HR.com, the largest network of human resources professionals, has appointed Brent Skinner as its executive community leader for the Future of Payroll and Workforce Management. This move positions Skinner as the organization's industry analyst specializing in payroll, human resources information systems, and workforce management, bringing nearly two decades of human capital management expertise to the role.
Skinner's background includes podcasting, public speaking, vendor analysis, research, and extensive content development across the HCM landscape. His previous roles as founder of Open Window Strategies LLC, industry analyst at 3Sixty Insights, and technology editor for HRO Today provide him with comprehensive industry knowledge. His primary objective is to create a collaborative platform where payroll professionals can connect, share knowledge, and address industry challenges through innovative solutions.
HR.com CEO Debbie McGrath emphasized the strategic importance of this appointment, noting that Skinner's expertise will help support HR leaders in navigating complex payroll solutions and guide global payroll providers in creating more effective products. This development is particularly relevant for vendors selling into the human resources industry, as it signals HR.com's commitment to driving progress in payroll technology and workforce management solutions.
As part of his new role, Skinner has joined HR.com's Future of Payroll advisory board, where he will work alongside thought leaders to establish industry standards, conduct relevant research, develop common metrics, and create educational resources. This initiative aligns with HR.com's broader mission to provide cutting-edge resources through the HR Research Institute, which offers learning products, webcasts, events, and research to its network of over 2 million HR professionals.
Skinner's vision extends beyond technical improvements to focus on building camaraderie among payroll and HR professionals. By developing resources for Chief Human Resources Officers and other HR leaders, he aims to optimize proficiency in payroll management and foster a more interconnected professional community. This approach could lead to more standardized practices across the industry, benefiting vendors who develop payroll and workforce management solutions.
The appointment reflects broader trends in the human resources technology sector, where integration between payroll systems, HR information systems, and workforce management tools continues to evolve. For vendors operating in this space, Skinner's leadership may influence future product development directions and create opportunities for collaboration through HR.com's extensive professional network. The organization's focus on establishing industry standards and metrics could help vendors align their offerings with emerging best practices and market expectations.
With workforce management becoming increasingly complex in remote and hybrid work environments, Skinner's role in developing educational resources and facilitating professional connections addresses current industry needs. Vendors can anticipate more coordinated efforts to address payroll challenges, potentially leading to more integrated solutions that combine payroll processing with broader human capital management functions. This development underscores the growing importance of payroll expertise within the HR technology ecosystem and its implications for product development and market positioning.
