As the HR Technology Conference marks and celebrates its 20th Anniversary, it’s natural to take a moment to reflect on the incredible amount and pace of change in HR technology, Human Resources and workplaces over that time. Twenty years ago, the most pressing HR tech debates were centered around adapting to the latest client-server systems with their new graphical user interfaces from the old green-screen mainframe systems, and just what would we do to fend off Y2K!
Fast forward 20 years and the HR technologies having the greatest impact enabling organizational success through people today are almost indistinguishable from those old systems of the late 90s. In 2017, the conversations are about Artificial Intelligence and machine learning for HR, advanced predictive analytics to support HR and talent management decision-making, and tools that can help identify and reduce the impact of unconscious bias in talent processes. And all designed for smartphones and having user experiences that rival the best consumer-grade applications and social platforms.
So, if HR tech in 2017 is almost nothing like HR tech in 1997, what does that suggest for the next 20 years? Or even the next five for that matter? What current new innovations and technologies are likely to have the greatest impact and influence moving forward? Where should HR and HRIT leaders be concentrating their resources and efforts today, knowing that the pace of innovation and the demands of the market are only accelerating? Finally, what is coming “next” — what innovative and not yet invented HR technology will dominate the next era of HR tech?
Join us as we welcome a collection of key industry executives, HR technology industry researchers and influencers, cutting-edge senior HR leaders and others for a look back but, more importantly, a look forward to what the next 20 years of HR technology may offer, and how HR leaders can better equip themselves and their organizations for success.