Human resources (HR) departments are given more responsibility each year, often with budgets that don’t match these changes. As a result, HR teams must constantly innovate and stay on top of trends to remain competitive in today’s labor market.
1. The hybrid workplace is here to stay
After the last 18 months, it seems that the hybrid work model is here to stay for many companies. A Gartner survey shows that 90% of HR leaders expect some employees to work remotely after the pandemic. In 2022 many organizations are shifting their focus to creating a long-term hybrid work environment that works for both the organization and employees.
2. Retain and attract labor during a shortage
The pandemic has shifted many people’s perspectives on work and what employee benefits matter most. Many employees leave their jobs for better compensation, benefits, or other workplace factors (see #1). 67% of employers today consider employee attraction and retention somewhat of a challenge, according to Zywave’s 2021 Human Resources Benchmarking Overview.
Employers are exploring the following strategies:
• 62%—Evaluating compensation
• 45%—Offering greater workplace flexibility
• 40%—Offering more upskilling and development opportunities
• 38%—Expanding benefits offerings
If organizations haven’t already started exploring similar strategies, they will likely have to play catch-up quickly in 2022.
3. Increased Investment in HR Technology
Technology can enhance efficiencies in HR management. HR technology can allow HR professionals to focus more on actual employees and less on administrative tasks. Here are some trending technology areas in HR:
• Cloud-based workplace management
• Employee benefits administration
• Employee self-service portals
• HR automation
• Learning and development
• Onboarding and off-boarding
• Virtual recruitment
4. Growing Demand for New Skill Sets
Employees’ skill sets are changing just as much as the workplace. According to Gartner data, the number of skills required for a single job increases by 10% per year, and new skills replace old ones. Necessary skills vary by company and industry, but supporting general proficiencies in communication, digital capabilities, and emotional intelligence is more important than ever. Moving through the new year, successful employers can shift their focus from roles to skills that make the organization competitive and innovative.
5. Continued Focus on Employee Health and Well-being
Independent of work location(s), employee health and safety will remain a top priority. Shifting to a more proactive approach to employee well-being in 2022 will be necessary.
From a holistic perspective, employee mental well-being will also remain a priority for organizations. Employers that embed well-being across all essential people practices will likely best defend and support health and wellness for the workforce.
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