Top HR challenges from the CIPD annual conference and how to solve them

What’s holding back HR teams in 2024? At the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition in Manchester, a recurring theme emerged: manual processes continue to hinder efficiency, even among teams equipped with modern tools. From onboarding automation to AI integration, HR professionals are actively seeking solutions to streamline workflows and enhance productivity.

1. Process automation: breaking free from manual work

The challenge:

Let’s face it, manual processes are exhausting. At the CIPD Annual Conference, HR professionals told us about the hours they spend on repetitive admin tasks, like updating spreadsheets or chasing down managers for approvals. Even teams with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) struggle when their systems don’t communicate effectively. Sound familiar? It’s a common frustration: too much admin, not enough time for the big-picture work that really matters.

The solution:

This is where automation steps in to save the day. By replacing manual tasks with automated workflows, HR teams can finally breathe a little easier. Here’s how it helps:

• Automate onboarding and offboarding: Say goodbye to manual checklists. With automation, every new hire or leaver gets timely communication, forms, and system access, without the constant need to chase updates.
• Reduce manual data entry: Imagine a world where your tools automatically sync with one another. No more duplicate entries, fewer errors, and a lot less frustration.
• Streamline everyday tasks: Things like managing expenses or handling return-to-work forms don’t have to eat up hours of your day. Automation simplifies these processes, so your team can focus on what really matters.

For smaller teams, automation can be a game changer. It helps you do more with less, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks, even on your busiest days. For larger organisations, it means consistency and compliance across all locations, no matter how complex the structure.

With automation, you’re not just saving time you’re creating space to focus on the work that makes a difference, whether that’s improving employee experiences, boosting retention, or driving business success.

2. Onboarding and offboarding: a fresh look at first and last impressions

The challenge:

We’ve all heard the phrase, “first impressions matter,” but for many organisations, onboarding is still a scramble. HR professionals at the CIPD conference shared stories of onboarding processes that rely on endless Excel checklists and inconsistent communication, especially for frontline workers. And let’s not forget offboarding, which often gets pushed to the bottom of the list. Tasks like returning equipment, deactivating system access, or conducting exit interviews can feel like an uphill battle to get managers to follow through.

The solution:

It’s time to streamline these moments that matter most. Automation can take the stress out of both onboarding and offboarding, creating smooth, reliable workflows. Here’s how:

• Transform onboarding into a seamless experience: Automated workflows ensure every new hire gets the same high-quality treatment. From welcome emails to system access and forms, everything is sent at the right time—no more juggling last-minute tasks!
• Make offboarding easier and more secure: With automated notifications, managers are reminded to collect company property, deactivate accounts, and complete final paperwork. It’s a simple way to ensure compliance without adding extra work for HR.
• Improve communication for frontline workers: Automation makes it easier to deliver consistent updates and resources to employees who might not sit at a desk all day. Whether it’s shift details or training links, the right tools can help bridge communication gaps.

The best part? When you automate onboarding and offboarding, you reduce the risk of something important slipping through the cracks. It’s not just about efficiency; it’s about creating positive experiences, both for employees joining your organisation and those leaving it. After all, a smooth process leaves everyone with a better impression, whether it’s their first day or their last.

3. AI in HR: the future is here

The challenge:

AI might feel like the latest buzzword, but at the CIPD conference, HR professionals made it clear: it’s no longer just a 'nice to have.' Teams are eager to use AI for everything from recruitment to training, but many aren’t sure where to start. They know AI could save time and make better decisions, but the idea of implementing it can feel overwhelming. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

The solution:

AI doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, when applied to the right areas, it can make your job a whole lot easier. Here’s where AI can really shine in HR:

• Recruitment made smarter: Instead of manually sifting through piles of CVs, AI can quickly screen candidates, highlight top matches, and even predict which candidates are most likely to succeed in the role. This means more time spent connecting with people and less time stuck in admin.
• Personalised learning paths: AI can identify skill gaps and recommend tailored training programs, helping employees grow in the areas that matter most. It’s like having a personal development coach for every team member.
• Streamlined workflows: From scheduling interviews to automating reminders for compliance tasks, AI can help HR teams stay organised and on top of things without lifting a finger.

