HCM Talent Technology Roundup December 1, 2023

WorkFusion joined the list of companies pushing the idea of “digital workers” by launching Work.AI, a no-code platform that leverages a company’s domain expertise to create an AI-based digital workforce. In April, Kelly launched Kelly Fusion, a product suite that manages data-entry tasks and new-hire processes. Next month, the startup Artisan will launch its first digital worker, Ava, a “sales representative” that will initially automate outbound sales cycles.

Some of the softer elements of HR may be scaled down next year, continuing downward trends seen in 2023, said Forrester. Employers face a variety of technology and workforce issues, ranging from AI-related challenges to wobbly business conditions. One result: a weakened commitment to employee experience, which has led to a variety of strikes, walkouts, extended bargaining and employees’ growing tendency to ignore workforce policies.

OpenAI launched an AI app marketplace. Reuters reports the GPT Store will allow developers to share AI-based apps – called GPTs – and earn revenue based on their number of users. The launch has implications for talent acquisition by encouraging developers to customize ChatGPT’s technology to their specific needs.

All of the U.S. jobs on Indeed have skills that can be completed or augmented by generative AI, said the company’s Hiring Lab. However, only 20% of the job board’s postings can be deemed “highly” exposed to the technology, indicating that while AI can learn to do tasks within a specific job, the technology is unlikely to fully replace many positions.

Headcount and budget constraints will continue to challenge employer-branding efforts as 2024 dawns. Research by employer-branding platform Cliquify found that 58% of branding teams plan to keep their budget the same as it was in 2023, while 27% plan increases and 15% anticipate cuts.

Nearly three-quarters of HR professionals, 72%, say people challenges and talent gaps are the biggest obstacles they currently face. Just 35% believe their people-management functions use relevant digital technologies, and only 30% agree that HR is using data and analytics to anticipate people challenges. The research was conducted by Boston Consulting Group and the World Federation of People Management Associations.

Accenture and Workday expanded their partnership to help companies make better use of the skills present within their workforce, identify the skills needed for future growth and uncover reskilling opportunities. The collaboration includes new offerings that leverage Workday’s Skills Cloud and Accenture’s skill proficiency calculator to consolidate skills analysis, insights and actions.

Entervu launched a mobile app offering employers tools to aid talent acquisition and candidates the ability to upload videos in order to complement their resumes and present their communications skills. Recruiters can also access insights to candidates’ communication style, personality and work methodologies.

By Mark Feffer

Mark Feffer is executive editor of RecruitingDaily and the HCM Technology Report. He’s written for TechTarget, HR Magazine, SHRM, Dice Insights, TLNT.com and TalentCulture, as well as Dow Jones, Bloomberg and Staffing Industry Analysts. He likes schnauzers, sailing and Kentucky-distilled beverages.