23 May The Evolution of HR – Trends to Watch in the Coming Years

The HR function looks quite different today than just a decade ago. Workplace trends and changing employee expectations drive change within the HR profession. Savvy HR professionals stay informed of new technology. It allows them to get ahead of changes by adapting HR strategies. This article lists some HR trends to watch in the coming years.

AI Integration

AI offers both opportunities and challenges to HR processes. AI can automate routine HR tasks so that the HR staff can focus on more strategic work. It can be used to screen candidates or personalize employee development plans. AI can also help predict workforce demands to help you prepare better.

Organizations must develop robust AI governance frameworks to use their capabilities well. Potential AI biases in hiring or reward decisions are a legitimate concern. There are privacy considerations around using employee data to train AI models. Another challenge is reskilling HR staff and employees to work collaboratively with AI systems. As AI handles more tasks, human skills like critical thinking and empathy become even more vital.

On-the-Job Employee Development

Recent HR trends see development opportunities embedded directly into employee workflows. Performance support systems help employees learn while completing job tasks. This allows a tighter alignment between workplace learning and business skill demands. The added benefit is that the employee’s productivity doesn’t have to be sacrificed.

Continuous employee development facilitates continuous upskilling according to demand. Employees rotate through a variety of positions or departments within the organization. It broadens their skills with a better understanding of the organization.

Data Analytics For All Talent Decisions

HR teams apply data analytics to help them with strategic workforce planning. Robust analytics helps them make evidence-based decisions on talent management practices. Using data separates effective programs from ineffective ones based on measurable outcomes.

The rise of analysis in HR requires them to upskill themselves as well. They must learn to take the information gleaned and turn it into visible workforce solutions.

Hybrid Work Challenges

Some workplaces have wholeheartedly embraced remote work and implemented some sort of hybrid office or remote work model. This flexible work environment is a boon for employees and employers, but it presents HR with challenges.

HR teams must rethink the definition of optimal hybrid policies. They must return to the drawing board to learn how to manage a distributed workforce equitably. Letting go of the reins now can mean deterioration of company culture. HR must work closely with business leaders to determine the right hybrid work strategy for each organization.

Undoubtedly, most companies will permanently operate with a more distributed workforce model. Managing and optimizing dispersed teams is uncharted territory. Creative approaches to reinforcing corporate culture across locations will be necessary. HR policies and programs designed solely around co-located teams can quickly become obsolete.

Public Relations Meets HR

The image of the company is a major draw that attracts quality candidates. How organizations treat their employees and their stance on current events all face intense external examination from prospective hires. Gone are the days when HR used to work from the shadows! They help shape employer brand reputation and appropriately convey organizational culture.

HR must be prepared to work with corporate communications and PR teams to stay relevant. Responding quickly and transparently is crucial when issues arise in today’s world of live social media accounts and virality.

Focus on Employee Wellbeing

Many employees are facing myriad problems like burnout, disengagement, work-life conflict, and general anxiety. The rise of AI has contributed to their uncertain work environment. Progressive organizations recognize health and well-being as priorities impacting productivity. Health and well-being also have a direct correlation with employee retention and healthcare costs.

Robust wellbeing strategies extend beyond lip service to true culture change. HR must champion holistic health initiatives that reduce sources of stress for their employees.

Building Internal Mobility and Career Pathways

HR trends will move towards facilitating lateral career opportunities to keep employees invested in the company long-term. Identify transition points where employees can redirect into new roles suited to shifting workforce needs. Don’t let the need for workforce agility catch you off guard.

A growing skill gap has left HR struggling to fill roles efficiently. Internal job mobility and defined career paths have become the need of the hour. They will surely take on an outsized role in future hiring practices.

Increasing Reliance on Technology

Technology, from AI and analytics to digital platforms and process automation, will play an ever-expanding role in HR. Data and intelligent tools will drive better decision-making processes. AI might never be able to replicate human insight. It can make the hiring process more straightforward. HR personnel must watch closely to prevent the algorithm from allowing capable candidates to slip through the gaps.

Work-Life Flexibility

The rising remote work trend has made fixed schedules outdated and demotivating for the modern candidate. They seek the autonomy that flexibility around where and when they work provides. It helps them balance their work with their personal life. Organizations that resist adapting workplace policies to their needs need help to attract quality talent.

No matter what shape HR trends take in the future, HR personnel need to be prepared for them. Keeping a hand on the field’s pulse to determine its direction will help prepare for any obstacles that may arise. Riveter Consulting Group can be your trusted HR partner. We use time-tested hiring practices with an innovative approach. Call us at 1-855-444-2515 or email us and enjoy preparing your workplace for the future.