Exit Interview by Patrick Donegan #154

For some time, I’ve been looking for one “source” that curates modern takes on HR Tech, perspectives from the people who build it, and its impact on enterprise — something that’s tailor-made by professionals for decision-makers.

I never found it — so I decided to build it.

Every week, I’ll be sharing fresh insights on tech platforms, design, data, and the future of work — straight to your inbox.

My Thoughts

Over the past year, I’ve been deeply involved in a major brand refresh for SEI, where I serve as CSO. This experience has reminded me of the profound connection between a company’s brand and its culture. ⛓️ Much like how individuals express themselves through their fashion choices or the art they appreciate, a brand is a company's way of showing the world who they are at their core. 🪞

But a logo change without cultural integration can (and most likely will) fall flat. 🥞 This is your opportunity to do some self-reflection: Why is the rebrand happening? How can a culture shift facilitate these goals? Engaging everyone in the organization, from top leadership to new hires, ensures they understand and embrace what these changes represent, turning abstract values 🖼️ into lived experiences. 👪

Leaders, especially HR, play a pivotal role here. How you show up every day matters. Are you excited? Are you taking the time to have meaningful conversations about what's happening? 🎺 Even just a short slide on a company-wide deck can show your team that leadership is committed to not just informing but inspiring everyone involved.

Reflecting on our journey at SEI, it's clear that when a brand and culture move in unison, the company stands a better chance to achieve what every organization aspires to: growth. 🌱

If you're in the middle of a rebrand, what have you learned? 🫧 I'd love to hear more from you.

Tech Innovation

WorKit by NoriSpace, a developer of advanced AI solutions, is set to launch next year, enhancing workplace efficiency with AI-driven task management and secure data handling. This tool uses AI to optimize communication and task distribution, boosting productivity and data security for businesses.

Oracle Cloud HCM, a human capital management solution, introduces new capabilities within its Oracle Dynamic Skills to enhance skills-based talent strategies. This is aimed to support organizations in better understanding and leveraging employee skills and making smarter workforce decisions.

SAP has completed its acquisition of WalkMe Ltd.  to enhance its digital adoption capabilities. This move integrates WalkMe’s AI with SAP's Joule to improve user experience across workflows and boost productivity. The acquisition is a big step in SAP's commitment to advancing business transformation.

The Changing Workplace

With a federal court overturning the FTC’s noncompete ban, many employees who anticipated more freedom are now stuck with the status quo. So, what does this mean for HR professionals? It’s crucial for HR to provide clear, consistent communication about the implications of noncompete agreements, dispelling myths and ensuring understanding. As legal standards shift, HR must review and refine contracts to ensure they are appropriate and legally compliant, simplifying complex legal jargon where possible. By proactively aligning company policies with current laws, HR can protect both organizational interests and employee rights, instilling confidence amidst uncertainty.

All About Data

The labor market is always shifting, and The Conference Board’s latest report sheds light on critical salary budget changes for 2025. With the new year being just a few short months away,  HR leaders must start thinking about finances now. As companies vie to keep their best talent, they’re pushing salary budgets to near-record speeds, emphasizing the growing importance of a robust compensation strategy.

Let’s take a look at some key findings:

• Average Salary Increases: A projected average salary increase of 3.9% for 2025 underscores companies' commitment to competitive wage offerings.
• Sector Trends: Notably, sectors like insurance and energy are leading with the highest planned salary increases, spotlighting industry-specific growth.
• Adapting Compensation: To retain talent, companies are increasingly turning to flexible and performance-based compensation strategies beyond base pay.

Curious about what other changes might be affecting your industry? Dive into the full report from The Conference Board for more insight

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