This column is loaded with HR tech announcements, one of which has gotten quite a bit of attention among analysts and writers. This week, AI-powered recruiting platform Paradox acquired people analytics provider Eqtble, which combines conversational AI with Eqtble’s people analytics to provide deeper insights and automation for talent management.
Democratizing people analytics for HR leaders
Analyst Madeline Laurano of Aptitude Research wrote about the move, saying her firm’s research shows that “93% of companies are increasing or maintaining their investment in people analytics, but confusion in the market persists.” She notes that many companies face challenges in navigating complex tools, justifying costs and identifying solutions that support HR professionals rather than overwhelm them.
In her post on the Aptitude Research website, she makes the point that people analytics should be more accessible. This tracks alongside what HR Executive readers are experiencing, with people analytics coming up as the top people technology their organization is missing and most in need of right now, according to What’s Keeping HR Up at Night? survey data.
Laurano believes this could be because, too often, the people analytics discipline is “treated as something that requires a Ph.D. in data science to understand.” However, she points out that HR teams don’t need more complex dashboards—they need straightforward access to insights that drive meaningful change.
As Laurano makes clear, there are several barriers to gaining widespread access, starting with the reality that 39% of HR leaders cite “limited expertise” as their top people analytics challenge. She notes many HR pros still use outdated people analytics tools or “homegrown solutions,” which are inefficient and time-consuming. Additionally, writes Laurano, cost remains a major barrier to adopting advanced analytics platforms.
HR tech in the news
Workday is laying off 1,750 employees to streamline operations and focus on profitability. CEO Carl Eschenbach cited the current economic environment and the company’s size as reasons for the cuts while emphasizing plans to invest in AI, international hiring and more agile decision-making.
Talent experience platform (and Top HR Tech Product award winner) Phenom acquired talent mobility solution EDGE. EDGE’s technology helps companies leverage internal talent for new opportunities, reducing RFP response time and contractor use. This is Phenom’s sixth acquisition, furthering its growth toward an end-to-end talent platform.
Oracle launched new AI agents within its Fusion Cloud HCM. These role-based agents help HR and business leaders improve employee experience and boost productivity by automating workflows. The agents, which automate end-to-end workflows, are available now.
AI platform Dataiku hired Lynne Oldham as chief people officer. Oldham brings 20 years of experience scaling companies, including leading Zoom through its IPO and Stash through a CEO transition.
Global talent solutions company Adecco Group expanded its partnership with staffing and recruitment software provider Bullhorn. This expansion brings Bullhorn Recruitment Cloud to new markets and integrates AI throughout Adecco’s recruitment process.
Data and technology company Experian launched a virtual Section 2 I-9 service. This government-approved service streamlines I-9 completion for employers and new hires, addressing challenges like remote work and limited employer resources.
Physical workspace tech platform Envoy launched Virtual Front Desk (VFD) Mobile to provide concierge-level support to employees and visitors, connecting them to workplace resources and live assistance via the Envoy app, regardless of location.
Jumpstart HR—HR outsourcing and consulting services for U.S. small businesses—acquired product marketing and consulting firm Aspect43. Aspect43 will operate as usual under Tami Nutt, vice president of research & insights, retaining its brand, research and programs.
Nayya, a platform for personalized health and wealth guidance, has leveraged Workday’s platform to build apps for personalized benefits selection, support, claims management and retirement/leave planning. The apps will be available on the Workday Marketplace.
Deloitte acquired SimplrOps, a SaaS company specializing in automating Workday, SAP and Oracle operations. This acquisition strengthens Deloitte’s cloud services, leveraging SimplrOps’ platform to improve system performance and provide real-time insights.
Tana, an AI-powered workspace, raised a $14 million Series A, led by Tola Capital, bringing its total funding to $25 million. Founded by ex-Googlers, Tana states a 160,000-plus user waitlist, including representation from over 80% of Fortune 500 companies.
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