We can all agree things are starting to change faster than ever. No industry is safe from this constant evolution and disruption. It seems like as soon as a new strategy becomes the norm, something else is already posing to take its place at the helm. Human Resources executives are facing more challenges than ever, and technology is becoming the top option for solving complex problems.
What changes can you expect to see this year and next year in the world of HR? From automation to remote working, the world is a rapidly changing place. This guide will share the top 10 disruptions you’ll start to see today so you can be ahead of the curve for tomorrow.
1. Automation
It’s no surprise that automation is the first on this list. Today, it seems to be the first on just about every list of trends. We’re seeing automation in HR thanks to things like cloud-based management, online payroll, and digital record keeping. Beyond simple forms of automation, we’re seeing a push toward productivity and efficiency within these systems.
2. Analytics & Feedback Tools
More companies are prioritizing employee feedback than ever before. Not only do 82% of employees appreciate some form of feedback, but the pendulum swings in both directions. Companies can boost employee engagement with new analytical tools and feedback initiatives that draw team members into projects. Additionally, giving a safe, digital space for the employees to provide feedback of their own will strengthen leadership at all levels.
3. Corporate Learning
Learning doesn’t stop after training is complete. New experience platforms with advanced AI-powered LMS systems are introducing a new way to experience learning on a large scale. We’ve even discovered virtual reality-based learning and other smart technology which will help increase performance, introduce new systems, and build new skills for the entire company.
4. Online Recruiting
While higher-level HR execs don’t play a crucial role in most of the day-to-day hiring of larger companies, it’s still interesting to note the changing landscape of today’s hiring process. Skilled job recruiting is now automated with tools like Chatbots and artificial intelligence. This input of new data will help leaders sift through larger volumes of data to find the best quality candidate for new positions.
5. Advanced Job Descriptions
With the war for talent being what it is today, it’s vital that companies learn new ways to find the best job candidates. While online recruiting is one piece of the puzzle, it’s not the entire picture. From hands-on job applications that simulate real-life working situations to blind recruiting that removes potential biases, we are entering a new age of the applicant.
6. HR & Health
It’s no wonder that with the health-crazed society of today so many HR tools are built will wellness in mind. While many tools are developed to help us through the workday tasks, we’re also seeing a push for mindfulness. The younger generation of workers are most likely to utilize these tools to the fullest extent, and that’s why new anti-burnout initiatives are so effective today.
7. Big Data
Like all industries, HR is discovering the power of big data. More than just a buzzword, big data offers the chance to search, extract, and analyze data from a variety of sources. This provides predictive abilities about employee retention, recruitment, and even employee productivity. Many brands are even using big data to tell a company story, and this adds another essential layer of transparency.
8. Remote Work
In the era of the gig economy, it’s no surprise more companies are relaxing their hold on the traditional 9-5 office environment. Research suggests that employees who are offered remote working opportunities or flexible schedules feel more productive and satisfied. New online platforms make it easy for teams to track hours no matter where they’ve set up their office for the day. Find more details here about the rise of employee-powered scheduling.
9. Futurecasting
Predicting the future has never been more possible than it is today. New software can model changes in an organization over time to anticipate new trends, changes, and needs. This means company leaders can make smart choices that suit both their employees and the entire company.
10. Artificial Intelligence
Finally, the biggest and most intimidating disruption is AI technology or artificial intelligence. While you can see AI in many of the trends above, it’s a force of its own to be reckoned with. In the near future, AI tools will be used to assist in every aspect of employee services. In combination with automation, we can expect AI to help with career coaching, managing, and even recruiting.
An Eye on the Future
The future of HR is bright, but it’s also changing. Thanks to the disruptions above, we can expect the landscape to continue to shift over the next few years and beyond. Knowing how these tools will play into our daily lives as leaders will only help us make forward-thinking decisions for our own companies.
This market is in a period of hypergrowth. Within HR teams across the nation, we are seeing new forms of innovation and steps into the future. Ultimately, we are all working towards a future that is more communicative and collaborative than ever before.
