From ICU to HR Tech: Reflections on the Search for Better Systems in 2025

2025 is here, and as we dive back into work, it’s natural to reflect on our goals and aspirations for the year ahead. 

On a personal note, I started the year by spending more time than I’d hoped in the ICU, where my mum was recovering from surgery.  Thankfully, she’s on the mend now!  

During those long hours, surrounded by the constant beeping of machines and nurses rushing to provide care, I found myself reflecting on my passion for IT and how technology is being used in healthcare. 

The ICU is a place of high-tech precision, but one thing that really stood out to me in that sterile environment was the large A3 sheet of paper on the table where staff manually recorded medications and vital signs every hour.  It got me thinking about some of the conversations I had last year with organisations about their HR tech challenges and goals as part of our Tech Assist Service. 

A common theme that emerged was dissatisfaction with traditional systems for note-taking and organisation.  Many people I spoke to were frustrated with their HR systems, and even productivity enthusiasts like me are constantly testing out the latest tools, tech, and tactics to organise life—both work and personal. 

This experience in the ICU was a powerful reminder of how much technology could improve processes in all types of settings.  The search for better systems is universal—across industries, technology has the potential to transform and elevate every process. 

As we step into 2025, I’d love to hear your goals and aspirations for the year.  How do you see HR technology fitting into those plans?  

The HR technology landscape is evolving quickly, and with Tech Talks, I’ll continue to bring valuable insights through our webinar series, diving into emerging HR tech trends. Here’s a sneak peek at what we have lined up so far: 

1. Attraction, Recruitment, and Selection – We’ll explore how your organisation can leverage technology to enhance candidate experiences, streamline recruitment, and make smarter hiring decisions with the power of technology and AI.
2. Employee Engagement and Experience – We’ll discuss how to integrate tools for a seamless employee experience, from onboarding to learning, engagement, and feedback systems.
3. Learning and Development – Continuous learning is essential in the fast-changing job market. We’ll look at new tools for employee development, skill-building platforms, and how HR tech is supporting the shift toward continuous learning. 

At each webinar, we’ll showcase innovative HR tech vendors making waves and hear from popular HRIS platforms.  We’ll also share real-world examples of companies successfully implementing HR tech and the impact it’s had on their organisations—all while keeping a strong focus on ethics and privacy in HR tech. 

As businesses prepare for the future, staying up to date with these trends is crucial. The integration of cutting-edge HR technologies will help HR leaders overcome challenges, improve employee satisfaction, and drive long-term growth. 

I’m excited to continue providing insights for businesses looking to stay ahead in this dynamic environment.  

Looking forward to the exciting conversations ahead! 

In other news, for those of you kicking off your HR technology transformation journey this year, I’ll also be running an introductory half-day course designed to equip you with the essential tools and strategies for conducting an effective HR technology needs assessment. You’ll also learn how to create a clear action plan to achieve your desired outcomes. Spaces are limited, so be sure to book now to secure your spot! 

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