According to Watson Wyatt Worldwide, a global consulting firm, companies are upgrading their human resources technology by adding Web solutions like wikis, blogs and social networking.

"Managing a workforce is increasingly complex, and employers are searching for the right solutions to help them address this challenge," said Richard Hubbard, director of Watson Wyatt's North American technology and administration solutions practice. "Technology will continue to help companies manage the most intricate HR tasks, including some, such as talent management, that were once done more by intuition than by data analysis."

Some of the top trends for improving technology are:

• Adopting Web 2.0 technology. Many corporations are using social networking technologies like wikis and blogs to improve employee communication.
• Improving employee service and satisfaction. HR technologies that feature decision support tools help to engage employees and reduce administrative costs.
• Implementing talent management technology. Specialized technology is widely available to help companies with recruiting, and succession and workforce planning.
• Flexible outsourcing solutions. Companies are delegating some HR functions to outside companies and retaining the processes they perform well.