The world of work is changing incredibly quickly – this much is obvious to everyone. While it’s impacting all employees, the ones who have to deal with employee-related issues – HR professionals – are perhaps those who are impacted the most.
Emerging trends in HR reflect the changing landscape of work, as well as advances in technology and evolving professional values. Let’s explore some of the key emerging trends in human resources that human resources qualifications are evolving to help HR professionals deal with.
Remote work
Remote work has become more prevalent in recent years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend even further. Many companies have shifted to remote or at least hybrid working arrangements, and this has had a significant impact on HR.
HR professionals have had to adapt to remote recruitment and onboarding processes, as well as new policies and procedures around remote work, such as cybersecurity and ensuring work-life balance.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
DEI has become a critical focus area for HR, as companies strive to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace. This includes not only hiring practices, but also policies around pay equity, unconscious bias, and workplace culture. HR professionals are increasingly partnering with DEI experts to create and implement strategies that promote diversity and inclusivity, often with highly promising results.
Data analytics
We have access to more data than ever before, and this is true for the HR world as well. HR professionals are increasingly using data analytics to inform their decisions and strategies – this includes everything from analysing employee engagement surveys, to predicting turnover rates.
With the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning, HR professionals are able to use data to make more informed decisions about pretty much everything, from hiring criteria to employee development.
Employee experience
Focusing on employee experience has become a top priority for HR professionals, as companies recognise that a positive employee experience leads to higher retention rates and better productivity.
HR professionals are focusing on creating a more engaging and satisfying workplace, with an emphasis on employee well-being, flexibility, and career growth opportunities.
Skills development
With the rapid pace of technological change and the shift to a more knowledge-based economy, HR professionals are focusing on skills development.
This includes everything from offering training and development opportunities to creating career progression plans. Companies are also starting to partner with educational institutions, to provide employees with access to cutting-edge training and development programs.
Gig economy
The gig economy, characterised by short-term contracts and freelance work, has become more and more prevalent in recent years. HR professionals are grappling with how to integrate gig workers into their organisations, including how to provide benefits and opportunities for professional development.
Additionally, HR professionals are partnering with gig economy platforms to source and recruit gig workers for specific projects or tasks, often increasing productivity and efficiency.
The emerging trends in human resources reflect a number of different challenges and opportunities in the workplace. HR professionals are adapting to new technologies, social values, and workplace norms to create more engaging and inclusive workplaces. With an emphasis on employee experience, skills development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, HR professionals are poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of work.
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