Research Library
Using the Research Library
The research below is drawn from more than five years of industry studies, practitioner interviews, and deep analysis of the most important topics facing talent leaders today.
Feel free to use the categories below to find what you are looking for, or you can search for content that matters most to you.
Research Reports and Graphics
How Learning and Skill Development Affect Business Agility, Employee Belonging, and Productivity [Report]
There’s an old proverb that essentially states “the shoemaker’s children have no shoes.” The more modern version is “the cobbler’s children have no shoes,” even though handmade shoes are mostly a lost art. However, the metaphor still has a profound message. Where we have expertise, we often use that expertise for the benefit of others,…
Performance Management is Out: Performance Enablement is In
In the realm of organizational success, the approach to enhancing employee performance is undergoing a significant transformation. Gone are the days when traditional performance management methods—marked by goal-setting, monitoring, and reviewing—were the norms. These outdated practices, often criticized for their ineffectiveness and tendency to induce stress, are making way for a more dynamic and supportive…
Ghosting isn’t Unsolvable [Infographic]
The phenomenon of candidate ghosting, where candidates suddenly cease communication with potential employers, has become an increasing concern in the hiring landscape. This trend manifests in various forms, including candidates who apply and never respond to outreach, individuals who participate in interviews but vanish without feedback and even new hires who fail to show up…
The Powerful Intersection of Performance, Development, and Recognition [Infographic]
The confluence of employee performance, development, and recognition within an organization holds transformative power as a cornerstone for fostering an invigorating and productive workplace atmosphere. When these elements are effectively integrated and supported, they enhance individual engagement and satisfaction and propel the organization’s collective success forward. Conversely, lacking adequate support in these areas can lead…
Creating a Positive Data-Driven Employee Experience [Infographic]
Crafting a top-notch employee experience is all about creating a workplace where everyone feels engaged, processes run smoothly, and the overall culture adds value. The secret? Using the right data at the right times. This approach transforms the day-to-day for employees, aligning their personal journey with the company’s goals. And here’s something interesting in our…
Quality of Hire is Critical: How to Make it Count
Recently there’s been a considerable amount of discussion on LinkedIn about this concept called “talent density.” Essentially it means that employers have to ensure that they have a high-quality workforce (a high concentration, or density, of top performers). In my opinion it’s just another name for quality of hire, the top metric that talent acquisition…
2024 Talent Acquisition Trends: What’s New and What’s Next [Report]
Every year I look forward to our team’s survey and analysis of the talent acquisition market, because it’s a space that moves quickly and has a tremendous amount of innovation both in the technologies as well as the practices that employers use to create successful outcomes. This year’s report is no exception, highlighting what is…
6+ Generative AI Applications in Talent Acquisition Today [Infographic]
Generative AI. It’s the topic in what seems like every conference agenda, presentation, and headline today. But so much of it is focused on things like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini (formerly Google Bard). However, there are a few “flavors” of generative AI being used by talent acquisition and HR teams today: Off-the-shelf public systems like…
4 Research-Backed Actions to Engage and Convert More Candidates
The data points are clear: candidate expectations today have evolved, and if you’re not staying on top of those changes, you may be missing out on the very best talent in the market. Based on our proprietary research from more than 2,500 candidates in the last two years, here are four practical things you can…
RPO Buyer Study: Key Findings and Preferences [New Research]
Each year we partner with the RPO Association to produce a research study to examine and understand how the recruitment process outsourcing market is changing, what buyers expect, and the realities of the current landscape. Our latest report was recently released featuring findings from more than 500 RPO buyers, and it’s currently available at no…
Case Studies
Case Study Report: The Value of Company Culture in the Age of AI
In a world where technology reigns supreme, we must not forget the heart of our organizations—the culture. The beating heart of company culture guides our values, beliefs, and actions towards a higher purpose. Fulfillment, communication, trust, and diversity form the cornerstones of a transformative culture that fuels growth and fulfillment in the workplace. By championing…
Trusaic 2023 HR Tech Awards Case Study
About the Company Trusaic is a workplace equity technology company committed to advancing social good by helping organizations achieve pay equity, foster a more diverse and inclusive workforce, assist economically disadvantaged individuals with finding work, and ensure employee access to affordable healthcare. Trusaic’s mission is to create a better working world through data-driven, people-centered technology…
SmartRank 2023 HR Tech Awards Case Study
About the Company SmartRank is a Non-Traditional Productivity-ATS that completely automates the job applicant screening process, stack-ranks and filters those applicants, and gives hiring managers exactly what they’re looking for without using/needing a résumé. This saves time, increases hiring quality, and reduces both hiring manager frustration and recruiter workload. SmartRank was originally founded in April…
