March 2025

The Future of HR: How to Use AI in 2025 to Streamline Hiring and Payroll

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March 28, 2025

In 2025, AI is no longer just a futuristic concept — it’s an essential tool reshaping Human Resources. As labor laws evolve, employee expectations shift, and companies juggle talent shortages, HR teams are under more pressure than ever to do more with less. The rise of AI in HR technology presents an opportunity to automate tedious tasks, optimize decision-making, and enhance employee experiences — without sacrificing compliance or personalization.


From AI-powered payroll processing to intelligent hiring agents that scan resumes in seconds, today’s HR professionals have access to game-changing tools that streamline operations. For businesses with hourly workers, rotating shifts, or compliance-heavy industries, AI-driven solutions can help manage complex scheduling, track labor costs, and ensure payroll accuracy — all while reducing administrative workload.


As AI continues to evolve, its role in HR is becoming more than just a convenience — it’s a necessity. This article explores how AI is transforming HR in 2025, breaking down its impact on payroll, hiring, onboarding, performance reviews, and scheduling. Whether you're an HR manager at a fast-growing company or overseeing a large workforce with fluctuating shifts, AI-driven tools can help you save time, cut costs, and build stronger teams.

What Challenges Do HR Teams Face Today?

Before diving into how AI can help, let’s look at the biggest challenges HR teams are navigating in 2025:

  • Hiring and Retention Struggles: With ongoing talent shortages, hiring the right employees quickly while keeping top talent engaged is harder than ever.
  • Payroll and Compliance Headaches: Labor laws and tax regulations change frequently, making payroll processing complex and time-consuming.
  • Fluctuating Schedules for Hourly Workers: Balancing labor costs with fluctuating demand is a constant challenge, especially for businesses with shift-based employees.
  • Employee Engagement and Performance Tracking: Managing performance reviews, career growth, and employee well-being requires constant monitoring and optimized feedback loops.
  • Data Overload Without Actionable Insights: HR teams collect mountains of data, but making sense of it to drive smarter decision-making isn’t always easy.

With these pain points in mind, let’s explore how AI can streamline HR operations and transform the way businesses hire, pay, and manage their teams.

A restaurant manager is conducting an interview with a job applicant.

What Can AI Do For HR?

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Human Resources (HR) is transforming how organizations manage talent, streamline administrative tasks, and enhance workforce strategies. AI-powered HR solutions enable companies to operate more efficiently while improving employee satisfaction and retention. Let’s take a closer look at how AI is reshaping HR.

Automation of Routine Tasks

HR departments handle numerous repetitive tasks, such as data entry, payroll calculations, and interview scheduling. AI automates these activities, reducing administrative burdens and allowing HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives. According to a survey by Gartner, the number of HR leaders conducting AI pilots and planning implementations doubled between June 2023 and January 2024, reflecting a growing recognition of AI's potential to improve operational efficiency.

Enhanced Decision-Making

AI analyzes vast datasets to provide insights into employee performance, engagement levels, and workforce trends. Predictive analytics help HR leaders make informed decisions about talent acquisition, retention strategies, and workforce planning. A report from Forbes highlights that HR professionals are now using data and AI to equip decision-makers with critical information, creating valuable people-centric reports, and enhancing overall decision-making processes.

Improved Candidate Experience

AI-powered chatbots engage with applicants in real time, answering queries and guiding them through the application process. This leads to higher satisfaction and shorter hiring cycles. For example, Chipotle introduced an AI-driven virtual team member, "Ava Cado", which increased application completion rates to over 85% and reduced hiring time from 12 days to just four.

A screenshot of Push's Candidate Dashboard that filters top candidates.

Bias Reduction in Hiring and Promotions

AI helps mitigate unconscious bias in hiring and promotions by focusing on objective criteria. By analyzing candidate profiles without demographic information, AI-driven recruitment platforms have been shown to improve workforce diversity. Additionally, AI algorithms can monitor hiring trends and flag patterns of bias, helping organizations take proactive steps toward building more inclusive workplaces.

