HR Tech Trends: 4 Better HR Software Solutions for Your Tech Stack

It requires actively understanding and adapting these trends to future proof our strategies.

HR managers today are tasked with so much more hiring and policy-making. They also need to build a streamlined HR tech stack that addresses the nuanced demands of modern workforces and the dynamic environments they inhabit.

 In this article, we’re exploring four areas of HR technology that are setting a new standard for what an efficient, responsive HR department can look like. We’ll also cover how to deliberately craft an HR tech stack so that you’re not just following trends blindly, but actively picking the right tools to improve both employee satisfaction and business outcomes.

 First up, let’s cover the one trend that everyone in every department in every organization is already talking about: AI.

AI and your HR tech stack

More than a third of HR tech leaders are actively exploring generative AI and how it can be used in their organization—a number that is surely growing. 

 There’s no doubt this technology is reshaping business and HR practices. HR professionals will need to work closely with their IT, legal, and compliance counterparts to understand the potential use cases and benefits (and potential risks) of any planned new strategies. 

 Specifically when it comes to building a better HR tech stack today, look for SaaS companies that align with your own organization’s approach to AI. 

 “Growing companies need modern, non-legacy providers who are as invested and up to speed with critical tools like AI as we are,” says Leif Baradoy, Giftbit CEO. “That’s where we have to be as employers.”

 Beyond AI, integrating the following four HR software solutions can help your department successfully navigate today’s shifting HR landscape. 

A seamlessly integrated workforce management solution

Slower response times, higher chances of errors, and dramatically reduced productivity can be the norm with traditional HRIS platforms. These traditional platforms had their place, but they’re not able to keep pace with today’s fast-evolving business needs.

 Instead, next-generation workforce management solutions like Rippling are flexible enough to integrate seamlessly with all the other tools your hybrid, modern workforce is already using. 

 These systems consolidate all HR functions—from payroll and benefits administration to recruitment and onboarding—into one cohesive platform. Data can flow seamlessly across departments, so that decision-making can be based on comprehensive insights.

 This makes them essential for companies aiming to navigate the intricacies of modern work dynamics efficiently. 

→How to choose a workforce management solution

Our HR team knew they needed to improve their operational efficiency. That’s why we’ve recently switched to Rippling. They’re a leader in their space, because they offer a unified solution that manages not just HR tasks but also IT and operations within the same ecosystem. 

 “At Giftbit, we're always looking for new, better tools to reflect and support where we’re going,” says Baradoy. 

 Specifically, here’s why we made the decision to switch up our HR tech stack. 

•  First, we needed a better way to manage payroll and benefits for both Canadian and American employees. 

 We’re a remote and growing company, with employees spread across multiple countries. Rippling lets us manage all aspects of our global workforce, all in one place. 

 “Global is important because we’re all global faster, especially with the rise of remote work,” says Baradoy. 

•  Second, we wanted a unified solution for our HR operations. 

 Prior to switching to Rippling, our people operations were spread thin across three different solutions. Rippling let us replace these disjointed systems with one comprehensive platform, simplifying everything from payroll processing to compliance management. 

 This consolidation not only saves time but also reduces the risk of discrepancies and improves data security.

•  Third, we wanted better options for onboarding and offboarding. 

Onboarding is critically important to how we maintain our cultural principles within our growing team. Rippling will let us automate these processes, ensuring everyone has a consistent experience. This also frees up our people operations team to focus on strategy and employee experience.  

“The promise of ‘one-click’ onboarding and offboarding is incredibly powerful,” says Baradoy. 

•  Fourth, we needed better integrations with our existing tech stack. 

 Finally, we wanted a solution that could seamlessly integrate with other essential tools that we’re already using, like Google Workspace and Carta. Rippling’s app management also lets us see what apps our team is using for better security. 

 Ultimately, by integrating Rippling into our HR tech stack, we’re not just upgrading our systems—we're redefining how technology can empower HR to be a central part of our business success.

Streamlined employee recognition

Every HR professional understands the importance of employee recognition in building a thriving company culture. But many also grapple with finding the time and resources to manage recognition programs effectively. If rewards aren’t easy to send, then you’re not going to send them (or reap the many benefits of doing so).

 Managing the logistics of distributing the right rewards to the right people in a timely, personalized manner was usually too much to manage manually by one person when everyone was at least working in the same office. Throw in hybrid or international workers, and the task can seem insurmountable. 

 That’s why HR teams today need an easy way to automate their employee recognition and incentive processes. 

 And that’s why digital rewards platforms are quickly becoming a must-have in the modern HR tech stack. 

 For example, Giftbit is a SOC 2 compliant platform and API that makes it very easy to send digital rewards and payouts, track their usage, and manage employee engagement budgets in real-time. 

 Keep in mind that digital gift cards (like a Starbucks gift card) and prepaid cards (like a prepaid Visa card) make better incentives simple cash bonuses or physical rewards for a variety of reasons: 

• They’re more cost effective
• They can be sent and received instantly via your preferred method (email, SMS, direct message, etc.)
• They’re incredibly convenient and don’t require any planning to distribute
• They’re trackable
• They’re more environmentally friendly, with no paper or plastic waste
• They’re more accessible, regardless of someone’s physical limitations or location
• They offer more variety in rewards, which can help to support broader DEI efforts
• They offer customer support to your recipients, ensuring your recipients have an enjoyable rewards experience from start to finish 

Ultimately, recognizing and rewarding employees immediately and effectively boosts morale and engagement, which are key to maintaining a motivated workforce in a competitive environment. 