SkyHive 2023 HR Tech Awards Case Study
About the Company SkyHive is a Certified B Corporation and software provider of global workforce intelligence technology, optimizing labor market efficiencies in real-time for companies, communities, and national economies. Like the DNA of the human genome was coded, SkyHive has coded human capability. By doing so, governments, large enterprises, and educational institutions can reskill the…
Schoox 2023 HR Tech Awards Case Study
About the Company Schoox is workplace learning software with a people-first twist. For organizations with frontline, remote, and corporate learners who need an engaged and skilled workforce ready to take on the new challenges of their evolving business, Schoox is an award-winning learning management and talent development company. This SaaS solution delivers social-, mobile-, and…
HiBob 2023 HR Tech Awards Case Study
About the Company HiBob is on a mission to enable companies to thrive through change using people-first strategies. The HCM platform, Bob, simplifies the complexities of today’s global, hybrid, and remote world of work, driving greater impact for HR, managers, and employees. The ideal customer is a modern, multinational, mid-enterprise company with 250-3,000 employees with…
Jobvite 2023 HR Tech Awards Case Study
About the Company Jobvite, an Employ Inc. brand, is a purpose-built proven talent acquisition (TA) solution built to innovate, scale, and solve the hiring complexities within sophisticated organizations across the entire TA lifecycle. Jobvite’s Evolve Talent Acquisition Suite is a comprehensive TA solution, empowering teams to address challenges across the entire talent acquisition lifecycle. The…
Cornerstone 2023 HR Tech Awards Case Study
About the Company Cornerstone powers the future-ready workforce with a next-generation talent experience platform designed to unite technology, data and content and inspire a work environment of growth, agility and success for all. With an AI-powered, skills-forward, experiential platform, built on an open architecture designed for neutrality and scale, Cornerstone helps organizations modernize their learning…
Harri 2023 HR Tech Awards Case Study
About the Company Harri is the revolutionary global leader in Frontline Employee Experience. The Harri platform is built for companies that have service at the heart of their business and believe that the customer experience will never exceed the employee experience. The Harri suite of talent attraction, workforce management, employee engagement and compliance technologies enable…
15Five 2023 HR Tech Awards Case Study
About the Company 15Five is the holistic performance management company. 15Five equips HR teams with a complete, single-platform solution to improve manager effectiveness, drive high performance and engagement, and increase retention. 15Five was founded in 2011, by serial entrepreneur, David Hassell, and born of his deep desire to help people reach their fullest potential at…
Videos, Interviews, and Podcasts
We’re Only Human 76: What A Study Of 1,000 SMB Companies Tells Us About HR
“HR is representing the people at your organization that deliver the results of whatever mission you have… There is no greater voice for the people than HR.” We hear so much about large employers and enterprise firms in the news. These organizations are a key part of the global economy, but did you know that…
We’re Only Human 77: Implementing The Agile Talent Acquisition Methodology At BBVA
Agile talent acquisition? What’s that? Many of the talent leaders we encounter have heard of agile as it pertains to the software development industry, but what lessons does this methodology have for today’s talent leaders? Agile, at its core, is about prioritizing (ruthlessly) on the things that need to get done. In agile talent acquisition,…
We’re Only Human 78: Families First Coronavirus Response Act – What Employers Need To Know
“Here’s my general advice for businesses–don’t be afraid to get help.” In recent weeks a flurry of legislative activity has led to numerous laws to help employers and businesses dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak, and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act is a big part of the activity. What does this law mean for employers,…
We’re Only Human 79: How Employers Are Responding To Shutdowns, Quarantines, And Coronavirus
“As the head of HR, I’m now suddenly expected to be a doctor, virologist, and epidemiologist.” That quote came from a discussion with an HR leader in the last few days, and it clearly outlines what many companies are going through right now. In today’s conversation, Ben talks with Brett Meager of Paycor to learn…
We’re Only Human 80: 11+ Ideas To Engage And Support Your Remote Teams
In recent weeks the podcast has covered critical topics like the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and how HR technology providers are supporting businesses during this time. Today, we’re going to take a step toward engaging those workers that are working remotely, many of them doing so for the first time. In this solo episode,…
We’re Only Human 81: Rethinking Work, Productivity, And Engagement In The Modern Workplace
“People don’t want flexibility. they want complete control over their time.” Today, we keep hearing that flexible work is the way to go. People want it. They crave it. Yet in today’s episode of We’re Only Human, Ben talks with Jody Thompson, creator of the ROWE movement. ROWE stands for “results only work environment,” and…
We’re Only Human 83: Balancing Candidate Experience and Objective Hiring With AI
“The assessment traditionally has seemed a bit disconnected from the job role. This can come across as friction. You’ve worked hard to find a candidate and you want them to join–this can seem disjointed.” Jora Gill, SHL Hiring is a balancing act. We want to drive candidates into the funnel, create positive experiences, and bring…
We’re Only Human 84: Job Seeker Nation Report Shows Anxiety and Opportunity
