The HR Huddle

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson break down the latest HR tech news, covering major acquisitions in the skills data space and global expansion moves. The episode examines how companies like Workday are positioning themselves for government contracts and international growth, particularly in India, while addressing the growing demand for talent intelligence solutions.  They explore worker sentiment data showing widespread job insecurity and the impact of AI anxiety on the workforce, alongside concerning trends about women leaving the tech sector.   Key points covered include: ↪️ SD Worx acquires a French payroll firm targeting small businesses while Lightcast purchases Rhetorik to strengthen their skills data offerings, reflecting two primary growth strategies: global expansion and data monetization. ↪️ Workday continues its roll with the creation of Workday Government, a wholly owned subsidiary to serve the U.S. government; the company also announced expansion into India with a local data center and expanded sales force.   ↪️ Survey data reveals 80% of U.S. workers feel insecure in their roles due to AI concerns, while UK data shows only 7% believe the job market favors them currently. ↪️ The U.S. faces a growing disconnect with an increasing supply of college graduates and a rising demand for skilled trades workers; new educational models combining technical training with critical thinking skills are needed. Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below: Sapient Insights Group Download the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White Paper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Stacey Harris Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Cliff Stevenson Twitter | LinkedIn 

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest Stephanie Manzelli, Chief People Officer at Employ Inc., explore the benefits and challenges of AI implementation in talent acquisition. They discuss how AI can reduce bias and automate repetitive tasks, while also addressing the "black box" problem where candidates feel lost in automated screening processes. This conversation is packed with practical strategies for successful AI adoption, including the importance of change management, proper training, and maintaining human judgment in the hiring process. Key points covered include: ↪️ AI tools are enabling recruiters to focus on candidate skills and potential rather than traditional credentials, linear career paths, and pedigree-based screening. ↪️ Organizations must address the "black box" problem by ensuring AI tools provide visibility into candidate screening processes and avoid automatically dispositioning qualified applicants. ↪️ Successful AI adoption requires comprehensive training on ethical usage, clear communication about value propositions, and ongoing auditing of processes to maintain effectiveness. ↪️ Employe Inc.'s 2025 Job Seeker Nation Report reveals that compensation transparency and frequent communication are key to positive candidate experiences, and more job seekers reported receiving offers at or above salary expectations.  Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below: Sapient Insights Group Download the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White Paper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Teri Zipper Instagram |  Twitter |  LinkedIn  Stephanie Manzelli LinkedIn Employ LinkedIn

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson conduct a wide-ranging conversation covering announcements in the global payroll space, a gigantic contract for Oracle, and a new AI-driven platform for restructuring work.  They also touch on what’s behind tech layoffs and a general consensus among practitioners to tone down the AI hype.  Key points covered include: ↪️ Payscale expands into Romania with the opening of the Bucharest Technology Hub, solidifying Payscale’s global expansion and reinforcing its commitment to AI research for innovative compensation solutions.  EPI-USE, a global tech company specializing in implementing SAP solutions, and datascalehr, an AI-native global payroll API vendor, are partnering together to simplify global payroll integrations for multi-national corporations, especially those with employee populations in multiple companies. Hear why companies specializing in integrations and middleware are becoming more and more critical. Oracle took a risk to be an early mover in the hyperscale market; it has now paid off with a massive $30 billion cloud agreement with OpenAI, the largest cloud agreement for AI to date.   Listen for how Oracle anticipated the enormous server space and computing power that AI would demand, positioning itself ahead of the curve even as competitors questioned the move. into the hyperscale market.  ↪️ Two factors are driving job layoffs and the increasing use of outsourcing and offshoring in the technology sector: The expiration of Section 174, which allowed for 100% tax deductions for research and development expenses, along with current and projected tariffs. ↪️ Highlights from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council conference in New Orleans, which brought together leaders from businesses of all sizes.  A key data point: Women-owned businesses contribute $2.7 trillion to the U.S. economy and employ more than 12 million people.  As Stacey says, “That’s not a niche, that’s real impact. ↪️ Reejig announced the launch of Work Architecture, an infrastructure platform that enables organizations to continuously evolve how work is structured, managed, and deployed. The platform breaks work down into tasks and skills; redesigns roles and org structures without relying on job titles; and importantly, enables skills-based workforce planning at scale. Jerry Ting, founder and CEO of Evisort, was named Workday’s vice president of agentic AI.  He’ll also continue to lead Evisort, acquired by Workday in 2024, which helps extract insights from unstructured data in contracts and other documents. Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below: Sapient Insights Group Download the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White Paper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Stacey Harris Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Cliff Stevenson Twitter | LinkedIn 

