The second half of 2025 brings a new SAP SuccessFactors release with concrete enhancements that HR teams will notice directly in their day-to-day work.

From smoother onboarding and better data flows to smarter AI-driven talent recommendations, the 2H 2025 Product Release focuses on efficiency, insight and ease of use.

In this article, I outline the key changes and what they mean for HR teams working with SuccessFactors. 

Efficient onboarding 

One of the most tangible improvements sits in the employee profile and the onboarding process. HR teams often spent significant time on handovers and duplicate data entry, but this release creates a seamless data flow from recruitment to the first working day. 

Information from new hires now flows automatically from hiring to onboarding, without HR having to manually copy data. This not only reduces administrative workload but also lowers the risk of errors and speeds up the process for everyone involved. 

Examples: 

• Once a candidate is moved to Ready to Hire, the onboarding process starts automatically.

• Changing a start date? Personal data such as address or dependents will remain intact. 

What that means in practice: 

Recruitment and HR can move faster, new employees feel welcomed from day one, and administrative pressure drops significantly. This gives HR more space to focus on what matters most: engagement, experience and development. 

Smarter conversations about growth and talent 

A second major pillar of the release is Talent & Skills Management. SAP has been investing for years in connecting data, skills and career development. With this update, that work becomes more visible than ever. 

With over 250 new improvements and enhancements—largely based on customer feedback and supported by AI—it becomes easier for HR teams to focus on skills rather than job titles. 

The system can now provide recommendations based on existing skills, opening new opportunities for internal mobility and succession planning. 

Examples of what is changing: 

• Automatic suggestions for successors, internal opportunities and relevant development paths. 

• Improved visibility into skills and profiles for both HR and managers. 

• A clearer overview of existing and missing skills within teams. 

What that means in practice: 

Talent conversations become richer, more concrete and more human-centered. They focus less on filling roles and more on developing potential. Managers gain better visibility into where employees can grow, and employees can see which steps they can take. This strengthens trust, engagement and internal mobility. 

Less manual work, more reliable processes 

Alongside the visible improvements, a lot has happened behind the scenes. The 2H 2025 Release introduces new capabilities in Core HR, workflow automation, time tracking and compliance. 

SAP has clearly chosen stability and predictability. By streamlining processes and improving documentation, HR teams can prepare more effectively and experience fewer unexpected disruptions. 

What that means in practice: 

HR teams can work with more calm and confidence. Fewer emergencies, fewer fires to put out, and more time for strategic work. When systems are more stable, the focus naturally shifts from maintenance to value creation. 

One continuous experience for employees 

The employee experience also receives a significant upgrade. Learning, development and internal mobility align more seamlessly than ever. Where employees previously lost parts of their development context when switching roles or teams, that information now remains intact. 

This upgrade makes transitions between teams or roles smoother, with new homepage cards that support managers and buddies throughout onboarding and guidance. This creates a more personal and consistent experience. 

What that means in practice: 

Growth doesn’t stop when switching teams. Employees have a clear view of their development path, receive targeted suggestions and feel supported. This increases motivation, retention and cultural cohesion. 

How to prepare for the 2H release 

Preparation determines how much value your organization gains from this release. The timeline for the 2H 2025 release is as follows: 

• Preview: from 13 October 2025

• Production rollout: 14–16 November 2025

Use the preview period to test new features and determine which components are enabled automatically or require additional configuration. 

Practical steps: 

1. Check which features are enabled by default and which require manual adjustments. 

1. Inform managers and employees ahead of time about changes to the user experience. 

1. Align the release timeline with other internal projects or year-end activities. 

Align the release timeline with other internal projects or year-end activities. 

Final Thought 

With the 2H 2025 Release, SAP SuccessFactors focuses on three clear goals: stability, efficiency and ease of use. 

The new features bring more clarity in data, more continuity in processes and more insight into talent. 

For HR teams, this means one thing: more time for people, less time spent on administration. 

By planning and testing the updates carefully, you ensure a smooth transition and lay the foundation for a modern, reliable HR environment that is ready for the future.