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9 Software Adoption Statistics HR Leaders Should be Aware of

In the digital age, Human Resources (HR) leaders have a wealth of software solutions at their disposal. However, mere acquisition of these tools is not enough; successful software adoption is the key. This article will delve into 9 critical software adoption statistics that HR leaders should be aware of.  

These statistics are not just indicators of how well new software is being integrated into daily operations, but also reflect employee engagement, productivity, and the return on investment (ROI) from the software implementation. Failure to understand these statistics may lead to inefficient use of resources and missed opportunities for improving workforce management. So, let’s dive in and explore these vital statistics in detail.  

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What is software adoption and why is it important? 

Software adoption is the process by which users, typically within an organization, fully integrate a new software system into their regular workflows and processes. It involves more than just the initial stages of introduction and training; it’s about the ongoing use and mastery of the software to achieve the desired goals.  

The importance of software adoption lies in its impact on productivity, efficiency, and ROI. Properly adopted software can streamline operations, automate repetitive tasks, and provide valuable insights, all of which contribute to increased productivity and improved decision-making.  

Conversely, poor software adoption can lead to wasted resources, decreased productivity, and lower ROI. Therefore, understanding and monitoring software adoption metrics is crucial for HR leaders to ensure the successful integration and optimal use of new software tools. 

Top HR software adoption statistics right now 

Statistic #1

63% of employees discontinue the use of technology if they fail to perceive its relevance to their daily work. (Gartner, 2023) 

The statistic underscores a critical aspect of software adoption – the relevance of the tool to an employee’s day-to-day work. If employees cannot see how the new software improves their work or makes their tasks easier, they are likely to abandon it.  

This highlights a crucial responsibility for HR leaders: to not only choose software that fits the company’s needs but also to effectively communicate and demonstrate its practical value to the employees.  

A disconnect in this area can lead to wasted time, resources, and a significant dip in productivity. Hence, understanding and addressing this aspect is instrumental in enhancing the success rate of software adoption. 

Statistic #2

HR leaders consider HR technology as the top investment priority for 2023. Additionally, 46% of HR leaders plan to increase investments in HR technology. (Gartner, 2023) 

This statistic provides key insights into the current trends of HR technology investment. It’s a clear indication that HR leaders recognize the pivotal role of technology in workforce management and are willing to make significant investments in this sector. However, it’s interesting to note that despite this willingness, there’s still a high discontinuation rate of technology use among employees. This disconnect requires attention. 

For HR leaders, the key takeaway is the need for a two-pronged approach.  

First, it is vital to ensure that any new HR technology is truly relevant and beneficial to employees’ daily tasks.  

Second, it’s equally important to effectively communicate these benefits to the employees to increase their engagement with the new tools. By doing so, HR leaders can maximize the return on their technology investments, enhance productivity, and ultimately ensure successful software adoption. 

Statistic #3

According to a recent Gartner survey, 44% of respondents identified driving better business outcomes as the top strategic priority for HR technology in the next three years. (Gartner, 2023) 

The statistic sheds light on the strategic priorities for HR technology in the coming years. With 44% of respondents identifying “driving better business outcomes” as their top priority, it underscores the shift from merely automating HR processes to leveraging technology as a strategic asset for business growth.  

HR leaders can learn that the value of HR technology lies not just in efficiency, but also in its potential to directly impact business results. Furthermore, this implies that choosing the right software and ensuring its successful adoption by employees is crucial. A software that aligns with business goals, and is accepted and utilized by employees, could be a significant differentiator in achieving desired business outcomes. 

Statistic #4

In 2023, business leaders will prioritize the seamless integration of existing tools in their technology stacks, according to Kara Yarnot, VP of Strategic Consulting Services at HireClix. (SHRM, Top HR Tech Trends, 2023) 

This statement by Kara Yarnot emphasizes the critical role that effective integration of HR technology plays in achieving business objectives. It suggests that the focus for business leaders is shifting from acquiring new HR technologies to maximizing the potential of the existing ones.  

This underlines the importance of tracking software adoption metrics, as they provide a quantitative measure of how well the software is being integrated and utilized within the company. HR leaders can use these metrics to identify gaps in adoption, devise targeted interventions, and ensure that the technology investment is fully leveraged, thus leading to enhanced business outcomes. 

Statistic #5

83% of HR leaders lack the right HR technology, with only 59% using HR analytics and 54% utilizing automation. (Sage, The changing face of HR in 2024) 

Despite a clear recognition of the potential benefits of HR technologies – such as analytics and automation – a significant proportion of HR leaders do not believe they have the right technology in place. This could be due to various reasons, including a lack of understanding of available options, concerns about cost and complexity, and a reluctance to change established processes. 

