The HR Huddle

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 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 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 Group Download the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White Paper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Teri Zipper Instagram |  Twitter |  LinkedIn  Lexy Martin LinkedIn

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 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 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 Group Download the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White Paper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Teri Zipper Instagram |  Twitter |  LinkedIn  Bob Hanley LinkedIn Kim Nugent LinkedIn

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 Group Download the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White Paper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Stacey Harris Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Cliff Stevenson Twitter | LinkedIn