2020 is officially right around the corner. With it, we can expect big changes in the world of Human Resources (HR). From filling the demand for new talent to fighting for diversity, there are a lot of changes on the horizon. The good news is that many of these trends are positive things that will drive the industry further into the future of innovation and progress.
How will the trends of next year differ from what we’re all experiencing right now? Better yet, how can we prepare for what’s to come in order to make smarter choices? Let’s start by exploring the latest 5 trends that will shape HR in 2020. From there, the opportunities are limitless.
1. Fighting the Talent Crisis
While applications and resumes might be hitting hiring manager inboxes at faster rates than in the past, there’s still a hard time finding talent. This talent crisis is only expected to grow in 2020 and beyond. What’s leading to these gaps in suited roles? Namely, competition. There are simply too many companies competing for the same top candidates.
The good news is that it’s getting easier to fight this talent crisis. Hiring technology, particularly Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), help hiring managers cut down on the noise. Because these professionals only have to focus on the top fit candidates, there’s more time to narrow down their search. For more information about different software solutions, visit Applicant Tracking Systems software vendor list – free ATS demos.
2. Introduction of Big Data
Big data is a buzzword that’s been thrown around a lot recently. All it really refers to is the rise in access to data and other analytics that help make better business decisions. While in the past this data might have been limited only to top-level executives, it’s now becoming much more accessible to all.
One of the roles benefiting from big data is HR. In 2020, there will be a push for much more control in HR when it comes to insights and decision making. Being able to monitor the employee life cycle or hiring mistakes are examples of two key insights that big data would with.
3. Cultivating Workplace Culture
Workplace culture is one of the trends on this list that has been around for a while. It’s expected to become even more relevant in 2020 amidst the talent crisis we mentioned earlier. Today, it’s all about valuing employees in new ways. They can’t just be another cog in the wheel.
HR will take a lead role in developing this workplace culture. Reputation will also play a role in this. Believe it or not, 86% of potential employees admit to not applying to or continuing to work at a company that has a bad reputation with former employees.
4. Creating a Virtual Work Environment
Another big trend hitting HR is the changing work environment itself. In 2020, it will no longer be the norm to have all employees under one roof. With remote workers, outsourcing, and freelancers being included under the employee umbrella, there will need to be a shift in the way we think about connectivity.
HR is going to be held accountable for this new employee experience. From making sure there’s strong lines of communication to ensure productivity is still being held at the forefront of the workday. With almost 4 million Americans working from home in some capacity, this will become a new challenge moving forward.
5. Increased Training
Finally, in 2020 HR will need to focus on creating the next generation of leaders and role models. In the past there hasn’t been much emphasis on job training and development, but it simply isn’t possible to ignore this anymore.
As gaps in skills continue to increase, we’ll need people to become excited about new areas. Jobs can’t simply be left vacant. There needs to be a major skill shift, and HR leaders will have to take the front lines in this fight for new skills. Employee development matters more than ever.
Bringing a New Year of Change
As we get closer and closer to 2020, how are you adjusting to these ideas above? You’ve likely noticed some signs of big change already on the horizon. The good news is that reacting to these changes now will give you a competitive edge.
Things aren’t set in stone. Even with HR, things are bound to evolve. It’s time to stop relying on the tried and true. Let’s all agree that it’s about time for a change in this industry.
