The digital transformation of companies in terms of people management has long ceased to be a futuristic promise and has become a strategic necessity. That said, WFM tools have taken on a central role — not only in automating processes, but also in creating more efficient, humane work environments that are aligned with organisations’ current needs.
Gartner®, the world’s leading technology consulting firm, which since 2008 has referenced SISQUAL ® WFM as one of the leading global providers of Workforce Management solutions, reveals in its report Hype Cycle for HR Technology 2026 the emerging trends that will shape the future of Human Resources technology, helping HR managers choose the solution that best suits the needs of their organisations.
This report not only identifies trends but also contextualises how they respond to real market challenges, such as talent shortages, labour complexity, employee experience expectations and the need to increase productivity.
We highlight some of the technological trends already shaping the global labour market and transforming the way organisations work daily in the coming years.
1. Next-generation WFM: the core of operational transformation
Gartner® highlights next-generation WFM as a set of capabilities that goes far beyond simple schedule management, incorporating artificial intelligence for schedule optimisation, skills management, and process automation, enabling better use of available labour, reduced administrative time for managers, enhanced labour compliance, and a more fluid employee experience.
SISQUAL® WFM offers automatic schedule and shift planning based on forecasts, intelligent skills planning, and real-time dynamic resource allocation. For example, a large retail chain can reduce overtime and service gaps during peak operating times, ensuring coverage without overburdening employees.
2. Employee well-being as a competitive advantage
The report also highlights that solutions focused on employee well-being, including features to support physical and mental health and work-life balance, are among companies’ priority technology investments.
SISQUAL® WFM integrates employee-focused features, such as the SISQUAL® Quality of Life APP, that promote transparency in communication, flexible schedules, and greater autonomy, resulting in better engagement and helping companies retain talent in competitive markets.
3. Machine learning for smarter decisions
Gartner® refers to machine learning as a key to increasing the accuracy of AI solutions, offering predictive insights that can help companies with recruitment and retention processes, career development, succession planning, and turnover risk analysis.
SISQUAL® WFM integrates machine learning to analyse historical attendance and performance patterns, predict resource needs and anticipate peaks in absenteeism, giving organisations a competitive advantage in talent management and productivity improvement.
4. Digital HR document management: Compliance and efficiency
The need to digitise HR documents in a secure, integrated manner continues to gain prominence among trends. Solutions with intelligent search, multi-level security, and robust auditing add value to the process, reducing legal risks and operational costs.
SISQUAL® E–Sign is a digital signature module integrated with SISQUAL® WFM software that serves as an efficient vehicle for disseminating documents and generating evidence that they have been viewed and signed by employees. The solution aims to optimise Human Resources processes by centralising, organising and streamlining administrative processes, eliminating paper and promoting efficiency, security and sustainability.
5. Ageing workforce: Flexibility as a strategic differentiator
One of the most prominent trends in the report is the growth in the inclusion of workers of retirement age in the labour market through flexible working solutions and schemes.
SISQUAL®Open Shifts allows companies to publish open shifts on a database of available employees, taking into account individual skills, preferences and profiles. This model not only addresses the shortage of talent in specific sectors but also promotes inclusion, autonomy, and a better quality of life.
On the role of WFM tools in the labour market, José Pedro Fernandes, Vice-President of SISQUAL® WFM, states:
“Technology does not replace people, but makes them more valuable, allowing each one to contribute where they are most needed. Our goal is to help companies reorganise teams to address staff shortages, while offering employees control over their time and well-being.”
The future of work is bright and human
The trends identified in the Hype Cycle for HR Technology 2026 confirm the natural evolution of Workforce Management solutions from an administrative function to a strategic value driver for companies, enabling them to improve productivity and employee experience while gaining a competitive advantage in the labour market.
Through solutions that balance efficiency, sustainability and well-being, SISQUAL® WFM acts as a partner to organisations, enabling sectors such as healthcare, retail, industry and hospitality, among others, to optimise resources and promote a balance between productivity and quality of life. Therefore, the future of work will involve humanisation and flexibility, supported by tools that help institutions prepare for the future and consistently place people at the centre of this transformation.
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