Skip to main content
  • Foundation
  • Executive network
  • CEO Circle
  • SHRM Business
  • Linkage Logo
  • Store
  • Sign In
  • Account
    • My Account
    • Logout
    • Global
    • India
    • MENA
SHRM
About
Book a Speaker
Join Today
Renew
Rejoin Now
Renew
  • Membership
  • Certification
    Certification

    Smiling asian student studying in library with laptop books doing online research for coursework, making notes for essay homework assignment, online education e-learning concept
    Get Certified!

    Be recognized as an HR leader with your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential.

    • How to Get Certified

      Demonstrate your ability to apply HR principles to real-life situations. No other HR certification compares.

      • How to Get Certified
      • Eligibility Criteria
      • Exam Details and Fees
      • SHRM-CP
      • SHRM-SCP
      • Which Certification is Best for Me
      • Certification FAQs
    • Prepare for the Exam

      Give yourself the best chance to pass your SHRM certification exam.

      • Exam Preparation
      • SHRM BASK
      • SHRM Learning System
      • Instructor-Led Learning
      • Self-Study
      • Study Aids & Add-ons
    • Recertification

      Recertify your SHRM Credentials before your end date!

      • Specialty Credentials
      • Qualifications
      Certification Portal
  • Topics & Tools
    Topics & Tools

    Stay up to date with workplace news and leverage our vast library of resources to streamline day-to-day HR tasks.

    The white house in washington, dc.
    Executive Order Impact Zone

    Do not abandon, but evaluate and evolve. It is about legal, equal opportunity for all.

    • News & Trends

      Follow breaking news and emerging workplace trends.

      Legal & Compliance

      Stay informed on workplace legal updates and their impacts.

      From the Workplace

      Explore diverse perspectives from your peers on today's workplaces.

      Flagships

      Get curated collections of podcasts, videos, articles, and more produced by SHRM.

    • HR Topics
      • AI in the Workplace
      • Civility at Work
      • Compensation & Benefits
      • Inclusion & Diversity
      • Talent Acquisition
      • Workplace Technology
      • Workplace Violence Prevention
      SEE ALL
      SHRM Research
    • Tools & Samples

      Access member resources and tools to streamline HR tasks.

      • Forms & Checklists
      • How-To Guides
      • Interactive Tools
      • Job Descriptions
      • Policies
      • Toolkits
      SEE ALL
      Ask an Advisor
  • Events & Education
    Events & Education

    SHRM25 in San Diego, June 29 - July 2, 2025
    Join us for SHRM25 in San Diego

    Register for the World’s Largest HR Conference being held on June 29 - July 2, 2025

    • Events
      • SHRM25
      • The AI+HI Project 2025
      • INCLUSION 2025
      • Talent 2026
      • Linkage Institute 2025
      SEE ALL
      Webinars
    • Educational Programs

      Designed and delivered by HR experts to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to drive lasting change in the workplace.

      Specialty Credentials

      Demonstrate targeted competence and enhance credibility among peers and employers.

      Qualifications

      Gain a deeper understanding and develop critical skills.

    • Team Training & Development

      Customized training programs unique to your organization’s needs.

  • Business Solutions
  • Advocacy
    Advocacy

    Make your voice heard on public policy issues impacting the workplace.

    Advocacy
    SHRM's President & CEO testifies to Congress on "The State of American Education"
    • Policy Areas
      • Workforce Development
      • Workplace Inclusion
      • Workplace Flexibility & Leave
      • Workplace Governance
      • Workplace Health Care
      • Workplace Immigration
      State Affairs

      SHRM advances policy solutions in state legislatures nationwide.

      Global Policy

      SHRM is the go-to for global HR leaders and businesses on workplace matters.

    • Advocacy Team (A-Team)

      SHRM’s A-Team is a key member benefit, giving you the tools, insights, and opportunities to shape workplace policy and drive real impact.

      Take Action

      Urge lawmakers to support policies that create lasting, positive change.

      Advocacy & Legislative Resources

      Access SHRM’s curated policy materials and content.

    • SHRM-Led Coalitions
      • Generation Cares
      • The Section 127 Coalition
      • Learn More & Partner with SHRM Government Affairs
  • Community
    Community

    Woman raising hand in group
    Find a SHRM Chapter

    Easily find a local professional or student chapter in your area.

    • Chapters

      Find local connections from over 607 chapters and state councils and create your personalized HR network.

      SHRM Connect

      Post polls, get crowdsourced answers to your questions and network with other HR professionals online.

      SHRM Northern California

      Join SHRM members in the greater San Francisco Bay area for local events and networking.

    • Membership Councils

      Learn about SHRM's five regional councils and the Membership Advisory Council (MAC).

