'New mandate' | HR & IT department mergers 'only a matter of time', major survey finds

Merging HR and IT departments could unlock major productivity gains and drive more effective digital transformation, according to new research.

The Science of Productivity Part 2, a survey of 1,100 senior IT decision makers across the UK, USA, France and Germany, found that 94% believe the next wave of digital transformation will lead to the creation of new departments, with many expecting HR and IT to combine. 

The report by Nexthink, based on research conducted by Vanson Bourne, finds such joint departments are “only a matter of time” and are seen as bringing clear benefits, including “improved employee productivity, improved employee satisfaction, higher rates of employee engagement, [and] higher rates of employee retention”, the report found.

HR-IT merger predicted within five years

When asked about timelines, 31% expect HR and IT to merge within the next three years, while another 33% think it will happen within three to five years. A further 31% believe they will remain separate but become “far more collaborative” over the next five years.