What’s great about AI is that it doesn’t just save time—it adds value. It helps HR teams make data-driven decisions, personalise employee experiences, and focus on strategic priorities instead of getting bogged down in repetitive tasks.

Unlike many AI solutions that require a complete overhaul of your current systems, 50skills integrates seamlessly with your existing tools. That means you can start benefiting from AI without disrupting the workflows you already have in place.

4. System integration: making your tools work together

The challenge:

One of the biggest headaches HR teams shared at the CIPD conference was dealing with systems that just don’t talk to each other. Recruitment tools, payroll systems, and employee management platforms often exist in silos, forcing teams to spend hours manually transferring data. This not only wastes time but increases the risk of errors. And let’s not forget the frustration when new tools require you to overhaul everything you’re already using.

The solution:

Integration is the key to solving these problems. When your systems work together, everything runs more smoothly. Here’s how it helps:

• Seamless data flow: Integration eliminates the need for duplicate entries and reduces the risk of mistakes, saving your team time and effort.
• Enhanced efficiency: By connecting recruitment, onboarding, payroll, and other HR tools, you can streamline processes and focus on strategic work instead of administrative fixes.
• Flexibility for your current systems: Rather than replacing what already works, integration allows you to amplify the value of the tools you already have.

This is where 50skills really stands out. Unlike many platforms that require a complete overhaul of your processes, our solution is built to integrate seamlessly with your existing systems. Whether you’re using tools for recruitment, payroll, training or communication, we make it easy to connect the dots and create a unified workflow.

When your tools talk to each other, your team can work smarter not harder, focusing on delivering a better experience for employees across the board.

5. Supporting managers: helping them help you

The challenge:

Managers are often the missing link in HR processes. At the CIPD conference, HR professionals told us about the challenges they face getting managers to follow through on critical tasks, whether it’s completing leaver workflows, returning company property, or even approving basic requests on time. It’s not always their fault; managers are juggling a lot, and HR processes can feel like just one more thing on their plate.

The solution:

The key to solving this is giving managers the right tools and support to make compliance simple and efficient. Here’s how automation can help:

• Automated reminders for key tasks: Managers won’t have to rely on their memory (or HR’s follow-ups). Notifications prompt them to complete essential steps, from approving leaver processes to confirming onboarding checklists.
• Clear, actionable steps: By breaking tasks into straightforward, automated workflows, managers know exactly what’s expected of them. No confusion, no delays!
• Self-service options: Empower managers to handle their HR responsibilities independently, like approving time-off requests or reviewing employee updates, without constant back-and-forth with HR teams.

With the right tools, managers can stop seeing HR processes as “extra work” and start seeing them as part of a streamlined system that makes their lives easier. That’s where 50skills comes in. Our platform supports managers with intuitive workflows and automated reminders, ensuring compliance without the need for constant oversight from HR.

When managers have what they need to succeed, the whole organisation benefits. Less time chasing approvals means more time for HR to focus on creating a better workplace for everyone.

Make your HR workflows smarter

At the CIPD Annual Conference, it was clear that HR teams like yours are ready to move past outdated processes. Whether you’re looking to automate routine tasks, personalise employee experiences with AI, or connect your systems for seamless workflows, the tools are already here to help you work smarter, not harder.

By tackling these challenges now, you can free up time, reduce frustration, and focus on what really matters: creating great employee experiences and driving success for your organisation.

Let’s make it happen

If you’re ready to leave manual tasks behind and embrace smarter workflows, we’re here to help. With 50skills, you can integrate automation and AI seamlessly into the tools you already use, making the transition smooth and effective.

Book a demo today to see how 50skills can simplify your processes and give you the time to focus on what matters most.