There have been some significant changes in HR practices in the last decade. The rise of artificial intelligence, globalization, and digital transformation are some of the factors that have impacted the HR industry. There has also been a push towards having a more inclusive workplace.
Furthermore, the global pandemic influenced the functioning of the business to a great extent. Many organizations are adopting different practices to thrive in the new normal. Twitter, Microsoft, and SlaCk are some of the companies that made the big move and allowed their employees to work from home permanently.
Various other practices will drive transformation and are shaping the future of the work. Letâs take a glimpse at the emerging trends and understand the relation of these trends in the human resources industry.
What are Trends in the Workplace?
Ten years ago, the employees werenât concerned about work culture, extra work hours, extra perks, and other facilities provided by the staff. However, the times are changing, and the changes brought out by technological innovations are likely to have a long-lasting impact on the industry.
Workplace trends are continuously evolving and business leaders should adopt the key trends to meet the rising expectations of the workforce.
1. Safer Work Environment
The safety of the employees and workforce has always been a concern for many. It is one of the aspects that even impacts employee retention or employee turnover rate. It plays a critical role in attracting the candidates and the business.
Company leaders and professionals are taking note of this and have started implementing different policies to cater to this requirement.
2. Mental Health and Work-Life Balance
Addressing mental health issues is becoming a big concern for employees and leaders these days. Employees spend most of their time in the office. The extra work hours not only lead to physical health complications.
It can also take a toll on an employeeâs mental health. Keeping this in mind, many companies have started to focus on mental health. They are taking new initiatives to ensure that the employees are focused and healthy mentally.
3. Reskilling Within The Organization
Talent shortage and finding the right candidate have always been a challenge for organizations. Many organizations have started focusing on skill development and training programs of the existing employees.
Reskilling the employees also helps in reducing the employee turnover rate and ensures they stay for longer.
4. Positive Work-Culture
There has been a growing demand for a positive work environment these days. It is critical to understand that employees quit an organization for multiple reasons. Many employees often quit because of poor managers and bad work culture.
With the advent of social media, the employees have even started communicating about the poor work culture. These are some of the instances which can even impact the reputation of an organization. Human resource managers and professionals have started implementing various practices to improve the work culture and ensure the employees are satisfied.
Embracing these trends in the workplace and key insights can help an organization amid ongoing disruption. These are some of the key reasons that businesses are changing their practices and embracing different ways to nurture their workforce.
5 Main Trends That Will Shape The Future Of The Work
The last decade brought some significant changes, and digital transformation is further accelerating the change. There has been a continuous focus on making the shift and taking initiatives for the improvement of employees.
From improving the work culture and policies to changing the way how businesses engage, the human resource department is undergoing varied changes. Let us take you through the give key trends that will help shape the future of the workforce and impact the HR industry.
1. Behavioral Changes Influenced by Digital
A decade ago, social media and digital platforms were fairly new. However, it has become critical for organizations to adapt to technology these days. The official communication or statements are often released via social communication tools and digital press releases.
Businesses are taking this as an opportunity to interact with their audiences and build their reputation. Earlier, social media was perceived as distracting. However, organizations these days have dedicated social media managers to handle the entire communication.
Human resource managers must keep a track of communication on the web and social media. Any negative feedback from the essential employees can impact the reputation of the company.
2. Technology
From automating repetitive tasks to managing the employees seamlessly, technology has proved to be extremely beneficial in the business environment. The rise of AI and ML has further streamlined the functioning of the HR industry.
Many organizations have incorporated human resource software to streamline operations. The HRM can help them with recruiting, onboarding, managing payrolls, and maintaining the database of the employee.
It reduces the amount of manual intervention that may be involved in completing these repetitive tasks. It enhances the productivity of the HR employees and allows them to focus on more strategic aspects.
The HRM tools are flexible workplace tools that can even help in tracking the performance and managing communication with the employees. It can be used to streamline the HR functions in the digital workplace and make it easier for the employees.
The software is making the life of HR professionals much easier. They are reducing the workload and allowing them to participate actively in other business decisions.
3. The Millennial Workforce
The millennial generation is entering the employment phase, and millennials are becoming the new part of the workforce. Millennials strive to work hard, but also demand a proper work-life balance. In addition, the millennial workforce is extremely tech-savvy, and their way of handling things can be different.
The generation is the early adopter and leading the technological communication for the companies. They look forward to enjoying work as well as freedom. Many millennials even prefer remote working and work from anywhere environment.
There are so many areas they are impacting and setting examples for the future workforce. It is time for human labor to adapt to new approaches, new attitudes. The human resource professionals should strongly embrace the way the generation is working and adapt to these latest practices.
4. The Mobility of All
The world has moved online, especially after the pandemic and the global lockdown. We cannot say that the brick and mortar will come completely to an end. However, there has been progress and shift towards a hybrid or virtual work environment.
As mentioned above, many leading organizations have allowed their employees to work permanently from home. While other organizations have adopted the hybrid working environment.
A survey by Gartner reveals that 41% of employees will like to work remotely even after the pandemic comes to an end. Moreover, employees, these days prefer more freedom and like to work at their pace. The work from anywhere with any device approach even helps them for their personal growth and boost their productivity.
