Moving the HR Technology Needle

2019 was a year of massive innovation. Let's take a closer look at what we gained — and how 2020 might shake it all up.

In 2019, HR technology was defined by the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and a growing emphasis on smart recruiting methods targeting the wants and needs of tech-savvy young talent.

Looking ahead to 2020 and beyond, it's likely the next decade of HR tech will continue down a similar path, with HR managers and talent acquisition teams adopting tailored tech solutions to make hiring a breeze for everyone.

Let's take a closer look at what 2019 brought us — and what 2020 is ready to offer:

2019 in Review

Over the last year, companies were more willing to think outside the box with their recruiting strategies. HR and talent acquisition teams took more creative approaches to capture the attention of candidates and stand out from their competitors. Here are three of the key trends I saw:

1. Remote Teams

More and more employees want the option to work remotely. In fact, according to a 2019 LinkedIn survey, 82 percent of workers would like to work from home at least once a week.

It's also easier than ever for employers to grant this request. Thanks to new communication and collaboration technologies, workers outside the office can stay connected with colleagues and up to date on all their tasks and responsibilities. Candidates know this, and they are looking to see which companies have adopted the necessary technologies and policies to support more flexible work arrangements.

2. Employer Branding

To land top-tier talent in 2019, employers had to go the extra mile. They had to show candidates the value of their brands and sell prospective employees on the benefits of working for them instead of another organization.

In part, this is because younger workers care deeply about what a company can do for them, in addition to what they can do for a company. For up-and-coming talent, the hiring process is a two-way street.

Company culture is now a make-or-break factor in a potential employee's assessment of a job opportunity. Employers have to invest in employer branding to show off their values and the perks of working for them. In a hypercompetitive talent market, standing out is key.

To land top-tier talent in 2019, employers had to go the extra mile.

3. Text Recruiting

Text messages have definitely gained popularity in recruitment over the past year. According to research from Nexxt, 75 percent of recruiters have already incorporated text messages into their recruiting strategies.

It's a logical evolution. Convenience is key to today's job seekers, and meeting them where they are — on their phones — helps employers stay ahead of the competition.

Predictions for 2020 and Beyond

2019 was all about convenience, communication, and culture. So, what can we expect from 2020? I believe companies will continue to focus on these areas to capture the attention of top talent — but they'll also have to adapt and respond to the latest advances to do so.

Looking forward to next year, here are the trends I foresee having the biggest impact on hiring strategies:

1. Fully Automated Operations

As AI and automation grow more refined, I expect we'll see even greater proportions of the recruitment process automated in the coming year. Hiring teams will be able to set the hiring process in motion and let the software do much of the heavy lifting; recruiters will only need to worry about interacting with candidates to build strong relationships and cultivate interest.

With the help of advanced automation, recruiters will be able to sift through resumes faster, identify qualified candidates more easily, and reduce unconscious bias that can interfere in the hiring process.

2. Virtual Interview Processes

Now that virtual reality (VR) technology is more accessible, we'll likely see it put to use in the hiring process.

Candidates will be able to get a fuller view of what it would be like to work for a company through virtual interview processes. This might include cognitive ability tests that place candidates in VR recreations of real-life scenarios, which candidates will have to work through to show off their talents and thought processes.

For hiring managers, VR offers a new ability to see a candidate in action before having to make a hiring decision. Virtual interviews could even add a new twist to hiring by gamifying the process. Candidates could earn points for their actions in virtual scenarios — which could help reduce bias in hiring efforts by adding an objective measure of candidate performance. To take it a step further, companies could even set up portals that give candidates an idea of where they stand in the process and how they can "level up."

3. Humanized Recruiting Efforts

While automation, AI, and machine learning will play key roles in recruitment going forward, I believe there will be a simultaneous emphasis on ensuring the process stays humanized.

Hiring managers will be able to take a step back from all of the mundane tasks and administrative duties that used to consume their attention. They'll be able to invest more time in real, oneon-one human contact with candidates, adding a new level of interpersonal connection to hiring.

As HR technologies and tools continue to evolve, how companies choose to respond and adapt will make or break their hiring efforts. Those HR teams that leverage tech to their advantage, communicate openly with candidates, and optimize the new time they have on their hands will be able to push their organizations ahead of the competition in the talent market.

Nina Cofer is product marketing manager at Breezy HR.