Automation, artificial intelligence (AI), constantly evolving software and applications are just some of the technology that is changing the way we work. 

Find out more about the latest trends in workplace technology, their impact on workers and the implications for employers. Explore the CIPD perspective and get guidance on implementing technology responsibly in your organisation.

All topics A-Z

Factsheets

Regularly-updated factsheets provide overviews and information on a topic

One Factsheet about Technology
Factsheet
Technology, AI and the future of work
How artificial intelligence (AI), robots and automation are shaping the world of work, the ethical considerations and the role of people professionals.

Guides

Designed for practitioners, our guides provide recommendations and advice on how to apply good practice in the workplace.

Eight Guides about Technology
Guide
How to choose the right technology for your business
Practical advice on adopting and responsibly investing in technology to optimise job quality and business outcomes
Guide
Technology use in learning and development
Guidance on how technology can be used responsibly to help manage people
For Members
Guide
Technology use in employee voice
Guidance on how technology can be leveraged to support employee voice
For Members
Guide
Technology use in employee wellbeing
Guidance on how technology can be leveraged to support employee wellbeing
For Members
Guide
Technology use in employee performance management
Guidance on how technology can be leveraged to support employee performance management
For Members
Guide
Preparing your organisation for AI use
Guidance on how to prepare a user policy on generative AI for your workplace and how this technology can be used to support HR functions
Guide
Technology use in recruitment and workforce planning
Guidance on how technology can be used responsibly to help manage people
For Members
Guide
Using technology responsibly to manage people
A series of guides on how people professionals can lead on the responsible use of technology within organisations
For Members

Reports

Research and analysis by experts from CIPD and partner organisations

10 Reports about Technology
Report
HR practices in Ireland
The annual HR practices in Ireland survey helps you to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the profession
Report
Digital learning in a post-COVID-19 economy
This literature review explores how digital learning can support upskilling and reskilling for the post-pandemic recovery
Report
People Profession Survey: 2020 global results
This report, produced in partnership with the WFPMA, SHRM and AHRI, provides valuable international insights into the state of the profession
Report
Workplace technology: the employee experience
Our research looks at technology adoption and use at work, in addition to the people profession’s role in supporting organisations and their workforce
Report
People and machines: From hype to reality
Taking an objective view of the impacts of AI and automation in UK workplaces
Report
People analytics: International perspectives on people data
Find out how people data is used to drive business performance across MENA, SE Asia, US and UK and Ireland
Report
The future of technology and learning
Analyses the drivers of technology adoption using practitioner data, and evaluates the potential success of emerging technologies
Report
Putting social media to work
Explores the benefits of using social media within organisations
Report
Social technology, social business?
A snapshot of how social media and technology have impacted the world of work and why social technology is used in organisations
Report
Social media and employee voice
Summarises existing literature on social media and employee voice with practical suggestions for amplifying employee voice through social media

Case studies

Learn from real world examples of how other people professionals and organisations work with the CIPD to approach key challenges and objectives.

Four Case studies about Technology
Case study
Familiarising workers with technology before implementation: MTR Elizabeth Line (MTREL)
A case study on investment in augmented reality and mobile technologies to humanise training and better prepare train drivers for work
Case study
Transferring recruitment responsibilities to managers: Natura & Co
A case study on the implementation of technology in a recruitment module to reduce costs, shifting recruitment responsibly to line managers and removing the recruitment function
Case study
Preparing workers for organisational change: Weetabix Food Company
A case study on preparing workers for changes in the use of technology, through constant dialogue
Case study
When the purpose of technology changes: Ricoh
A case study on the implementation of telematics for data collection, with the purpose of improving vehicle and driver safety and operational efficiency

Tools

One Tools about Technology
Tools
AI in the workplace quiz
Test your knowledge of AI in the workplace with our quiz

