The Rise of Data and Ethics: HR Tech Controversies that Will Shape the Future of Work in 2025, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

The HCL Review Podcast

Abstract: This article explores key HR technology-related controversies that will continue shaping organizational culture and workforce strategies through 2025. The article examines four controversial issues prevalent in today's literature: 1) Finding balance between employee data access enabling effective people strategies while respecting individual privacy expectations, 2) Addressing algorithmic bias that can systematically disadvantage underrepresented groups if people data and models reflect inherent biases, 3) The impact of automation on required job skills and the nature of work itself, and how reskilling efforts can support workers, and 4) Measuring worker productivity and well-being amid rising use of digital monitoring tools, and ensuring these do not normalize an always-on work culture at the expense of work-life balance. For each issue, the article provides academic grounding, analyzes practical implications through industry case studies, and offers recommendations for responsible technology adoption centered on employee experience.