Streamlining Payroll with AI

Payroll processing is a critical but time-consuming task, especially for businesses managing hourly employees and rotating shifts. AI automates payroll calculations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with evolving labor laws. AI-powered payroll systems automatically update tax codes, track overtime, and flag compliance issues, reducing the risk of errors, late payments, and fines. Companies leveraging AI in payroll processing experience significant reductions in payroll-related errors and processing time, leading to smoother financial operations.

Enhancing Hiring Processes

AI revolutionizes recruitment by automating candidate sourcing, screening, and engagement. AI tools can scan resumes, assess qualifications, and rank candidates based on experience, skills, and cultural fit. AI hiring agents analyze applications and recommend the best-fit candidates, helping HR teams focus on high-potential hires. With AI-powered recruitment, businesses can reduce the time-to-hire, ensuring they secure top talent faster. Additionally, AI-powered assessments can gauge candidates' cognitive abilities and emotional intelligence, offering deeper insights beyond resumes.

Optimizing Onboarding with AI

The onboarding process sets the foundation for new hires’ success. AI-driven systems personalize onboarding by automating paperwork, creating tailored training plans, and providing virtual assistance. Personalized learning paths ensure employees integrate smoothly, reducing new hire attrition. 

Revolutionizing Performance Reviews and Team Growth

Traditional performance reviews are often infrequent and subjective. AI introduces continuous performance monitoring by tracking key performance indicators and providing real-time feedback. AI-driven insights help managers identify strengths, areas for improvement, and career growth opportunities. Organizations implementing AI-based performance management see increases in employee productivity and engagement. Additionally, AI-powered career development platforms can recommend training and upskilling programs based on an individual’s performance data and career aspirations.

A screenshot of Push's digital performance review with an AI feedback summary.

Automating Scheduling for Hourly and Shift-Based Employees

AI simplifies workforce scheduling by analyzing employee availability, labor laws, and demand forecasts to create optimal schedules. AI-powered scheduling tools help businesses reduce overstaffing and understaffing, ensuring efficiency while improving employee satisfaction. Companies using AI for shift scheduling report labor cost savings. Furthermore, predictive analytics can help managers anticipate peak demand periods and adjust staffing accordingly, reducing employee burnout and turnover.

What HR Tasks Can Easily Be Automated?

Several HR functions benefit significantly from automation, including:

  • Resume Screening: AI quickly filters large applicant pools, identifying top candidates based on qualifications, reducing hiring times.
  • Interview Scheduling: Automated systems coordinate between candidates and hiring managers, eliminating scheduling conflicts and cutting coordination time.
  • Payroll Processing: AI ensures accurate wage calculations, tax deductions, and compliance updates, leading to increased payroll accuracy and efficiency.
  • Employee Onboarding: AI automates paperwork, training modules, and orientation schedules, creating a personalized and engaging experience for new hires.
  • Performance Monitoring: AI continuously tracks employee performance metrics, enabling data-driven feedback and ensuring fair evaluations.

Should HR Teams Use AI?

AI is not just a trend but a strategic advantage in HR. It enhances efficiency, reduces operational costs, and allows HR teams to focus on value-added activities. However, thoughtful implementation is essential to ensure transparency and mitigate potential biases in AI algorithms. By embracing AI-driven HR solutions, organizations can optimize their workforce management, improve employee experiences, and drive long-term success.


A balanced approach, combining AI-driven automation with human intuition, is the key to unlocking AI’s full potential in HR. With proper governance and ethical considerations, AI can serve as a powerful tool to create a more efficient, inclusive, and data-driven HR team. 

The Future of HR Is Here: Is Your Business Ready?

AI is reshaping HR functions across payroll, hiring, performance reviews, and scheduling. By automating routine tasks and providing actionable insights, AI enables HR teams to operate more efficiently and strategically. Embracing AI-driven tools, such as Push's suite of AI features, can significantly enhance HR operations, particularly for managing hourly employees and dynamic shift schedules. With Push, businesses can streamline workforce management, reduce administrative burdens, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape. Start optimizing your HR processes today with Push — because smarter HR means a stronger business.