Thought leadership

Insight and foresight from our experts in people and the world of work

36 Thought leadership about Technology
Thought leadership
Analysis | Quantifying the impact of generative AI on HR
We examine and outline recent research investigating the impact of generative AI tools on the HR profession
Thought leadership
What makes an effective HR operating model transformation?
We look at how investing in digital technologies, HR skills and culture drive success in restructured people functions
Thought leadership
Leveraging L&D tech to organisational advantage
How can L&D teams can engage with new technologies like generative AI to impact performance?
Thought leadership
Employers move on implementing generative AI
CIPD research shows varied responses to generative AI use from organisations, as some explore opportunities to improve productivity
Thought leadership
Could AI solve skills shortages?
Jon Boys considers the question of whether artificial intelligence can cover skills shortages by examining the benefits of AI and the advantages that can be gained through using generative AI such as ChatGPT
Thought leadership
Generative AI and the mediocre worker
Jon Boys discusses the benefits of generative AI tools, and how organisations can utilise them
Thought leadership
‘Tech savvy’ HR practice
How does becoming ‘tech savvy’ improve your professional standing and the HR practice in your organisation?
Thought leadership
Impact of ChatGPT and other AI chatbots on the future of wor
Hayfa Mohdzaini, the CIPD’s senior research adviser on data, technology and AI, investigates the potential implications of widely accessible conversational and generative AI
Thought leadership
Optimising your operating models for the future
Natalie Sheils, Chief People Officer at Mosaic Group, explores ways to strengthen your operating models to thrive in a rapidly changing business landscape
Thought leadership
Technology and data use in HR functions
Perspectives on what activities fall within HR and how technology and data are used in them (or not)
Thought leadership
Using AI responsibly in people management
What use of artificial intelligence is ‘acceptable’ in people management and how can this be done responsibly?
Thought leadership
Bringing on the brain bots – a missed opportunity for HR?
Should HR be more involved in introducing or implementing intelligent automation?
Thought leadership
HR software investment a part of changing business priorities
Business focuses are shifting towards the longer term and investment in software will be key
Thought leadership
What monitoring is acceptable regarding remote workers?
This first article from our Technology, the workplace and people management series examines employers’ perspectives on monitoring remote workers
Thought leadership
Technology, the workplace and people management
Our research series explores technology use and its impact on people practice in the physical and digital workplace
Thought leadership
Shaping artificial intelligence for your future business needs
Hetan Shah of the British Academy discusses the opportunities and challenges that leaders should consider
Thought leadership
The future of work: Insights for senior leaders on drivers of change
Our article series explores key trends shaping our future workplaces and working lives
Thought leadership
Digital transformation: practical insights from the people profession
Our article series showcases the role of people professionals and their experiences in helping their organisations navigate and evolve through digital change
Thought leadership
Redefining the role of people professionals in the digital era
Now is the time for people professionals to explore how they can drive digital transformation for the future
Thought leadership
Making reward more accessible and performance management fairer
How can technology be used to allow better access to pay and a fairer assessment of employee performance and potential?
Thought leadership
Mobilising wellbeing initiatives through technology
Case study examples of how people professionals can leverage technology to improve worker wellbeing
Thought leadership
Harnessing digital learning platforms to support talent growth
How can people professionals leverage learning platforms to stimulate innovation, map career growth for employees and improve their learning experience?
Thought leadership
Creating impactful and inclusive learning
Enabling flexible, accessible learning that improves a learner’s existing practice
Thought leadership
Using technology to improve hiring and onboarding
How can people functions leverage automation and digital technology to improve recruitment, selection and onboarding?
Thought leadership
Prioritising wellbeing in an ‘always on’ digital age
Out-of-hours ICT use can lead to ‘always on’ working and be a serious barrier to wellbeing. What can employers do to help?
Thought leadership
In their own words: HR directors talk about work-related mental wellbeing and digital work
HR Directors open up on their views. Now is the time to encourage and help employees to take back more self-control and self-responsibility within their jobs as they continue to work digitally. This is key to relieving work intensification and supporting work-related mental wellbeing.
Thought leadership
Operating efficiently: Implementing HR information systems in large organisations
Practical insights from large organisations on how HR information systems can be used to improve organisational efficiency and access to people data
Thought leadership
Operating efficiently: Implementing HR information systems in SMEs
Practical insights from small and medium-sized enterprises on how HR information systems can be used to improve organisational efficiency and access to people data
Thought leadership
Digital transformation in organisations and people functions
What is digital transformation and why should it matter to people professionals?
Thought leadership
Guiding people through change to thrive in the digital age
Dominic Keogh-Peters, Axiom Telecom’s Group People Director, talks to the CIPD about the key role of the people function in his organisation’s digital transformation
Thought leadership
CIPD to create new guidance on key role of HR in responsible investment in technology
In this article, Ben Willmott talks about the CIPD's new project with the Institute for the Future of Work and the Carnegie Trust, which will explore how organisations can help ensure that the adoption of new technology has positive outcomes for both job quality and businesses
Thought leadership
How can HR play a lead role in digital transformation in the workplace?
The expertise of people professionals can be leveraged to support their organisations and employees to navigate and implement technological change
Thought leadership
Workplace tech: It can make or break the employee experience
This article argues that, when adopting new technologies, people professionals need to consider, first and foremost, the technology’s impact on the employee experience
Thought leadership
Data and the people profession: is the drive for people analytics at risk of stalling?
Advanced data analysis provides insight, guides decision-making and supports business performance, but demand for this capability is not being met. How can people professionals rise to the challenge?
Thought leadership
Don’t leave technology in the hands of technologists
This thought piece argues that digital tools are bringing us closer together during the coronavirus crisis, but people professionals still need to be mindful of how they integrate these into workplaces
Thought leadership
Surveillance in the ‘data-driven’ workplace: is this the new norm?
As Barclays hits the headlines for rolling out surveillance software to monitor employees, how can the people profession use its expertise to inform the application of workplace technology?

