Equifax Survey Reveals Technology Automation Challenges for HR Professionals

In a recent survey conducted by Equifax® (NYSE: EFX) at the SHRM25 Conference, which gathered insights from over 250 HR executives and professionals, it was revealed that technology automation continues to be a significant challenge for half of those in the human resources field. This survey sheds light on the pressing issues faced by HR leaders as they strive to improve the processes of attracting, onboarding, and retaining top talent.

According to the survey, a staggering 50% of HR professionals identified the use of technology to automate workflows as one of their top challenges. As the workplace evolves with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, HR leaders are seeking ways to alleviate the burdens of routine tasks. Chris Johnson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Employer Services at Equifax Workforce Solutions, emphasized the need for HR professionals to prioritize technological advancements that can streamline operations, allowing them to focus on core human-centric aspects of their roles.

The survey also indicated a growing reliance on AI, with 76% of HR professionals reporting that they are using AI to enhance efficiency in hiring and onboarding processes. This transition towards automation is seen as a necessary step to improve employee engagement and retention, as HR teams aim to balance administrative efficiency with the human touch that is vital for fostering a positive workplace culture.

One alarming trend highlighted by the survey is the prevalence of fabricated or misleading information on resumes. A significant 71% of HR professionals reported encountering such discrepancies during the hiring process. The most commonly falsified areas included employment history, educational background, and credentials/licenses. Despite the frequency of these issues, only 20% of HR professionals expressed high confidence in their ability to detect inaccuracies, underscoring the challenges posed by AI-generated resumes.

Bart Lautenbach, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Talent Solutions for Equifax Workforce Solutions, remarked on the potential costs associated with hiring based on misleading information. He stressed the importance of thorough background checks, which can include verifications of employment, education, and criminal history, to mitigate the risks of making a poor hiring decision.

The survey findings also revealed that while speed-to-hire remains a critical performance metric for HR organizations, fewer than 12% of professionals believe their organizations consistently hire candidates quickly. Slow hiring practices can lead to lost opportunities for attracting top talent, ultimately impacting business performance and team morale.

Moreover, 83% of HR professionals acknowledged the need for improvements in their onboarding processes. By leveraging innovative technologies, HR teams can automate various components of onboarding, which not only enhances the experience for new hires but also ensures compliance with evolving regulatory demands. Automation allows for real-time data management, ensuring that essential protocols, such as background checks, are efficiently conducted.

As the need for technology in HR becomes increasingly imperative, many professionals are actively seeking ways to integrate AI and automation into their workflows. However, it appears that many HR teams are only beginning to explore the full potential of these technologies. This presents an opportunity for HR technology vendors to step up, providing the expertise and innovative solutions necessary to support HR professionals in their evolving roles.

The insights presented in this article are based on a survey conducted among attendees at the SHRM Annual Conference in San Diego from June 29 to July 1, 2025. Only responses from 254 HR professionals and senior executives were included in the final results.

Equifax Inc. is a global data, analytics, and technology company that plays a vital role in the global economy by assisting financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies in making informed decisions. Headquartered in Atlanta, Equifax employs nearly 15,000 people worldwide and operates or has investments in 24 countries across North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region.

This survey underscores the pressing challenges facing HR professionals in the rapidly changing landscape of talent acquisition and management, highlighting the critical need for innovative solutions and technological advancements to address these issues effectively.