      • Membership Advisory Council
      • Regional Councils
    • Volunteers

      Learn about volunteer opportunities with SHRM.

      • Volunteer Leader Resource Center
Close
  • Membership
  • Certification
    back
    Certification
    Smiling asian student studying in library with laptop books doing online research for coursework, making notes for essay homework assignment, online education e-learning concept
    Get Certified!

    Be recognized as an HR leader with your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential.

    • How to Get Certified

      Demonstrate your ability to apply HR principles to real-life situations. No other HR certification compares.

      • How to Get Certified
      • Eligibility Criteria
      • Exam Details and Fees
      • SHRM-CP
      • SHRM-SCP
      • Which Certification is Best for Me
      • Certification FAQs
    • Prepare for the Exam

      Give yourself the best chance to pass your SHRM certification exam.

      • Exam Preparation
      • SHRM BASK
      • SHRM Learning System
      • Instructor-Led Learning
      • Self-Study
      • Study Aids & Add-ons
    • Recertification

      Recertify your SHRM Credentials before your end date!

      • Specialty Credentials
      • Qualifications
      Certification Portal
  • Topics & Tools
    back
    Topics & Tools

    Stay up to date with workplace news and leverage our vast library of resources to streamline day-to-day HR tasks.

    The white house in washington, dc.
    Executive Order Impact Zone

    Do not abandon, but evaluate and evolve. It is about legal, equal opportunity for all.

    • News & Trends

      Follow breaking news and emerging workplace trends.

      Legal & Compliance

      Stay informed on workplace legal updates and their impacts.

      From the Workplace

      Explore diverse perspectives from your peers on today's workplaces.

      Flagships

      Get curated collections of podcasts, videos, articles, and more produced by SHRM.

    • HR Topics
      • AI in the Workplace
      • Civility at Work
      • Compensation & Benefits
      • Inclusion & Diversity
      • Talent Acquisition
      • Workplace Technology
      • Workplace Violence Prevention
      SEE ALL
      SHRM Research
    • Tools & Samples

      Access member resources and tools to streamline HR tasks.

      • Forms & Checklists
      • How-To Guides
      • Interactive Tools
      • Job Descriptions
      • Policies
      • Toolkits
      SEE ALL
      Ask an Advisor
  • Events & Education
    back
    Events & Education
    SHRM25 in San Diego, June 29 - July 2, 2025
    Join us for SHRM25 in San Diego

    Register for the World’s Largest HR Conference being held on June 29 - July 2, 2025

    • Events
      • SHRM25
      • The AI+HI Project 2025
      • INCLUSION 2025
      • Talent 2026
      • Linkage Institute 2025
      SEE ALL
      Webinars
    • Educational Programs

      Designed and delivered by HR experts to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to drive lasting change in the workplace.

      Specialty Credentials

      Demonstrate targeted competence and enhance credibility among peers and employers.

      Qualifications

      Gain a deeper understanding and develop critical skills.

    • Team Training & Development

      Customized training programs unique to your organization’s needs.

  • Business Solutions
  • Advocacy
    back
    Advocacy

    Make your voice heard on public policy issues impacting the workplace.

    Advocacy
    SHRM's President & CEO testifies to Congress on "The State of American Education"
    • Policy Areas
      • Workforce Development
      • Workplace Inclusion
      • Workplace Flexibility & Leave
      • Workplace Governance
      • Workplace Health Care
      • Workplace Immigration
      State Affairs

      SHRM advances policy solutions in state legislatures nationwide.

      Global Policy

      SHRM is the go-to for global HR leaders and businesses on workplace matters.

    • Advocacy Team (A-Team)

      SHRM’s A-Team is a key member benefit, giving you the tools, insights, and opportunities to shape workplace policy and drive real impact.

      Take Action

      Urge lawmakers to support policies that create lasting, positive change.

      Advocacy & Legislative Resources

      Access SHRM’s curated policy materials and content.

    • SHRM-Led Coalitions
      • Generation Cares
      • The Section 127 Coalition
      • Learn More & Partner with SHRM Government Affairs
  • Community
    back
    Community
    Woman raising hand in group
    Find a SHRM Chapter

    Easily find a local professional or student chapter in your area.

    • Chapters

      Find local connections from over 607 chapters and state councils and create your personalized HR network.

      SHRM Connect

      Post polls, get crowdsourced answers to your questions and network with other HR professionals online.

      SHRM Northern California

      Join SHRM members in the greater San Francisco Bay area for local events and networking.

    • Membership Councils

      Learn about SHRM's five regional councils and the Membership Advisory Council (MAC).

      • Membership Advisory Council
      • Regional Councils
    • Volunteers

      Learn about volunteer opportunities with SHRM.

