FEBRUARY 2026HR TECH OUTLOOK6In an environment shaped by workforce shortages, rising benefit costs, and increasing scrutiny on employee experience, this edition of HR Tech Outlook examines how organisations are using technology and disciplined people strategies to strengthen performance, retention, and trust across the workforce. The focus of this issue is clear: practical HR innovation that delivers measurable outcomes.The cover story TEQ Connect, recognised as Employee Workforce Solutions of the Year 2026, addresses one of the most persistent challenges in workforce management: hiring and retaining skilled trade and manufacturing talent at scale. By introducing validated employability assessments early in the hiring process, TEQ Connect brings executive-level rigour to trade workforce recruitment. Its Total Employability model evaluates behavioural traits such as coachability, adaptability, motivation, and role fit alongside technical capability, enabling employers to make better-informed hiring decisions. The platform reduces hiring friction, improves retention, and supports defensible, organisation-specific workforce decisions.This issue also highlights companies advancing specialised areas of the HR ecosystem. Top Notch Finders, recognised as Executive Search Firm Company of the Year 2026, is acknowledged for its focused approach to leadership placement, supporting organisations where executive alignment and performance impact are critical. Paidly, recognised as Employee Loan Repayment Benefit Solutions of the Year 2026, addresses employee financial wellbeing through structured loan repayment benefits, strengthening retention and reducing financial stress.Leadership insight further anchors this edition. Vince Guerra, Area Vice President, Human Capital | Employee Benefits at Gallagher, outlines how high-performance health plans can significantly slow healthcare cost growth through preventive care engagement and proactive chronic condition management. Alongside this, Holly Stover, Vice President, Employee Engagement and Relations Manager at Shore United Bank, emphasise that employee engagement only delivers value when leaders visibly act on feedback.Together, the stories in this issue reinforce a central theme: sustainable workforce performance is built on disciplined execution, accountability, and action. Readers are invited to explore these perspectives and engage with the strategies shaping the future of HR leadership and workforce management.Execution and Accountability in Workforce LeadershipHanna WilsonManaging Editoreditor@hrtechoutlook.comEditor's NoteManaging EditorHanna WilsonEditorial StaffAaron PierceAva Garcia Philo VazRussell ThomasVisualizersCalvin JamesCopyright © 2026 ValleyMedia, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photography or illustrations without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the magazine and accordingly, no liability is assumed by the publisher thereof.Disclaimer : *Some of the Insights are based on the interviews with respective CIOs and CXOs to our editorial staffEmail:sales@hrtechoutlook.comeditor@hrtechoutlook.commarketing@hrtechoutlook.comFEBRUARY 2026, Volume 11 Issue 10 (ISSN 2644-2477)ValleyMedia, Inc. To subscribe to HR Tech OutlookVisit www.hrtechoutlook.com Kevin Parker Ronald Donovan
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