However, as businesses become increasingly data-driven, and the workforce becomes more technology-savvy, HR leaders must overcome these barriers and invest in the right HR technology. Tracking software adoption metrics will help determine the effectiveness of the business tools being adopted. 

Statistic #6

More than one-third (36%) of respondents indicate a likelihood of switching vendors when their subscription term ends. (PwC HR Tech Survey 2022) 

The statistic that 36% of businesses are likely to switch vendors at the end of their subscription term demonstrates the significance of customer satisfaction in the realm of HR technologies. It suggests that a significant portion of businesses are not entirely content with their current vendors, perhaps due to issues like insufficient feature sets, unsatisfactory usability, or subpar customer service. T 

his shift can have considerable implications for HR tech vendors. They need to prioritize enhancing their products and services, understanding customer needs, and delivering consistent value.  

For HR leaders, this trend signifies the importance of thoroughly vetting vendors before commitment and consistently monitoring software adoption metrics to ensure maximum return on their technology investment. 

Statistic #7

HR leaders face challenges in adopting disruptive technologies, primarily due to implementation costs (23%) and a lack of a compelling use case (20%). (PwC HR Tech Survey 2022) 

The challenges highlighted by the PwC HR Tech Survey 2022 underline the obstacles impeding businesses’ adoption of disruptive technologies. The cost of implementation (23%) is a significant deterrent, primarily for small and medium-sized businesses operating on tight budgets. It’s crucial for vendors to demonstrate value for money and offer flexible pricing models to cater to different business sizes and budgets.  

Similarly, the lack of a compelling use case (20%) can hinder technology adoption. Vendors need to articulate the unique benefits their products offer and show how they can solve specific problems or enhance existing processes. The ability to provide a tangible, compelling use case is often the difference between adoption and rejection of a tool.  

For HR leaders, these statistics underscore the need to conduct thorough research and demand clear demonstrations of value from vendors. It also reinforces the importance of tracking software adoption indicators to assess the impact and effectiveness of the adopted solution, ensuring it delivers the anticipated benefits and justifies the investment. 

Statistic #8

Data security is the top priority for 53% of survey respondents when selecting HR tech. Ease of use (46%), agility (43%), depth of functionality (37%), and configurability (29%) are also important factors in the decision-making process. (ISG, 2020) 

These survey findings highlight key priorities that guide businesses in selecting HR technologies. Notably, data security is the primary concern for 53% of the respondents. This underlines the critical role of data protection in the HR tech landscape, especially given the sensitive nature of HR information. Vendors need to prioritize robust security measures, encryption protocols, and compliance with data privacy regulations to gain the trust of potential clients. 

Beyond data security, the ease of use (46%), agility (43%), depth of functionality (37%), and configurability (29%) also play significant roles in HR tech selection. These data points affirm the necessity for HR tech solutions to be not only secure but also user-friendly, flexible, feature-rich, and customizable.  

HR leaders, therefore, must ensure these considerations are taken into account when selecting HR tech, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive product evaluation and comparison to find the tool that best aligns with their organization’s particular needs. 

Statistic #9

Less than one-fourth (21%) of organizations offer personalized HR services and experiences to a high or very high extent. (HR.com, 2022)  

The absence of personalization can have significant implications for the effectiveness of HR tech tools and, ultimately, software adoption measurement. Without software customization, your tools may fail to fully align with the specific needs, tasks, or preferences of users, thereby hindering their engagement and prolonging the adoption process.  

This represents a missed opportunity for organizations to enhance the user experience and maximize the return on their HR tech investments. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses to invest in personalized HR services, as they can greatly improve software adoption rates, consequently boosting overall productivity and operational efficiency. 

In summary…  

HR leaders have a wide range of software solutions available, but the key to success lies in successful software adoption. KPIs that measure successful software adoption reflect employee engagement, productivity, and ROI from software implementation. 

Software relevance to employees’ daily tasks is an important factor in successful adoption; communication of its benefits to increase employee engagement is vital. Cost of implementation and lack of compelling use cases also pose challenges for adoption of disruptive technologies. 

Personalization is necessary to achieve maximum impact and ensure successful adoption; organizations need to invest in personalized HR services to improve user experience and maximize returns from their tech investments. 

Personalize your tools, align them with your team’s daily tasks, and communicate their benefits effectively. But more importantly, start tracking your software adoption metrics today, and maximize your return on investment. 

Why wait to customize your HR ecosystem?

There’s no better time to explore the PeopleSpheres platform. Zero obligations.

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