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson provide updates on two recent industry events, just-announced acquisitions and partnerships, and shifting trends in areas such as managing contingent workers, learning approaches to equip employees with AI skills, and a new way to manage and govern AI across enterprise tech.   Key points covered include: Cliff provides an update from the isolved Connect for Partners event in Las Vegas, which brought together hundreds of partners to network and collaborate, gain product insights, and learn about isolved’s product roadmaps. Stacey highlights parts of her presentation at the Dayforce Summit 2025 in Dallas and shares other news, including the recent announcement that the Government of Canada is moving forward with the adoption of Dayforce’s HR and pay solutions.    ↪️ Beeline’s acquisition of MBO Partners demonstrates Beeline’s commitment to providing a workforce management solution that addresses all types of employees, including contingent workers, freelancers, and consultants, within a unified platform. ↪️ Stacey and Cliff talk about the emerging market entrant Lana AI, which gives companies the ability to “import” blocks of functionality from disparate HR solutions to provide a unified, AI-supported employee engagement platform with advanced analytics.  The company recognizes a need to not only unify systems across the enterprise but to also implement and govern AI across functional areas such as recruiting, employee engagement, and skills development.   ↪️ Greenhouse's partnership with Clear1 introduces airport-style identity verification to candidate screening.  Stacey and Cliff discuss the advantages of integrating Clear1 with  Greenhouse’s hiring platform, especially now with the growing trend of AI-generated resumes and fake candidates; they also talk about the debate over though the debate over potential bias and privacy in the verification process. ↪️ The 28th Annual HR System Survey is LIVE.  In addition to covering all segments of HR tech, the survey will delve into new areas such as contingent workforces and the confluence of work and HR tech. All participants will get a complimentary copy of the final report. Take the report today https://sapientinsights.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3CAEkoe5QFNOEoC?SOURCE=SIGPodcast&ID=156 Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below: Sapient Insights Group Download the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White Paper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Stacey Harris Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Cliff Stevenson Twitter | LinkedIn 

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest Sue Ruzenski, CEO of Helen Keller Services, discuss employment opportunities and workplace accommodations for people who are blind, have low vision, or are deaf-blind. They tackle how organizations can better support these talented individuals through practical accommodations that typically cost less than $500 per employee. This conversation explores available resources, assistive technologies, and how employment specialists can bridge the gap between job seekers and employers nationwide. Key points covered include: ↪️ Most workplace accommodations for employees with vision or hearing loss cost under $500, making inclusion accessible for organizations of all sizes. ↪️ AI-powered glasses, navigation apps, and adaptive software are creating new opportunities for independence and workplace success. ↪️ The biggest barrier to employment success is employer assumptions about what's possible, rather than the actual accessibility challenges. ↪️ Remote work opportunities have created new possibilities for independence and career success within this community. The 28th Annual HR System Survey is LIVE.  In addition to covering all segments of HR tech, the survey will delve into new areas such as contingent workforces and the confluence of work and HR tech. All participants will get a complimentary copy of the final report. Take the report today https://sapientinsights.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3CAEkoe5QFNOEoC?SOURCE=SIGPodcast&ID=156 Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below: Sapient Insights Group Download the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White Paper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Teri Zipper Instagram |  Twitter |  LinkedIn  Helen Keller Services LinkedIn

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson explore the accelerating pace of change in the HR tech industry, comparing current market activity to pivotal moments including 2010-2011 and post-COVID periods. The discussion covers a wave of significant mergers and acquisitions, including UKG's acquisition of Shiftboard and major funding rounds like Grammarly's $1 billion raise and Awardco joining the unicorn club.  They also examine how AI is moving beyond basic automation toward evaluation and analysis capabilities, with companies like Cornerstone, Anaplan, and others embedding AI into their core platforms while addressing limitations and errors. Key points covered include: ↪️ UKG acquires Shiftboard for skills-based scheduling in energy/manufacturing, while Acrisure bought Heartland Payroll and Intuit acquired GoCo to expand market reach. ↪️ Multiple vendors are moving into strategic workforce planning by 2026, with growing emphasis on bridging the gap between HR and finance functions through better planning systems. ↪️ Leading vendors like Cornerstone are being transparent about AI limitations, including hallucinations, while focusing on practical applications and providing clear warnings about accuracy checks rather than promising perfect solutions. ↪️ Key leadership changes include Jura Slattery joining isolved as Chief Customer Officer and Michael Flannery becoming CEO at Daxtra, reflecting companies' focus on customer experience and data-driven solutions. ↪️ The 28th Annual HR System Survey is LIVE.  In addition to covering all segments of HR tech, the survey will delve into new areas such as contingent workforces and the confluence of work and HR tech. All participants will get a complimentary copy of the final report. Take the report today https://sapientinsights.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3CAEkoe5QFNOEoC?SOURCE=SIGPodcast&ID=156 Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below: Sapient Insights Group Download the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White Paper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Stacey Harris Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Cliff Stevenson Twitter | LinkedIn 