 “Cash rewards are not memorable. They lack the personal touch and the emotional connection that can make rewards truly impactful,” says Giftbit CCO Nat Salvione. “Gift cards get results.”

Streamlined payouts, too

With Giftbit, the same platform you use to manage rewards and incentives can also work for payouts. 

 For example, sometimes as part of our hiring process at Giftbit, we need to ask for work samples. And since we believe in compensating people for their time, we always pay for them. 

 These are the types of payouts that HR teams often find themselves tasked with—and they can also be managed and simplified through the Giftbit platform and API. 

→How to choose employee rewards software

Just like when choosing your workforce management solution, you’ll want to look for employee recognition software that is global, that is easy to set up and use, and that will integrate with your existing workflows. 

 Specifically, you’ll want to choose a tech solution that you’ll be able to integrate seamlessly into your existing HR systems. Whether you’re just sending a token of appreciation here or there, running several spiff programs a year, or managing ongoing anniversary gifts for thousands of employees, your HR team should be able to do it all with just a few clicks. 

 And since Giftbit integrates through 1000s of apps through Zapier (like Slack, Hubspot, and Google Sheets), you can get a rewards program up and running that works with your existing tech stack in minutes.

 As a result, HR teams can focus more on strategy and employee engagement, rather than the intricacies of reward management.

 Pro-tip: You’ll also want to choose a platform that provides a wide range of reward options—from gift cards to charitable donations. By giving employees a complete choice from your employee rewards catalog, you’ll be better able to ensure that your rewards and incentives will be well received.

Better office management for hybrid and remote teams

HR managers who worked through the pandemic know what it’s like to see their responsibilities expand. Now that things have settled, hybrid work is still continuing to push these boundaries. 

 Traditionally, HR departments haven’t been responsible for managing facilities or office layouts. But office management is increasingly complex, and HR managers may now find themselves tasked with helping to ensure that both remote and on-site work environments are supporting employee productivity and well-being.

 Modern facility management software (sometimes called as workplace experience software), is a necessity in this new era. These platforms help HR teams monitor and optimize the use of physical workspaces in ways that align with hybrid work policies. 

 In essence, facility management (FM) software bridges the gap between physical office management and human resource policies, helping to create a cohesive strategy that supports both business operations and employee needs in a hybrid work setup. 

 For instance, this software can make it easier to manage desk bookings and ensure that on-site amenities meet employee needs, which is crucial for enhancing the in-office experience on the days employees choose to come in.

 Moreover, these tools provide valuable data on office usage trends, helping leadership to make informed decisions about space planning and real estate investments. 

 By helping to adopt and adapt such technologies, HR departments can play a pivotal role in shaping a workplace that is both efficient and adaptable to the evolving demands of the modern workforce.

 Adding it to your HR tech stack can not only streamline operational tasks. It can also significantly enhance the employee experience, positioning HR as a key player in managing the dynamics of the modern workplace.

→How to choose a facility management solution

Similar to selecting the SaaS platforms above, when you’re choosing FM software, there are some key ‘must-haves.’ A user-friendly API (like Giftbit’s, for example) and robust integrations are what will make it easy to integrate the platform into your existing workflows. 

 You’ll also want to look for platforms that not only help you manage space, but also track how you’re using it. Similar to tracking your rewards program, tracking how you manage space is what will allow your leadership team to make better decisions about it. For example, the reports and analytics features in OfficeSpace provide critical, real-time workplace metrics that can help you understand occupancy and see where your budget is going. 

Next-generation career development 

For the final piece of your new-and-improved HR tech stack, it’s often a good idea to consider new online platforms that can dramatically improve your career development offerings. 

 Of course, it’s always been essential for employees to continually develop and refine their skills. Offering career development can improve retention rates while also upleveling your team.  Plus, employees who feel their company is invested in their personal and professional growth are more likely to be engaged, productive, and loyal. 

 And thanks to the rise of Learning Management Systems (LMS) platforms, it’s never been easier for HR teams to adopt a scalable and affordable career development program. With features like self-paced courses, interactive content, and real-time feedback, an LMS can cater to diverse learning preferences and schedules, ensuring that all employees have the opportunity to grow professionally, regardless of their location.

 In short, by integrating the right LMS into your HR tech stack, you can much more easily enhance your career development programs, making them more accessible, engaging, and relevant to employees' needs.

→How to choose a career development platform

With so many great LMS providers out there, it can be difficult to settle on the right one. 

 Again, it’s best to look for a platform that is going to scale with your existing workflows. We love that, like Giftbit, the popular LearnUpon platform has a robust API. They also have a growing list of integrations, including a Zapier connection that will let you connect it to Giftbit rewards. 

Future-proof HR software solutions

Integrating these specific types of software—facility management, learning management systems, employee rewards platforms, and comprehensive HR solutions like Rippling—into a unified HR tech stack isn't just about adopting new technologies. It's about creating a more holistic approach to human resources management. 

 This approach ensures that people operations departments are not only prepared to handle the complexities of today’s workforce, but also ready to meet future challenges. By focusing on these areas, you can ensure that your HR operations are resilient, agile, and capable of supporting a dynamic workforce.

Giftbit's easy-to-use platform and user-friendly API is a simple, scalable solution to employee rewards. Integrate it with other critical software in your HR tech stack to better support employee engagement. Reach out to sales to book a demo now.