      • Volunteer Leader Resource Center
Join Today
Renew
Rejoin Now
Renew
  • Store
    • Global
    • India
    • MENA
  • About
  • Book a Speaker
  • Foundation
  • Executive network
  • CEO Circle
  • SHRM Business
  • Linkage Logo
SHRM
Sign In
  • Account
    • My Account
    • Logout
Close

  1. Topics & Tools
  2. Workplace News & Trends
  3. How to Make the Case for Investing in HR Technology
Share
  • Linked In
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus convallis sem tellus, vitae egestas felis vestibule ut.


Error message details.

Copy button
Reuse Permissions

Request permission to republish or redistribute SHRM content and materials.


Learn More
News

How to Make the Case for Investing in HR Technology

January 15, 2021 | Dave Zielinski

A businessman giving a presentation to a group of people in an office.


​HR leaders faced an uphill battle in winning approval for new technology investment last year as budgets contracted and most new spending was directed to remote-work infrastructure. But should the economy begin to rebound this year as vaccines roll out—and if HR applies its newfound leverage acquired during the COVID-19 pandemic—getting new spending approved for HR technology upgrades or replacements may become easier.

For example, some experts believe that as organizations downsize their workspaces due to having fewer workers onsite, they may be more willing to invest savings in new, user-friendly technologies to ensure that employees have the right tools to maximize their productivity and efficiency.

That's not to say that getting funds for new technology will be easy in 2021. Gallagher's 2020 HR Technology Pulse Survey found that many HR leaders still encounter difficulties in convincing their organization's top decision-makers of the need to spend on HR technology. The top reason for those difficulties is leadership "doesn't understand the value of the investment," according to survey respondents.

Tips for Winning the Pitch

Successfully pitching new investments starts with knowing what kind of business case the C-suite prefers, said Dan Staley, global HR technology leader for advisory and research firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Staley said one of the most frequent mistakes HR leaders make is delivering the wrong presentation to top executives.

For example, while some executives might expect a total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis—which goes beyond per-user pricing costs to include expenses like software configuration, user training, ongoing technical support for upgrades and more—others might favor a simpler cost/benefit analysis or a mix of quantitative and qualitative benefits a new technology investment might deliver. 

"It depends on how the organization feels culturally about HR," Staley said. "I've seen some cases where CHROs used an improved employee experience as the basis for getting new technology investment approved without the need for a full financial analysis. But I've seen just as many cases where the C-suite wants an ROI [return on investment] analysis for the next two to three years. Sometimes they want a balance of quantitative and qualitative benefits."

Here are some strategies Staley said he sees CHROs use with success to gain approval for technology replacements or upgrades.

List the quantitative benefits. Leading with the quantitative benefits of a proposed investment sets a good tone and establishes quick credibility with chief financial officers (CFOs) or chief investment officers (CIOs), Staley said. For example, demonstrate how a new payroll or workforce management system can help reduce unreported payroll "leakage"—unexpected or unintended spending on labor—or how a new technology platform that will manage a burgeoning number of contingent labor contracts can save large sums of money over time.

Quantitative benefits also might include demonstrating how investing in a new recruiting system, driven by artificial intelligence, can reduce time-to-fill in volume hiring scenarios and directly impact revenues, or how a new technology could help eliminate fines tied to compliance requirements.

Link HR technology investment to finance tech investment. More CHROs are winning approval for spending requests by linking HR cloud technology proposals to related investments in finance cloud systems.

The rationale for the pairing is a desire to boost performance and productivity, reduce duplication of work, and create a strong ally in the CFO, Staley said. "Pairing HR and financial cloud applications together on a single platform can provide benefits in terms of support resources, more seamless integration between the two applications and sharing of common data elements," he said. "It also can save on software subscription costs and make it easier to manage upgrade schedules."

According to a 2019 global survey from MIT Technology Review, 35 percent of respondents said they were planning to create a shared finance and HR function within the coming year. Survey respondents were senior managers from finance, HR and IT across a breadth of industries.

The partnership has another key benefit when it comes to selling new investments internally, Staley said. "Oftentimes when you pitch a proposal this way, the CHRO has a close ally in the CFO and sometimes even a CIO because it's an integrated platform play," he said. "That increases the odds of success because HR leaders aren't striking out on their own."

Tie qualitative benefits to business objectives. Qualitative or "soft dollar" benefits from technology purchases carry more weight with skeptical C-suite leaders when they're tied to business goals. For example, it's usually easier to sell a new e-learning platform when there's a need for enhanced sales training to support a new product launch or when new worker-safety training is needed to meet changing compliance requirements.

"You're not cutting costs per se with these investments, but you're helping to achieve key business goals," Staley said.