Podcasts

Listen to episodes from our podcast series on a range of topical workplace, HR and L&D issues.

Seven Podcasts about Technology
Podcast
Cybersecurity – Are your people your greatest risk?
Podcast 198: Hear how the management of cybersecurity revolves around your people, and how you can mitigate the risk
Podcast
Is your organisation ready for the ChatGPT of things?
Episode 195: At the crest of change, explore how business leaders and people professionals should prepare their organisations to maximise the opportunities presented by ChatGPT and artificial intelligence technologies
Podcast
Building inclusion… with computers
Improving inclusion and diversity in the workplace has been a critical focus for people professionals for some time, yet real progress appears slow or stagnant. Could technology be an unexpected friend in solving this very human issue?
Podcast
Pulling the plug on digital fatigue
Episode 171: Digital communication tools have been a necessary lifeline this past year, helping homeworkers stay engaged and connected. This podcast considers how we can foster a healthy relationship with these tools, avoid digital fatigue and harness the benefits.
Podcast
Workforce monitoring – how far is too far?
Episode 162: Explore the benefits and risks of the workforce surveillance and monitoring and what impact this could have on the employee/employer relationship
Podcast
Are robots stealing our jobs?
Episode 142: Finding balance in an age of digital transformation
Podcast
Cyber security: recruitment fraud
Episode 133: We explore recruitment fraud, its impact on organisations and what HR can do to protect themselves and others

Webinars

Webinar recordings providing expert guidance

One Webinar about Technology
Webinar
AI in the workplace: what’s ethical?
Explore the benefits of using AI in the workplace and the ethical and governance issues

Evidence reviews

Evidence reviews enable you to ask the critical questions and use evidence for better decision-making.

Three Evidence reviews about Technology
Evidence review
Flexible working, teleworking and diversity: An evidence review
Examine the evidence behind the claim that flexible working arrangements support inclusion and diversity
For Members
Evidence review
Developing effective virtual teams
This report gives insight and practice recommendations for running effective remote teams from our evidence-based review
For Members
Evidence review
Impact of artificial intelligence, robotics and automation technologies on work
Adds evidence to the ongoing debate on how emerging technologies are shaping the world of work and the arising ethical issues
For Members

Bitesize research

Your regular overview of current research, inspiring insights and cutting-edge ideas in bitesize