“And then the other piece of it was just the fear of losing a job increased dramatically… So the top line headline was one of anxiety in the marketplace.” Jeff Rohrs, Jobvite In recent months things have turned upside down not just for many employers but for job seekers as well. In this episode Ben…
We’re Only Human 85: Stop Apologizing For Being In HR
“We need to own what we do. We’ve been apologizing and apologetic for being in HR instead of owning what we do. Every other profession says, I’m a salesperson, I’m a finance person. I’m a marketer. We go, I’m sorry. I’m in HR.” Steve Browne In this conversation, a replay from the most popular session…
We’re Only Human 86: Working On The HR Tasks That Matter With Amit Parmar
“What really excites someone to join a company? Why do they stay at the company? Every person you talk to has a different story.” Amit Pamar, HR executive at Unisys This conversation happened at IAMPHENOM, one of the last live events prior to the COVID-19 shutdown. In today’s episode, Ben interviews Amit Parmar, an HR executive…
Technology Reviews
HR Tech Awards 2024: Winners Announced
In our daily work with talent leaders and solution providers, we run into some incredible technology. Some of the tools available to organizations right now help them hire, develop, and retain their people, and the platforms and systems are amazing in their ability to support intelligent decisions, personalized actions, and more. According to some sources,…
2023 Recap: A Turbulent Year with Significant M&A Changes in the HR Technology Market
Our annual reporting on M&A in the HR technology space is one of our most popular pieces of content year after year (see our 2022 version here). We look at some of the many announcements that happen over the course of the year, flag some key ones, and identify any big trends that seem to…
Trusaic 2023 HR Tech Awards Case Study
About the Company Trusaic is a workplace equity technology company committed to advancing social good by helping organizations achieve pay equity, foster a more diverse and inclusive workforce, assist economically disadvantaged individuals with finding work, and ensure employee access to affordable healthcare. Trusaic’s mission is to create a better working world through data-driven, people-centered technology…
SmartRank 2023 HR Tech Awards Case Study
About the Company SmartRank is a Non-Traditional Productivity-ATS that completely automates the job applicant screening process, stack-ranks and filters those applicants, and gives hiring managers exactly what they’re looking for without using/needing a résumé. This saves time, increases hiring quality, and reduces both hiring manager frustration and recruiter workload. SmartRank was originally founded in April…
isolved HCM Connect Conference: Serious Growth, Aggressive Roadmap, and a Critical AI Strategy
This week I spent time in beautiful Palm Springs at the isolved Connect user conference. If you’re not familiar with the name, isolved HCM’s hot pink brand is spreading quickly across the nation as they pick up customers, build out the product, and celebrate their increased successes in recent years. See my notes from the…
Ceridian Rebrands to Dayforce, Launches Range of New Features and Strategic Efforts
Fall for analysts like us in the HR technology space equates to travel season, with industry conferences and technology user conferences happening on a weekly basis between August and November. This week is Ceridian’s Insights conference in Las Vegas. Ceridian has been known for its Dayforce product for many years (the company has a 30…
2023 Compensation Data and Technology Buyer’s Guide and Landscape Report [New Research]
Every other year our team takes a deep dive into the world of compensation. We look at all of the top technology providers. We gather data from a wide variety of employers to understand how they are using data and technology to support comp practices. And we ultimately write the industry’s most in-depth research report…
SkyHive 2023 HR Tech Awards Case Study
About the Company SkyHive is a Certified B Corporation and software provider of global workforce intelligence technology, optimizing labor market efficiencies in real-time for companies, communities, and national economies. Like the DNA of the human genome was coded, SkyHive has coded human capability. By doing so, governments, large enterprises, and educational institutions can reskill the…
Schoox 2023 HR Tech Awards Case Study
About the Company Schoox is workplace learning software with a people-first twist. For organizations with frontline, remote, and corporate learners who need an engaged and skilled workforce ready to take on the new challenges of their evolving business, Schoox is an award-winning learning management and talent development company. This SaaS solution delivers social-, mobile-, and…
Jobvite 2023 HR Tech Awards Case Study
About the Company Jobvite, an Employ Inc. brand, is a purpose-built proven talent acquisition (TA) solution built to innovate, scale, and solve the hiring complexities within sophisticated organizations across the entire TA lifecycle. Jobvite’s Evolve Talent Acquisition Suite is a comprehensive TA solution, empowering teams to address challenges across the entire talent acquisition lifecycle. The…
See the Latest from Lighthouse Research & Advisory
How Learning and Skill Development Affect Business Agility, Employee Belonging, and Productivity [Report]
There’s an old proverb that essentially states “the shoemaker’s children have no shoes.” The more modern version is “the cobbler’s children have no shoes,” even though handmade shoes are mostly a lost art. However, the metaphor still has a profound message. Where we have expertise, we often use that expertise for the benefit of others,…
Read More
The Power of a Skills-Based Approach to Talent
The Power of a Skills-Based Approach to Talent: Reducing Risk and Unlocking Workforce Potential In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, understanding the skills of your workforce is more important than ever. Whether it’s for hiring, development, or strategic decision-making, a skills-based approach to talent management has emerged as a powerful way to unlock the potential…
