enslin as President and Chief Commercial Officer.↪️ Paychex launched HR Analytics Premium Plus with Visier integration, expanding their analytics capabilities for SMB customers.↪️ The merger of JobGet and SnagAJob signals continued focus on solutions for frontline workers, with both platforms continuing to operate independently.↪️ Industry competition is intensifying in the mid-market and SMB space, leading to more aggressive marketing tactics between vendors.Special announcement! Fostering a more inclusive and positive culture in a workplace of constant change is hard and messy but not impossible. In our in-depth and collaborative learning program, we break it down. Join Navigating Change with Confidence, a cohort-based immersive program launching in January 2025. Click here to learn more.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 Tricia Shields, Chief Human Resource Officer at Naviant, discuss the critical intersection of technology within HR leadership. With over 15 years in both IT and HR, Tricia shares her unique perspective on how technology can transform HR departments and enhance cross-functional partnerships. They also discuss the challenges of maintaining up-to-date employee information across disparate systems, the role of strategic planning in HR tech adoption, and the increasing influence of AI in streamlining HR functions. The conversation also covers emerging trends in employee development technology and the importance of connectivity across platformsKey points covered include:↪️ HR technology adoption requires strong partnerships both internally (with IT departments and executives) and externally (with vendors, HR networks, and technology communities)↪️ Organizations often struggle with multiple systems containing employee data (average of 11 different sources of record), highlighting the need for better integration and connectivity between HR tools↪️ Employee development technology remains a gap in the HR tech landscape, particularly in creating comprehensive solutions that connect performance management, career pathing, learning content, and skills development↪️ HR professionals should start their technology transformation by identifying paper-based or disconnected electronic processes that could be digitized or automated, rather than being intimidated by the scope of changeSpecial announcement! Fostering a more inclusive and positive culture in a workplace of constant change is hard and messy but not impossible. In our in-depth and collaborative learning program, we break it down. Join Navigating Change with Confidence, a cohort-based immersive program launching in January 2025. Click here to learn more.

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper is joined by guest Jennifer Congdon, Chief Human Resources Officer at M Financial Group. Drawing from her extensive experience in tech, aerospace, and manufacturing, Jennifer shares insights on building effective HR strategies and fostering a people-centered culture. She discusses the power of structured change management, continuous improvement, and provides practical advice on leveraging cross-functional relationships and process rigor to drive business success.Key points covered include:↪️ Building authentic connections across organizational hierarchies transforms resistance into partnership, creating natural champions for change at every level.↪️ Strategic stakeholder engagement isn't just about initial buy-in—it's about creating sustainable feedback channels that turn employees into active participants in the change journey.↪️ Change initiatives must be anchored in measurable business outcomes, with special attention to how complex organizations require tailored approaches for different departments and teams.↪️ HR's effectiveness stems from being business partners first—immersing in operations, understanding pain points, and shaping people strategies that directly impact company goals.Special announcement! Fostering a more inclusive and positive culture in a workplace of constant change is hard and messy but not impossible. In our in-depth and collaborative learning program, we break it down. Join Navigating Change with Confidence, a cohort-based immersive program launching in January 2025. Click here to learn more.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 Jennifer CongdonLinkedInM Financial GroupTwitter | LinkedIn