Dive Brief:

• Companies aren't leveraging data as much as they could, according to a Cognetik survey emailed to HR Dive. The results showed that most of the respondents (39%) have the technology and infrastructure but don't use the data to the extent they could. Twenty-seven percent said their data maturity is enough to support diverse needs, and only 12% have advanced technology to support all data and analytics initiatives.
• Respondents classified their data maturity in one of four ways: strategic (32%), periodic (29%), ingrained (20%) and ad hoc (18%). Most respondents said they only sometimes have access to data and insights when they need them, and slightly fewer said they sometimes trust the data's quality to make decisions. About one-fifth of respondents said their leadership almost always uses data to inform their decisions.
• In other survey results, nearly half of respondents said they have a good understanding of their customers but they do not use their data to improve their experience. 

Dive Insight:

HR is now realizing the power of the data it possesses to make hiring, retention, engagement and training decisions. For example, learning and development professionals are looking at data to see how they can more effectively upskill, attract and retain top talent. Matt Hendrickson, CEO of Ascendify, told HR Dive in a 2018 interview that learning management systems haven't been historically purpose-driven, but that employers can use data to develop career mapping, help workers find purpose and guide them in achieving their goals while aligning with organizational needs and initiatives.

As HR turns to data in order to make more informed decisions, it may want to go forth with some caution. Research from the HR Metrics & Analytics Summit revealed employees feel some discomfort about their employer's taking and using their data. Employees don't mind being monitored for work-related tasks, the research said, but 72% object to their social media being monitored. Respondents were evenly split in their opinions about whether they trusted their organizations to protect their data.