Disruptive technologies are changing how consumers approach every day activities, from socializing and shopping, to traveling and exercise. Similarly, forward-thinking companies are adopting new data-driven tools to operate more efficiently. Within the human resources industry, technology aimed at streamlining talent acquisition processes and improving employee engagement is on the rise, with no signs of slowing down.

To stay on top of the latest trends, the Broadleaf team headed to Las Vegas earlier this month for the 2018 HR Technology Conference & Exposition. Thought leaders and industry experts offered their insights on the evolution taking place in our field and its anticipated impacts, big and small. Below are a few key takeaways from the event:

Innovation is changing talent acquisition for the better

New technologies are not only streamlining processes to source, hire, and onboard the very best talent, they’re also providing us with unprecedented insights and data to help tackle these activities more effectively. For example, employers are increasingly concerned with finding candidates who will integrate well with existing teams and company cultures. As a result, we’ve seen more tools pop up that promise to gauge a candidate’s organizational fit.

We cannot lose sight of the jobseeker experience

Recruiters and HR professionals must continually evaluate and improve how they interact and engage with jobseekers. People today can order a pizza through a mobile app within seconds and track its progress until the moment it arrives at their door. The experience for jobseekers should be equally intuitive, quick, and communicative.

Employee expectations are changing

Employers that want to stay competitive must also be mindful of new and evolving employee expectations. Jobseekers aren’t just looking for opportunities for which they’re qualified and will be compensated fairly; they want a workplace that reflects their own values and beliefs. Company culture, organizational hierarchy, work-life balance, and opportunities for growth and development are critical factors that candidates weigh when seeking new roles.

Some tasks can’t be assigned to machines

Even as companies continue to embrace automation and artificial intelligence, some things still need a human touch. Skills like creativity (think: art director, choreographer), social perception (think: coach, mental health worker), and manipulation (think: chiropractor, oral surgeon) remain uniquely human—at least for now.

To explore how your business should be leveraging new technologies and trends to improve your HR functions, contact Broadleaf today.