31 Bitesize research about Technology
Bitesize research
Factors influencing ChatGPT adoption in the workplace
What are the barriers to the adoption of generative AI tools at work and how can they be overcome?
For Members
Bitesize research
How do employees respond to electronic performance monitoring?
Research investigates what factors influence employees’ responses to electronic performance monitoring
For Members
Bitesize research
Impact of AI on gender bias in leadership
An investigation on how generative AI tools can impact gender bias in leadership training
For Members
Bitesize research
Algorithmic writing assistance on résumés increases hires
A look at how the use of algorithmic writing assistance for résumés impacts job hires
For Members
Bitesize research
Perceptions of fairness: using AI in selection and recruitment
Exploring the use of algorithms in hiring procedures and what impact this has on candidates’ perceptions of fairness
For Members
Bitesize research
The ethics of meaning and purpose at work
The ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for meaningful work
For Members
Bitesize research
Using technology to support neurodivergent employees
How to make your people management approach neurodiversity smart
For Members
Bitesize research
Co-existence of workers and artificial intelligence
How can AI-enabled solutions be implemented to work effectively alongside employees?
For Members
Bitesize research
Can AI-assisted HR ecosystems improve employee engagement?
A look at how AI-assisted HR ecosystems can support the employee-employer relationship and improve retention rates and recruitment practices
For Members
Bitesize research
Can AI feedback improve employee performance?
Exploring the impact of AI feedback and whether it’s a passing trend or here to stay
For Members
Bitesize research
Technology: friend or foe?
Is technology a force for good or evil in the people profession?
For Members
Bitesize research
To watch or be watched: Surveillance in the workplace
Tension is emerging between employees and employers over their digital footprints
For Members
Bitesize research
Can AI change the future of HR?
What does the use of Artificial Intelligence in HR really mean for the profession?
For Members
Bitesize research
Anytime, anyplace, anywhere – technology and hybrid working
Why people professionals need a deeper understanding of technology’s impact on people’s working lives
For Members
Bitesize research
Future-proof your organisation
Six key practices an organisation can adopt to future proof its workforce
For Members
Bitesize research
Diversification and digitalisation: Opportunity or threat?
Understanding and acting on wider social, economic and technological developments to enhance voice at work
For Members
Bitesize research
Could using AI for interviews impact the diversity of your talent pool?
Perceptions of AI vary and may put some candidates off from applying for or accepting a role
For Members
Bitesize research
What’s the secret to successful digital communications at work?
Understanding organisational context and potentially conflicting employer/employee expectations
For Members
Bitesize research
What does automated talent management mean for the future of HR?
Technology has the potential to make the HR profession redundant, so it’s up to HR teams to assert their strategic role
For Members
Bitesize research
Organisational learning with AI
Expanding the impact of AI with organisational learning
For Members
Bitesize research
The path to digital transformation
Fail fast, fail small and learn quickly
For Members
Bitesize research
The impact of new tech during COVID-19
Exploring the impact of tech for UK employees during coronavirus
Bitesize research
New technology and employee resistance
Emphasising the importance of organised change management projects, this article explores how healthcare employees successfully stopped the adoption of new technology at a municipal level.
For Members
Bitesize research
Putting the tech into wellbeing
Explore how tech can improve wellbeing
For Members
Bitesize research
Automating HR analytics
Explore the potential of HR analytics
For Members
Bitesize research
Using AI to promote inclusive organisations
Discover how AI can create more inclusive organisations
For Members
Bitesize research
Tackling technostress at work
Find out how to get the tech balance right
For Members
Bitesize research
Augmented reality: bridging the gap in a digital world
How augmented reality can increase value creation
For Members
Bitesize research
Digital disruption – transforming the workplace
Be prepared for digital disruption
For Members
Bitesize research
Technology’s impact – time for a health check?
How does technology affect the way work is organised? This article explores the impact of new technology on work organisations
For Members
Bitesize research
HR and technology – who influences who?
This article explores a number of theories to help us understand exactly what the relationship is between technology and human resources management
For Members

CIPD Viewpoints

Our collected point of view on the key issues impacting work, from the perspective of employers and policy makers.

One CIPD Viewpoint about Technology
CIPD Viewpoint
Automation, AI and technology
Explore the CIPD’s point of view on automation, AI and technology, including recommendations for employers

Learning

We offer a range of evidence-based courses tauilored to suit you and your needs.
Our Essential Insights courses are free as part of the CIPD membership.

Technology and People Practice Essential Insights

Explore the scope of HR technology and how it is leveraged in the people profession to support organisational and employee outcomes.

All CIPD Learning courses

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