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The food and hospitality industry is entering a transformative era in 2024 — driven by consumer demand for transparency, health, environmental responsibility, and a touch of culinary innovation. Diners are more informed, adventurous, and values-driven than ever before. Whether it’s a craving for Korean-BBQ tacos, gut-friendly mocktails, or carbon-labeled menus, today’s customers are embracing trends that combine personal wellness with global consciousness.

For restaurant owners and foodservice managers, keeping pace with the latest food trends is more than a matter of creativity — it’s a necessity for profitability and long-term success. This guide explores the top food trends for 2024, from plant-based innovations to tech-forward sustainability practices, and how operators can successfully integrate them into their businesses.

Let’s dig into what’s trending, what your customers want, and how your restaurant can stay ahead.

What Are the Top Food Trends for 2024?

Here’s a snapshot of the most impactful food trends shaping menus and operations in 2024:

  • Plant-based innovations – Beyond tofu: think cultivated meats, mushroom mycelium, and chickpea-based seafood substitutes.
  • Climate-conscious menus – Locally sourced, low-waste, and forward-thinking menus aligned with environmental responsibility.
  • Functional wellness foods – Ingredients that support mood, energy, and immunity are being infused into dishes and drinks.
  • Tech-driven dining experiences – AI tools, robotics, and smart systems are elevating back-of-house efficiency and customer-facing dining.
  • Global flavor fusions – Mashups of regional cuisines (like Indian-Mexican or Korean-South American) offer novelty and richness.

Why Do Restaurant Owners Need to Pay Attention to Food Trends?

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  • Consumer demand is shifting: According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2024 Culinary Forecast, over 70% of diners say they actively seek healthier, more sustainable options when dining out.
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  • Increased brand loyalty: Restaurants that align with customer values — health, ethics, innovation — earn trust, repeat visits, and social shares.
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  • Operational agility: Trend-oriented kitchens are quicker to pivot when supply chains shift, diets evolve, or digital preferences change.
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Which Foods Are Trending This Year Across the U.S.?

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Rise of Plant-Based Food Trends

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  • Cultivated meats: Also known as lab-grown meats, these are becoming mainstream. Brands like UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat are breaking into U.S. markets with chicken grown from animal cells in controlled environments.
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  • Mycoproteins & legumes: Derived from fungi or pulses, protein-rich alternatives like tempeh, jackfruit, and lupin are being used creatively in tacos, BBQ ribs, and seafood analogs.
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  • Mainstream adoption: Major chains like Burger King and Chipotle continue expanding plant-forward menus, while independents offer bold meatless dishes with flavor-forward sauces, global spices, and satisfying textures.
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Healthy Food Trends for 2024

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  • Gut health focus: Probiotic-rich dishes (kimchi grilled cheese or sourdough naan wraps) and fermented sides are on the rise.
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  • Lower-sugar desserts: Sweet treats are being reimagined with monk fruit, dates, and other low-glycemic ingredients.
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  • Immunity boosters: Menus highlight ingredients like turmeric, ginger, vitamin C, and zinc through smoothies, teas, and power bowls.
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  • Clean-label commitment: Consumers are studying ingredient lists, preferring dishes with wholesome, recognizable components.
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Functional Foods and Beverages

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  • Nootropic-infused drinks: Beverages powered by L-theanine or functional mushrooms cater to focus and calm.
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  • Adaptogenic add-ons: Herbs like ashwagandha, maca, and rhodiola are finding their way into smoothies, lattes, and sauces.
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  • Wellness cocktails: Mixed drinks sans alcohol — but heavy on health — promote detox and energy, flavored with botanicals and natural extracts like spirulina, matcha, and activated charcoal.
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How Are Sustainable Food Trends Shaping the Industry?

