Movers and Shakers: September 2025 HR Tech Landscape
by SJ Hood
Q3 is over, but the world of HR and payroll tech is still moving fast! On top of individual updates, the Fosway 9-Grid for Cloud HR was released, giving us all insights into the trajectory of the industry. In September, we saw payroll platforms expand, HCM suites lean deeper into AI, and partnerships form across HR, supply chain, and finance domains. Here’s what stood out this month:
HiBob
HiBob made headlines with the launch of its native U.S. payroll solution, designed to cut complexity and build greater confidence for SMBs. The move marks another step toward HiBob becoming a full-stack HR and payroll provider for global teams.
It was also a big month for recognition, as HiBob was named to the 2025 Forbes Cloud 100 list — a nod to its rapid growth and ongoing innovation in the HR tech space.
🔗 Read more – U.S. Payroll Launch
🔗 Read more – Forbes Cloud 100
Oracle
Oracle unveiled a new generation of embedded AI agents across its Fusion Cloud Applications. These AI tools are built to automate routine HR tasks, enhance performance management, and offer personalised career planning — all part of Oracle’s push to improve workforce productivity through intelligent automation.
Workday
Workday announced its acquisition of Sana, an AI-powered learning and knowledge platform. Sana’s tools, including AI search, learning content, and conversational assistance,will soon be embedded across Workday’s ecosystem, enhancing the intelligence and usability of its HCM suite.
Dayforce
Dayforce expanded its Flex Work solution to better support contingent and frontline workforce management. The expansion reflects growing demand for flexible shift-based workforce tools, particularly in industries that rely on non-traditional labour models.
SAP
SAP was recognised as a Strategic Leader in Fosway’s 9‑Grid™ for Cloud HR which reinforces its enterprise market presence and long-term commitment to innovation. The recognition follows the company’s recent move to acquire SmartRecruiters, giving SuccessFactors a boost in talent acquisition capability.
🔗 Read more – Fosway 9‑Grid Recognition
🔗 Read more – SmartRecruiters Acquisition
Kinaxis
Kinaxis, a leader in supply chain and planning software, has announced a new partnership with Workday. The collaboration will help organisations bring together supply chain, finance, and workforce planning, breaking down silos across business functions.
haileyHR
haileyHR’s latest product update includes improvements to self-service functionality, workflow automation, and reporting. These small enhancements reflect the platform’s ongoing commitment to delivering flexibility and simplicity to HR teams.
ADP
At its Innovation Day 2025, ADP unveiled a new wave of AI-powered features aimed at solving HR’s biggest challenges. The tools include predictive analytics, intelligent automation, and enhanced personalisation. This reaffirms ADP’s position as a forward-focused HCM provider.
IRIS Software Group
IRIS Software Group has partnered with Level to offer more integrated HR, payroll, and employee experience solutions. The partnership aims to give UK organisations a more connected, seamless approach to workforce management.
September’s headlines reflect a clear shift from AI as an optional add-on to the foundation of modern HR systems. As the gap widens between spreadsheet-based processes and intelligent, end-to-end platforms, HR leaders need to move quickly or get left behind.
Curious how your own HR tech stack compares?
🧭 Take our Digital HR Maturity Quiz to find out what stage your organisation is at (and where to go next).
