In #HRTech and #WorkTech, there’s always a gap between what’s promised and what’s delivered. Companies keep promising inspiration and imagination but rarely follow through on user needs. Maybe it’s time to take a lesson from an unlikely source: weather apps.
Why Weather Apps Work
Weather apps aren’t just for Boomers—they’re for everyone. Whether you’re a Millennial planning your commute or a Gen Z checking if it’s patio drinking weather, these apps are a staple on every smartphone. They offer essential, real-time information wrapped in an intuitive, easy-to-use interface, and people of all ages use them multiple times daily.
The simplicity and utility of weather apps are what makes them so effective. They deliver accurate, predictive information without unnecessary bells and whistles. And sometimes, they even make it fun. Apps like CARROT Weather deliver forecasts with a side of snark, proving that utility doesn’t have to be boring.
The Financial Perspective
Let’s talk dollars and cents. The weather app market is projected to grow substantially by 2027, with a total addressable market (TAM) estimated at over $4.2 billion globally. This growth is fueled by the increasing use of smartphones across all demographics, including Millennials and Gen Z, who rely heavily on these apps for daily planning and decision-making.
For instance, I use Clime and spend $70 a year on that app, which is about $6 a month per user. People are willing to pay for apps that deliver real value and integrate smoothly into their daily lives. This willingness to pay is reflected in the weather app market’s growing revenue streams, which both subscription models and advertising support.
There are also fun weather apps like CARROT Weather, which combines accurate forecasts with snarkiness. These apps remind us that utility apps don’t have to be dull. They can be functional and engaging. HR and #worktech platforms should take note of this.
What HR and #WorkTech Can Learn
Weather apps are sticky because they’re helpful. They rank high among utility apps, with users engaging with them daily—sometimes multiple times daily. On the other hand, HR tech platforms often try too hard to mimic consumer tech, layering feature upon feature in a misguided attempt to hook users but ultimately satisfying nobody.
HR and #WorkTech could learn a lot from weather apps. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, these platforms should focus on doing one thing well: supporting work. They should prioritize a clean design that’s easy to navigate, provide accurate information that helps users make informed decisions, and even consider injecting a little personality into the user experience.
The Real Challenge
Weather apps might not seem sexy, but they are indispensable. They don’t need to dominate your attention to be effective—they just need to work. That’s the challenge for HR and #WorkTech: stop trying to be consumer tech first and focus on being the best at what you’re supposed to do—supporting work. Then, and only then, swing for the fences. But get your infrastructure right and meet user intent upfront.
If HR tech companies could adopt the weather app model—emphasizing utility, design, ease of use, and correct information while being predictive and occasionally even funny—they might finally achieve the stickiness they crave. In doing so, they’d create products that genuinely enhance work rather than complicate it.
Ready to Simplify Your HR Tech?
It’s time to rethink your approach. If you’re tired of overcomplicated platforms that promise the world but deliver frustration, take a cue from weather apps. Focus on what matters: utility, ease of use, and delivering precisely what your users need—no more, no less.
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