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From Menu to Sourcing: The Push Toward Sustainability

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  • Local and seasonal sourcing: Supporting nearby farms reduces emissions, ensures freshness, and appeals to community-minded consumers.
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  • Zero-waste operations: Chefs are using root-to-stem cooking, fermentation for food preservation, and creative uses for scraps in sauces or stocks.
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  • Eco-conscious packaging: Compostable containers, reusable to-go kits, and edible cutlery are disrupting traditional takeout models.
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Tech and Innovation in Sustainable Dining

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  • Carbon labeling: Climate impact scores on menus help customers make informed dining decisions, much like calorie counts.
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  • AI-driven inventory management: Tools optimize ordering patterns, reducing spoilage and overstock-related waste.
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  • Vertical farming & hydroponic setups: Onsite or bordered supply chains shorten the farm-to-table journey.
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What Is the Most Popular Food Trend Right Now?

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While many trends are gaining traction, one standout in 2024 is the rise of global comfort fusion — particularly dishes that marry traditional comfort food with spicy, umami-rich flavors.

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  • Korean-Mexican cuisine: Think birria bulgogi tacos or kimchi queso.
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  • Indian-South American mashups: Curried empanadas or tandoori arepas are headline grabbers.
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  • TikTok’s viral influence: Trends like \“chili crisp eggs\” or \“pickle sushi\” are being adapted on local menus, proving that social virality turns into real-world demand.
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How Social Media Is Driving Food Trend Adoption

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Role of Social Media in Accelerating Food Fads

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  • Influencer credibility: A single post from a viral chef or creator can spark national interest in a dish.
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  • Hashtag virality: Foods labeled #ButterBoard or #WaterTok evolve into week-long waitlists and menu must-haves.
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  • User-generated content: Diners love documenting quirky, beautiful, or “you’ve-never-seen-this-before” dishes to share online.
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Leveraging Food Trends for Restaurant Marketing

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  • Seasonal menus & pop-ups: Limited-time offerings based on trending foods motivate urgency and trial.
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  • Social callouts: Encourage diners to tag, post, or review your trend-forward menu items.
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  • Reels and behind-the-scenes content: Show viewers where your ingredients come from or how a niche global dish is made.
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Global and Fusion Food Trends to Watch

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  • Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) flavors: Featuring citrusy ceviches with umami-rich miso and soy glazes.
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  • West African influences: Dishes using jollof rice, egusi stew, or fonio grain paired with plant-based elements.
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  • Filipino-American blends: Adobo-braised brisket sandwiches or ube milkshakes have mainstream momentum.
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Tips for Implementing 2024 Food Trends in Your Restaurant

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  • Test with limited-time offers (LTOs): Introduce a trending ingredient as a weekly special or seasonal dish to measure interest.
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  • Survey your customers: Use email lists or POS systems to gather input on potential additions.
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  • Train your staff: Equip them with the knowledge and enthusiasm to explain functional or sustainable items.
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  • Work with specialized suppliers: Align with local farmers, health-focused vendors, or zero-waste packaging providers for smoother execution.
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Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Curve with 2024’s Food Trends

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Adapting to food trends in 2024 isn’t about chasing every new idea — it’s about identifying the trends that align with your market, values, and culinary identity. Plant-based options, sustainability, global flavors, and wellness-centric dining aren’t just appealing — they’re economically vital.

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Restaurants that act early — leveraging data, culture, and digital ecosystems — will attract today’s health-conscious, eco-aware diner and become tomorrow’s industry leaders.

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Ready to Lead the Industry with Smarter Menu Strategies?

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2024 promises bold innovations in food — and your restaurant can thrive by embracing the right trends. Whether you’re scaling functional drinks, reducing kitchen waste, or jumping on the next viral fusion dish, the right tools can help you act faster and smarter.

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Subscribe to the Push blog for expert insights on restaurant operations, emerging food trends, and next-gen hospitality technology. Stay ahead — serve success.

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Internal Links

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External Sources

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  • National Restaurant Association 2024 Culinary Forecast
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  • Technomic’s 2024 Foodservice Trends Report
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  • Mintel Functional Food Trends Analysis 2024
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