Human resources teams are one of the core components of any organization, and the value they contribute is both intangible and obvious. A report predicts that the market for human resource management will expand at a CAGR of more than 12% by 2030. All of this is the outcome of the intense work done by businesses to develop the right talent pool, apply the best digitization to upscale operations, and carry out other initiatives.
The trends in the human resources division are changing for the overall betterment of the company and its workforce, from remote working to changing workforce demands.
The top HR trends that, in our opinion, will make or break any HRM strategy in the upcoming years are listed below.
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People-first approach
All industries will follow a trend that centers on people, connections, and taking a humanistic approach to managing an organization’s most valuable resource: its employees. Organizations are now paying closer attention to how they treat and manage their workforce following the pandemic and the great resignation wave. Burnout is a recognized medical condition that affects 77% of employees. This must change, and HR’s top priority this year may be to create teams that thrive by putting the needs of the people first and upholding excellent relationships within the team.
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Skill-based army
Over time, technology has rendered some jobs obsolete, whether it be lift operators or human computers. There is an urgent need to concentrate on periodically redeveloping the skills in this era of rocketing technology. The overall HR strategy, which incorporates training and skill-based learning to prepare the workforce for the future, would play a significant role. A Deloitte study found that organizations that choose skill-based practices are likely to outperform their competitors by more than 63%. Not only that, but for better culture and overall advantages, this trend is likely to collide with what we call relationship growth within the organization.
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Improving the employee experience
Employee experience has always been a hot topic of discussion. The Harvard Business Review describes how, if necessary, a formal onboarding program can assist in retaining more than 50% of employees. These first impressions of employees can even increase overall productivity by over 60%, making it imperative to make improvements to the employee experience and offer better surroundings right from the start. For the HR model to deliver a brand value that improves the employee experience, it must upgrade its current policies and procedures.
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Building a flexible work model
Flexible work arrangements will remain popular, and HR strategies must be perfectly in line with the changes that are occurring in the workplace. The 2021 Gartner research highlighted how 43% of workers were more productive because of flexible work hours. 30% of the respondents mentioned that their productivity at work has increased as a result of not commuting. These statistics demonstrate how flexible work models benefit and motivate employees, inspiring them to select and desire this type of model as a necessary condition for a better work-life balance in the modern workplace. A high-end goal would be to put some effort into creating a blended model that functions for everyone even when no one is inside the boundaries of the office building.
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Connected or empathetic leadership development
Today’s workforce does not appreciate authority and is seeking out leaders who are more collaborative and humanistic. According to a Gallup report, managers’ engagement accounts for 70% of the variation in overall team engagement. A connected leader can create a safe space where a bridge of trust and empathy can be established and sustained over time. It’s possible that in 2023, such leadership philosophies will be promoted and encouraged, allowing for more engaging and collaborative teams.
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Enabling an integrated workforce ecosystem
The gig economy and contract workers form the foundation of the economy, blurring international borders and traditional workforce models. Building an integrated workforce ecosystem with new levels added to the value chain needs to be HR’s top priority in the coming year. Considering how businesses are utilizing a variety of resources to achieve the end goal, it will be crucial to concentrate on this portfolio analysis of internal and external contributors to reach the overall objectives.
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Prioritizing total health at work
Due to demanding workplaces, there has been a sharp rise in mental health issues and a decline in physical health. 13% of the world’s population suffers from mental health and substance use disorders. Employers need to pay attention to their employees’ overall health, whether it be through coaching for mental well-being or rewarding good behavior. This is a crucial area to focus on in 2023 because it has the potential to be a really effective way to improve output and employee morale.
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Focusing on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Diverse locations are created, not labeled, with effort and a culture that speaks for itself. According to the recent State of DEI in Tech 2022 report, 30 percent of employees say their companies have no DEI programs or are making poor progress toward DEI goals. Businesses may be required to have robust DEIB strategies in 2023 to create more awareness about DEIB and for creating a safe environment for everyone. This trend places a strong emphasis on providing and actively promoting diversity and inclusivity as a part of an effective HR strategy in 2023.
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Fostering learning initiatives
As it affects any employee’s overall performance and level of interest, prioritizing learning, career pathing, and career development are going to be crucial trends moving forward. By encouraging various coaching initiatives to develop alongside your employees, a mutual give-and-take can be made possible. This can be strengthened by implementing learning management systems or other programs that provide convenient on-the-go learning opportunities.
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Working with digital platforms to hire
Given that employees now have more options than ever before, hiring will become more competitive in the years to come. In order to select the best talent from the applicant pool, HR strategies must become more aggressive and innovative. In 2023 and beyond, digital platforms will be your best bet for hiring both active and passive talent. A strategy that focuses on developing employee personas, enhancing branding on these digital platforms, and increasing both hot and cold outreach to potential employees may help the 2023 HR strategy be strengthened for the best results.
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Developing the right culture
The emergence and upkeep of corporate culture throughout the organization are mirrored in all trends. It serves as a powerful motivator for attracting and keeping the best talent while also fostering an environment that is beneficial for workers’ general well-being. The leadership and higher management of an organization are responsible for creating a proper corporate culture. HR strategies today also include coaching leaders to create a thriving culture, which can be a high-end focus moving forward.
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Attracting and retaining the right talent
Every HR strategy has long included this particular trend, and the same can be anticipated in 2023. Along with dealing with finding the right talent to fill open positions, businesses are also dealing with significant waves of resignations. The right corporate culture and branding are essential for attracting the right talent and keeping them around if the need arises.
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Building power skills at the leadership level
An organization that professes to be employee-centric must develop its leadership in the same manner. In 2023, HR strategy must include coaching and training for leaders to develop the power skills that are in line with the organization’s overarching objectives. This may involve developing connected leadership skills and emotional intelligence, among other necessary traits.
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Investing in people analytics
Why can’t human resources be driven by surveys and questionnaires if other industries can? In the upcoming year, we’ll see more decisions supported by data that examines employee performance, expectations, and behavior in the workplace. The woke leaders would invest in techniques like performance analysis, strategy evaluation, and more to strengthen the decisions that are being made for the workforce rather than against it.
Do you see any other trends making headlines in the coming year? Do add your comments.