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Recruitment Process Outsourcing in the Age of AI: Streamlining Value and Impact
This past week I was in the great city of Chicago speaking at the RPO Association annual conference. I had the privilege of delivering a keynote on the newest research on RPO buyers, their priorities, and what they want most. There were so many incredible organizations represented in the attendee audience, and I am honored…
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HR Technology Conference 2024: Busting the “There’s Nothing New or Interesting” Myth
Every year our team attends HR Tech in Vegas, and inevitably every year I hear from someone on the show floor or post-event with the exact same complaint: There’s nothing new or exciting. -Various people For whatever reason, I put on my crusader hat and I end up highlighting a few of the companies I’ve…
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Performance Management is Out: Performance Enablement is In
In the realm of organizational success, the approach to enhancing employee performance is undergoing a significant transformation. Gone are the days when traditional performance management methods—marked by goal-setting, monitoring, and reviewing—were the norms. These outdated practices, often criticized for their ineffectiveness and tendency to induce stress, are making way for a more dynamic and supportive…
Read More
What a Family Disney Trip Taught Me About Learning Experiences [Livestream Event]
When was the last time you had an “aha” moment that really excited you? For me it was during a recent family trip to Disneyland. I was keynoting at a conference in Indian Wells, California, and our kids tagged along for a quick visit to Disney before the school year began. We were at Star…
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HR Summer School Back 2 School Recap
As the back-to-school season has kicked off for our children, it’s the perfect moment to revisit the highlights of this year’s HR Summer School 2024! Since its inception amid the 2020 pandemic, HR Summer School has stood at the forefront of bridging the HR community, delivering unparalleled virtual learning, and fostering a sense of inspiration…
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Ghosting isn’t Unsolvable [Infographic]
The phenomenon of candidate ghosting, where candidates suddenly cease communication with potential employers, has become an increasing concern in the hiring landscape. This trend manifests in various forms, including candidates who apply and never respond to outreach, individuals who participate in interviews but vanish without feedback and even new hires who fail to show up…
Read More
The Powerful Intersection of Performance, Development, and Recognition [Infographic]
The confluence of employee performance, development, and recognition within an organization holds transformative power as a cornerstone for fostering an invigorating and productive workplace atmosphere. When these elements are effectively integrated and supported, they enhance individual engagement and satisfaction and propel the organization’s collective success forward. Conversely, lacking adequate support in these areas can lead…
Read More
Creating a Positive Data-Driven Employee Experience [Infographic]
Crafting a top-notch employee experience is all about creating a workplace where everyone feels engaged, processes run smoothly, and the overall culture adds value. The secret? Using the right data at the right times. This approach transforms the day-to-day for employees, aligning their personal journey with the company’s goals. And here’s something interesting in our…
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4 Critical Skills for the Modern Payroll Practitioner
Of all the disciplines within HR, payroll is often given short shrift. It’s arguably the most essential component of how employees interact with the company, but it’s not “exciting” and therefore gets little attention in the industry. Let’s change that. Let’s stop assuming that payroll is where the least qualified HR people end up. Let’s…
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Cornerstone Connect 2024: Acquisitions, Product Releases, and More
In the last year, most of the conversations I’ve had with employers around trends have come down to two big themes: skills and AI. Today, I had a chance to hear from the team at Cornerstone at Cornerstone Connect 2024 about some of the company’s future, and it is deeply tied to both of those…
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Quality of Hire is Critical: How to Make it Count
Recently there’s been a considerable amount of discussion on LinkedIn about this concept called “talent density.” Essentially it means that employers have to ensure that they have a high-quality workforce (a high concentration, or density, of top performers). In my opinion it’s just another name for quality of hire, the top metric that talent acquisition…
Read More
2024 Talent Acquisition Trends: What’s New and What’s Next [Report]
Every year I look forward to our team’s survey and analysis of the talent acquisition market, because it’s a space that moves quickly and has a tremendous amount of innovation both in the technologies as well as the practices that employers use to create successful outcomes. This year’s report is no exception, highlighting what is…
Read More
Talent Acquisition Trends Study: Top Insights Employers Must Know [Webinar]
When speaking with a talent acquisition leader recently, he mentioned that some of the challenges his team is facing have been the same ones that he’s faced at other organizations for over a decade. While that may be true, there are also many companies that are overcoming obstacles and creating hiring outcomes that are positive…
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