As 2019 draws to a close, we’ve decided to compile a list of trends that we believe will shape the future of Human Resources. Learn more about these HR transformations that will affect all companies in 2020, and start the year on the right foot!
HR trends #1: Diversity takes centre stage
In recent years, the majority of companies have implemented measures to bring diversity to their workforce. But the disparities that exist in terms of gender, culture and ethnicity are still very real. While on the one hand, many studies like the one conducted by McKinsey show that diversity comes hand in hand with profitability, it is above all the pressure of public opinion that will force corporations to take more significant steps in 2020. Sixty-seven percent of potential talent see diversity as an important factor in their decision to work for a company or not. This is a cause that millennials are sensitive to, and they will represent the most important part of the workforce in the coming years.
From attracting talent to the inclusion and development agenda, companies will need to consider incorporating the diversity dimension into their workforce management initiatives.
HR trends #2: In the war for talent, the employer brand is gaining momentum
While the expression “employer brand” was first coined and defined in the 1960s, the concept only began to gain the attention of HR professionals much more recently. The reason for this new popularity is that the current job market is making it increasingly difficult to attract and retain talent. Employers have indeed understood that managing their reputation in order to gain influence over candidate perception of their company allows them to overcome this recruitment problem.
In 2020, companies will invest even more in initiatives that create value for their current employees so that they can present themselves as a first-rate employer to talented candidates. Marketing and human resources will work together to promote the image of the company both online and throughout their professional networks.
HR trends #3: Remote work is becoming common practice, forcing managers to review their approaches
Flexibility is one of the criteria that is most appreciated by employees. In the current work climate, the number of companies offering the possibility of working remotely has grown steadily in recent years. In 2019, 66% of companies offered this possibility to their employees. For 16% of companies, all work was done remotely. Research shows that people working from home are just as productive and engaged as office employees. Ninety percent of them feel they are more productive when working from home and 60% say they would like their job less if they had to go to the office every day.
With that said, while remote work offers many benefits, managers will need to review the way they motivate, coach and lead their teams.
HR trends #4: Artificial intelligence and automation technologies are taking hold in the HR world
In 2019, artificial intelligence, automation and data analytics began to enter the world of HR. These technologies will most likely take on an even bigger role in HR departments in 2020. Artificial intelligence promises to make the job of recruiters easier by identifying the most interesting profiles for a specific position. Once hired, the data collected on employees will be used to measure their engagement at work and their productivity, and even assess their satisfaction. HR professionals will therefore be better equipped to manage their staff.
Some of their tasks can also be automated, in particular those related to making schedules and managing salaries. They will then have more time to devote to actions that generate more value for employees and the company as a whole.
HR trends #5: Jobs are changing; continued training will become crucial
Technologies will not only affect the work of HR professionals; they will also change the tasks of employees. Companies have to start thinking about optimal ways to prepare employees to face these changes. One-off training will no longer be enough to meet the new needs that digital transformations are creating. Employee skills will need to evolve continuously, so managers will have to ensure that they develop a culture that promotes learning, self-development and independence. “Adaptation” and “reputation” will be the two keywords for 2020. Companies will have to reinvent themselves; to identify and promote their new identity. The pace of change is accelerating. HR managers will be tasked with anticipating changes in order to best prepare their colleagues while offering them working conditions which, in addition to increasing their engagement, will allow them to attract the talent of tomorrow.
Sources:
https://hrexecutive.com/steve-boese-what-trends-will-dominate-hr-tech-in-2020/
https://blog.atrivity.com/human-resource-trends-2020
https://www.talentlms.com/blog/remote-work-statistics-survey/
https://blog.smarp.com/diversity-and-inclusion-best-practices-focus-on-in-2020