(Photo courtesy of PrideStaff)
The American workforce is rapidly changing. Every day, technology evolves, the culture evolves and global developments impact the way we approach work. Employers that want to attract and retain top talent should understand the workforce trends that are shaping the current landscape. Here are five important trends to consider implementing before the end of the year, so you’re poised to start off Q1 with a bang.
One: More Flexibility
Technology, culture and increasing family demands are shifting the way people think about work. More people are opting for less-traditional roles that allow them to achieve better work-life balance, seeking out contract work, temporary work, and remote work opportunities.
Two: Transparency in the Hiring Process
Despite easier access to job applications through social media and mobile devices, job seekers’ biggest complaint remains a lack of transparency in the hiring process. A recent survey found just 5 percent of applicants rate their experiences as excellent. Employers often forget that the hiring process is also a time for candidates to assess the company, and a poor experience leads to lost talent. Now is the time to revamp your hiring process to ensure that it is streamlined, transparent, and communicative.
Three: Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is impacting the workforce in new ways every day, taking over repetitive and mundane tasks once performed by humans. From chatbots that streamline the customer service processes to automated accounting processes and more, now is the time to look for new ways to allow AI to take over low-level tasks to free up your workforce to focus on more strategic initiatives.
Four: Upskilling
We have a well-documented and growing skill gap in the United States. Employers struggle to find candidates whose skills match up to needs. Add to that the challenge of extremely low unemployment, and companies in all industries find themselves fighting to remain competitive. Retraining and upskilling are the most effective ways to address existing skill gaps, ensuring employees can perform multiple roles and adapt to change.
Five: Focus on Culture
Today’s workers want more than a paycheck — they want to like where they work and they want to like who they work for. Prioritizing culture means listening to employees and delivering on what keeps them engaged and motivated. While many think culture is about foosball tables and beer kegs, but it’s really the “personality” of the organization and the set of norms that dictates how work gets done. Culture also includes growth opportunities, robust benefits packages and wellness packages that show the company values its employees.
