If conditions play out like they're anticipated to, certain technology trends will stand out more prominently than others in 2014, according to human resources professionals who recently discussed the topic at the Annual Society for Human Resource Management Conference in Chicago.

According to multinational software corporation SAP, as business owners strive to achieve HR compliance, several technology trends will likely emerge. Chief among them is "gamification." This technique – best described as the use of game-related thinking and mechanics to help business owners better solve problems – is not a passing fad, according SHRM experts. It has  proven to be an effective way in which company managers attract and retain employees and will likely remain prominently in place in the coming year.

Social media will be a significant trend as well. SAP notes that integrated social media has resulted in improved communication and collaboration and SHRM views it as an ideal tool for business advancement.

Cloud-based technology will be a top HR technology trend as well. There have been some concerns that the cloud is not impenetrable from cyber attacks, but SHRM says that when it's managed properly, the cloud is as secure on-premise software solutions.

"If we do our jobs right, much of legacy HR as we know it as a profession will fade away, migrating from being 'HR business partners' to becoming part of the business with strong HR acumen," said Paul Belliveau, one of the panelists at the conference, according to SAP.

A key compliance issue for business owners in the employer mandate portion of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Experts recently talked with SHRM about some of the issues company executives need to address soon, despite it being postponed until 2015.