Matthew Brown's Analyst Perspectives

The HCM market has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Legacy providers, long the dominant force, built their platforms primarily for administrative efficiency—streamlining HR processes but often overlooking the broader employee experience. However, today’s workforce expects more. Employees and managers now demand intuitive, engaging and connected HR experiences that extend beyond transactional tasks. This shift has given rise to Modern HCM—a new category of platforms designed with culture, flexibility and engagement at their core. Unlike traditional systems, these solutions prioritize daily interaction, seamless connectivity and a user-first approach, making HR technology a driver of workplace connection rather than just compliance. As businesses refine their people strategies, this evolution presents a pivotal opportunity to rethink what an HCM platform should be. While legacy systems still serve many organizations, the way businesses operate has evolved. HR technology can no longer be solely compliance-driven; it must facilitate engagement, connection and culture-building alongside traditional functions. I assert that by 2027, the focus on employee experience will cause HCM software providers to adapt and redesign their approach to emphasize the employee journey, not just the application. To remain competitive, organizations must look beyond administrative efficiency and consider how their HR technology enhances employee experience, workplace culture and business agility. Modern HCM platforms, built within the last decade, reflect this shift, ensuring HR technology keeps pace with the changing nature of work and workforce expectations. HiBob, a rapidly growing challenger in the HCM space, exemplifies this shift. Designed with culture and engagement at its core, HiBob offers a fresh take on what modern HCM can be when it prioritizes the employee experience alongside operational needs. HiBob quickly established itself as a key player in the SMB and mid-market segments (up to 5,000 employees), challenging traditional HCM vendors with an approach that prioritizes culture, flexibility and user experience. Rather than retrofitting legacy systems to meet today’s needs, HiBob was designed from the ground up to support the way modern businesses operate. A core differentiator for HiBob is its emphasis on employee experience within the HR system itself. Most HCM platforms focus on compliance, administrative efficiency and process automation—all critical, but often failing to give employees a reason to interact with HR technology on a regular basis. HiBob flips this script by ensuring that its platform is not just a system of record but also a system of engagement. Key elements of HiBob’s offering include: An intuitive and engaging user experience designed to encourage daily interaction, rather than being a tool that employees only log into when required. A highly flexible and interconnected architecture, where modules work seamlessly together, eliminating data silos common in many HR suites. A partner-friendly integration strategy that allows organizations to connect HiBob with other best-of-breed solutions without friction. This approach allows HiBob to deliver value beyond compliance, helping organizations foster connection, community and engagement within their workforce. For HR and business leaders evaluating their HCM strategy, HiBob represents a shift toward a more holistic view of HR technology—one that aligns with how modern organizations function. HiBob is best suited for small to mid-sized organizations looking for an HCM platform that balances compliance and culture. It works particularly well for companies that prioritize engagement, employee experience and flexibility in their HR tech stack. While originally focused on the SMB and mid-market segments, HiBob has been expanding into larger enterprises, positioning itself as a viable alternative to legacy platforms. For organizations evaluating HiBob, key considerations include: HR and IT decision-makers should assess how HiBob integrates into their broader HR ecosystem—whether as a standalone HCM or as a core system within a larger suite of HR tools. HR teams looking for high user adoption and engagement will find HiBob appealing, as its design encourages employees to use the platform daily. Companies that require deep flexibility and connectivity will appreciate HiBob’s modular structure and integration strategy, which support a more adaptable HR technology environment. One of the biggest challenges in HR technology is user adoption. Many companies invest heavily in new systems only to see low engagement beyond HR administrators and payroll teams. HiBob mitigates this risk by designing a system that employees actually want to use. This leads to higher adoption rates across all HR functions—from payroll and compliance to performance management, compensation and workforce planning. Instead of HR struggling to drive adoption, HiBob’s design encourages natural and continuous interaction, helping companies get more value from their technology investment. Unlike some legacy HCM platforms that require organizations to buy into an entire suite, HiBob is built for interoperability. Its strong integration and partner strategy means companies can connect HiBob with other tools they already use—creating a more seamless HR ecosystem. For enterprises seeking flexibility in their HR tech strategy, HiBob offers a compelling alternative to closed, monolithic HR suites. For organizations considering HiBob—or any modern HCM platform—it’s important to go beyond familiar names and legacy solutions. HR technology should be viewed as a strategic enabler, not just an administrative tool. As HiBob continues its expansion into larger enterprises, its ability to scale while maintaining its employee-first approach will be key to its success. Future developments could include: More advanced analytics and AI-driven insights to help organizations leverage workforce data more strategically. Enhanced workforce planning and talent mobility features, bridging the gap between HR operations and talent strategy. Continued expansion of integrations and partnerships, reinforcing its role as a flexible, adaptable HR platform. HiBob reflects what modern HCM can be when culture and experience are placed at the center of product vision and strategy. For HR leaders, it offers a fresh alternative to traditional compliance-driven platforms—one that not only supports HR administration but also enhances workplace culture and engagement. As organizations rethink their HR technology investments, the key takeaway is this: don’t limit your evaluation to providers you’ve used before or the biggest names in the market. The HCM space is evolving, and companies that prioritize employee experience and engagement will find that platforms like HiBob are reshaping what’s possible in HR technology. Regards, Matthew Brown

Matthew Brown's Analyst Perspectives

HiBob: A Modern HCM That Puts Culture and Simplicity at the Core

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