As 2016 comes to a close, staffing pundits look to the New Year and what it may bring for the industry. Predictions call for everything from data overload to job automation.

Computer Task Group Inc. (NASD: CTG), a Buffalo, NY-based IT staffing and solutions firm, put together predictions for 2017 for hiring and staffing, workplace dynamics, and the downstream impacts of technology’s continued evolution. Jim Nichiporuk, VP, and Rob Keranen, managing director, of CTG’s Strategic Staffing practice, predict the following:

• Recruiting processing outsourcing and contingent hiring continues to gain momentum.
• New technology will create a bigger “talent gap.”
• The “human cloud” will become more mainstream.
• The Internet of Things causes data overload.

Glassdoor’s chief economist, Dr. Andrew Chamberlain, released his suggestions for the five biggest jobs trends to watch in 2017.

“With record numbers of unfilled jobs, historically low unemployment and rising pay, America’s labor market is one of the strongest in decades. In many ways, 2016 was a landmark year for hiring,” said Chamberlain. “However, technology and automation are changing the way we work forever, creating both opportunities and challenges for 2017 and beyond. In this environment, the future of jobs, employer branding and recruiting is top of mind for job seekers, employees and employers.”

Chamberlain’s predictions include:

• Data science will transform HR into “people science.”
• The gig economy will reach its limits.
• Automation will impact all jobs — not just drivers.
• Employers will take action against the gender pay gap.
• Employers will shift away from flashy benefits packages.

Futurestep, a division of Korn Ferry (NYSE: KFY), also released its 2017 predictions for talent acquisition. The list is based on insights from recruitment experts worldwide and reflects trends that have emerged during the past 12 months as well as those predicted to dominate during the coming year.

According to Futurestep CEO Byrne Mulrooney, the ubiquitous presence of technology in the talent world is a common theme that ties together the trends.

“It doesn’t matter what industry our clients are in — everything from manufacturing to professional services and retail — every company can now be classified as a technology company,” said Mulrooney. “This has forever changed the way talent acquisition experts do their jobs, and what candidates have come to expect.”

Futurestep’s 2017 trends predictions are:

• Rise of the gig economy, or “Me Inc.”
• Programming the robot: Changing roles of the vital many
• Pack your bags: The vagabond HQ — and employee
• Trusted advisor: How big data is changing the role of the recruiter
• One platform = true intelligence
• Seeing into the future: Data that matters long after hire
• Big data, big brother: Keeping information safe
• Culture is the key to retaining employees and enhancing business performance
• Swipe left/swipe right: Social media and recruiting
• Embrace diversity to plug skills gap