Socialize targeted investments early, and don't "under-scope" cost factors. Communicate early with the C-suite regarding the range of costs connected to new technology, and don't overpromise. "Account for implementation or configuration costs, support needed from other business groups and IT to make the implementation successful, and training expenses," Staley said. "You want a well-thought-out case that captures ongoing as well as one-time costs."

Beyond Cost Savings: A New Approach Gains Traction

Art Mazor, a principal and global HR transformation leader for Deloitte Consulting headquartered in New York City, said HR leaders are increasingly having success making the case for new technology investment with an approach that goes beyond cost cutting or headcount reduction.

"The business case should be about unlocking value rather than just saving money by itself," Mazor said. "There are always opportunities to automate in ways that reduce costs, but what we find is more CHROs are gaining buy-in when they demonstrate how technology investments will help them access scarce talent differently, how it will elevate worker capabilities differently or how it will enable employee engagement differently. All of these gains have quantifiable value even though they're not as cut and dried as cost reduction."

For example, Mazor said 70 percent of respondents in a recent Deloitte survey on the usability of workplace technologies reported they face the frustrating scenario of having to enter the same data into multiple systems to get tasks done. "That kind of friction creates a cascading effect around engagement and productivity," he said. "More HR leaders are able to make the case for technology investment now based on the need for digital experiences that allow employees to conduct their work more simply, faster or efficiently."

Creating a positive employee experience has climbed near the top of senior leaders' priorities, Mazor said. The No. 1 concern of executives in Deloitte's new 2021 Global Human Capital Trends study was employee well-being, a reflection of challenges workers have faced during the pandemic. The Deloitte study found that, rather than focusing solely on the connection between well-being and work/life balance, more organizations are incorporating well-being into work and technology experiences themselves.

Dave Zielinski is a freelance business writer and editor in Minneapolis.

Business Acumen
Leadership & Navigation
Technology

Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace

​An organization run by AI is not a futuristic concept. Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR. Here's how employers and employees can successfully manage generative AI and other AI-powered systems.



Related Content

Kelly Dobbs Bunting speaks onstage at SHRM24
(opens in a new tab)
News
Why AI+HI Is Essential to Compliance

HR must always include human intelligence and oversight of AI in decision-making in hiring and firing, a legal expert said at SHRM24. She added that HR can ensure compliance by meeting the strictest AI standards, which will be in Colorado’s upcoming AI law.

(opens in a new tab)
News
A 4-Day Workweek? AI-Fueled Efficiencies Could Make It Happen

The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the ensuing expected increase in productivity and efficiency, could help usher in the four-day workweek, some experts predict.

(opens in a new tab)
News
How One Company Uses Digital Tools to Boost Employee Well-Being

Learn how Marsh McLennan successfully boosts staff well-being with digital tools, improving productivity and work satisfaction for more than 20,000 employees.

HR Daily Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest HR news, trends, and expert advice each business day.

Success title

Success caption

Manage Subscriptions
  • About SHRM
  • Careers at SHRM
  • Press Room
  • Contact SHRM
  • Book a SHRM Executive Speaker
  • Advertise with Us
  • Partner with Us
  • Copyright & Permissions
  • Post a Job
  • Find an HR Job
Follow Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • SHRM Newsletters
  • Ask An Advisor

© 2025 SHRM. All Rights Reserved

SHRM provides content as a service to its readers and members. It does not offer legal advice, and cannot guarantee the accuracy or suitability of its content for a particular purpose. Disclaimer


  1. Privacy Policy

  2. Terms of Use

  3. Accessibility

Join SHRM for Exclusive Access to Member Content

SHRM Members enjoy unlimited access to articles and exclusive member resources.

Already a member?
Free Article
Limit Reached

Get unlimited access to articles and member-exclusive resources.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join to access unlimited articles and member-only resources.

Already a member?
Free Article
Exclusive Executive-Level Content

This content is for the SHRM Executive Network and Executive Content Subscription members only.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join the Executive Network and enjoy unlimited content.

Already a member?
Free Article
Exclusive Executive-Level Content

This content is for the SHRM Executive Network and Executive Content Subscription members only.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join and enjoy unlimited access to SHRM Executive Network Content.

Already a member?
Unlock Your Career with SHRM Membership

Please enjoy this free resource! Join SHRM for unlimited access to exclusive articles and tools.

Already a member?

Your membership is almost expired! Renew today for unlimited access to member content.

Renew now

Your membership has expired. Renew today for unlimited access to member content.

Renew Now

Your Executive Network membership is nearing its expiration. Renew now to maintain access.

Renew Now

Your membership has expired. Renew your Executive Network benefits today.

Renew Now