If an employee has to attend to a sick family member, they can do that. If they want to pick their children from school, they can manage that. We can say that it is no longer a 9 to 5 working environment. Companies are embracing the hybrid and remote working environment as per demand for workers.
5. Globalization
When a company is expanding its operations, it also needs to focus on the economic impact and other management processes. The hiring process and dynamics change significantly when a company is hiring overseas.
The human resource department and management have to consider these aspects when expanding. The degree and qualification requirements for the same role may vary from country to country. It would also depend on the location and the economic sectors.
It is even critical for human resource professionals to train an employee significantly before sending them overseas. The professionals should also know the labor policies.
Oftentimes, there is a communication gap that arises because of different time zones. The HR professionals should take note of this and devise the right strategies. The HRs should also take steps to support the environment to create a social impact on society.
These are some of the key insights and top trends that we believe will change the functioning of the workforce in 2022.
The Importance of Trends In A Work Environment
Every year, there are evolving trends in the HR industry. Is it necessary for organizations to look after these practices and adapt to the latest trends? Let us understand the importance of these trends in the workplace.
1. Improves Forecasting
With technological innovations and adaptation, the trends and patterns are changing now and then. It is critical to stay updated with the trends and be prepared for the future. The role of a human resource professional is no longer limited to recruiting and hiring candidates.
They are a part of strategic communications and aim at enhancing the communication of the employees. Following the trends can help them analyze and forecast future patterns. This will help an organization prepare for uncertain situations in the future.
2. Builds Credibility
It is necessary to look at the wide range of trends and incorporate the right ones for economic growth. Employee satisfaction plays a critical role and if your employees are not satisfied, they are likely to quit.
The situation can increase the employee turnover rate. It can even harm your reputation in the industry and may restrict you from getting the right candidates. Following the trends will ensure that you are catering to the needs of the employees. These initiatives will ensure that the employees are happy and motivated.
Advocating the trends can even help in building the credibility of the organization. Therefore, HR professionals should look at the trends and follow them for the betterment of their organization.
3. New Opportunities
New trends bring around new opportunities for an organization. It brings along ample new opportunities to learn and explore the world. With millennials entering the workforce, there has been a change in the functioning of the workplaces.
Companies have changed their communication practices and are aiming at building relationships with audiences. It is becoming critical to focus on the new trends and leverage the opportunity to stay fresh. New opportunities, new skills, and new people can help you further build your organization.
4. Space for Growth
One can leverage these trends and take their company to achieve heights. If a company is focusing on new trends, it will likely attract the right talent. We all know maintaining the right talent is still one of the biggest challenges for the human resource department.
However, if youâre following the latest practices, the candidates will likely love to work with you. Additionally, it will create growth opportunities and will help increase conversions.
For instance, if you are using the latest technologies or practices, it will attract the right users. This will help in building space for growth and will help you stay updated with the rising expectations of the audiences.
5. Improves Branding
A business can benefit significantly from the latest trends and practices. It can help build their branding and build significant relationships with the audiences. The right practices will also improve the productivity growth of the employees.
In the long term, the employees will become an advocate of your brand. You may also benefit from employee branding in such a way.
Therefore, businesses and human resource professionals need to focus on the trends and practices. It can even lead to the economic development of the organization.
Benefits of Trends in the Workplace
HR practices, when allied with other strategic functions can help an organization. Keeping up with the latest HR practices can help in continuous learning and boosts HR practices. The impact of automation is visible in the HR industry.
Organizations have adapted to the digital workplace and flexible workplace tools. The HR trends and practices can help an organization to a great extent. Here are some of the benefits of incorporating these trends for human workers.
â Enhances Employee Engagement and Employee Experience
The automation of tasks and advanced HR practices can help in enhancing the experience of the employees. Focusing on employee well-being and upskilling will even help them make feel valued.
Therefore, it is necessary to focus on these practices for the productivity growth of the employees and the economic growth of the organization.
â Stay Competitive
The organizations and the management must focus on the work culture and other practices. As a growing organization, you will always want to hire the right talent. However, if the employees are not satisfied, they are likely to join your competitors.
They may look for personal growth opportunities. You can stay competitive and beat your competitors by offering your employees the best. Adapt to these advanced electronics strategies and stay relevant in the competitive marketplace.
â Employee Retention
Facilitating the latest HR trends and practices will ensure that the employees stay in the organization. It will even help create an economic impact for your organization and benefit you significantly. Therefore, you should keep a track of the latest HR practices and trends.
You should even ensure that the trends align with your organizational goals. You should take feedback from your employees and learn from their answers. Feedback will help you learn the gaps and you can create a strategy accordingly.
Summing Up
The HR department facilitates internal communication and is responsible for all the issues related to employees. The professionals must focus on the latest trends to improve the functioning of the organization.
You can even take a glimpse of some of the modern workplace trends by clicking here and being at the forefront. The HR industry has been transforming at an exponential rate. Automation and digital transformation are further changing industry practices.
It will be exciting to see what the future holds and what are the latest HR practices. Concentrating on employee initiatives can help you build a better workforce.