Kelly Mackin, Co-Founder and CEO of Motives Met and author of “Work Life Well-Lived,” dives into her research revealing that only 16% of employees are thriving at work. She discusses 28 psychological motives influencing workplace wellbeing, highlighting the importance of personalized strategies over a one-size-fits-all approach. The conversation exposes how many employees fear expressing their emotions and explores actions individuals can take to enhance their well-being. Lastly, Mackin emphasizes the need for co-created workplace cultures that foster open communication and individual fulfillment.

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss UKG's major cultural transformation under CEO Jennifer Morgan and discuss how the company is moving from reactive to proactive customer service while targeting double-digit growth in the enterprise market. This conversation also covers Moderna's decision to combine its CHRO and IT leadership roles in an effort to align talent and tech to create an adaptive, AI-ready organization. Key points covered include: ↪️ UKG’s new CEO Jennifer Morgan's transparent approach to addressing cultural and customer challenges related to recent acquisitions while pursuing double-digit growth and strategic partnerships.  . ↪️ Industry experts warn against over-reliance on external benchmarks, advocating for organizational DNA-based decision making as AI systems risk homogenizing company cultures ↪️ A federal judge allowed a hiring discrimination lawsuit against Workday to proceed as a collective action, potentially opening floodgates for similar cases based on algorithmic biases in hiring software. ↪️ Work Human is now helping its customers use data for purposes beyond employee recognition, including for employee network analysis, identification of future leaders, and skills mapping; its expanded partnership strategy is a reflection of the broader ways AI and employee data can be used across an organization. Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below: Sapient Insights Group Download the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White Paper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Stacey Harris Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Cliff StevensonTwitter | LinkedIn

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, host Teri Zipper and industry veteran Steve Goldberg explore organizational agility as a critical pathway to business success in today's fluid, unpredictable environment.  Drawing from decades of experience across investment banks and HR tech leadership roles, Goldberg shares his "Ascension Test" framework for how companies can rise within their industry ranks through strategic pivoting and effective change management.  The conversation dives into why many transformations fail despite good intentions, highlighting the delicate balance between technological implementation and human adaptation. Key points covered include: ↪️ Transformation requires addressing "the three Cs": candor, clarity, and communication—especially when explaining the "why" and "why now" behind changes. ↪️ Human capital management must be owned across the organization, not just within HR departments, to enable true agility. ↪️ Change readiness extends beyond process updates to include mindset shifts and leadership demonstrating genuine commitment. ↪️ Historically, companies rarely ascend industry ranks through cost-cutting alone—true advancement comes through enhanced agility and innovation. Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below: Sapient Insights Group Download the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White Paper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Teri Zipper Instagram |  Twitter |  LinkedIn  Steve Goldberg LinkedIn

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson recap what they learned at recent major HR tech events, including Unleash America. The conversation also explores what’s behind ServiceNow's just-announced partnership with UKG to integrate UKG AI agents with ServiceNow’s AI Agent Fabric and the latest updates on Oracle’s product and marketing strategy, gleaned from its recent Analytics and Data Summit. This episode also covers critical workplace issues, including how AI is affecting ageism bias, Microsoft's new policy to give under-performing employees a choice between a PIP and a severance package, and the urgent need for organizations to establish proper norms around AI-generated work. Key points covered include: ↪️ By working with tech companies such as NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Google, ServiceNow is set to give organizations the ability to integrate AI agents from any implemented AI tool with ServiceNow’s AI Agent Fabric, allowing AI agents to collaborate across solutions. ↪️ Workday secures a $342,000 government contract with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to modernize the agency’s HR system.  The contract, which has drawn some criticism because of the closed bidding process, potentially positions Workday for broader work across the federal government. ↪️ The rise of AI and related skills are accelerating ageism in the workplace; in fact, ageism bias in tech companies can begin as early as 29.   ↪️ No, Microsoft isn’t getting rid of performance improvement plans; rather the company is now giving employees a choice to work under a traditional PIP or accept a 16-week severance package.  There’s much more to this far-reaching conversation!  Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below: Sapient Insights Group Download the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White Paper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Stacey Harris Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Cliff StevensonTwitter | LinkedIn