Human resources is a constantly evolving industry that requires adaptive, responsive professionals to help their organizations move with such changes. Each year, HR trends change as most social circumstances influence the ways for which HR is impacted and guidance for organizations change over time. Here are some HR trends to follow in 2021, as well as ways to integrate HR technology trends to support these HR trends.
HR Trends to Watch in 2021
- Employee Wellness. COVID-19 certainly changed the way employers and employees define as a “safe and healthy” workplace. 2021 will bring an emphasis on overall employee well-being, meaning employers are looking to provide additional healthcare and wellness programs that cover mental health, dependent care, and flexible spending options.
- Diversity and Inclusion. Many social and civil injustices have impacted workplaces all over the country. As a result, many businesses are finding that employees are expecting them to take a stance and commit to improving diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Some examples of these efforts include revamping leadership roles, developing recruiting processes that break down barriers to diversity, and implementing adequate training to encourage strong workplace culture and inclusivity.
- Extended Remote Work. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, many businesses have opted to extend remote work arrangements. Extending remote work to current employees also expands – and strengthens – the recruiting pool.
- Employee Monitoring. To streamline remote work, employers oftentimes implement some sort of employee monitoring software to ensure remote work policies are followed. While not all employers require this software, it has certainly become more popular as remote work options have increased. Employers should review employee privacy regulations as well to ensure all parties are within their rights.
- Virtual Onboarding. As remote work has expanded for most companies, onboarding new hires has been a new business efficiency disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of its critical role in the new hire process, employers have shifted to a remote or virtual onboarding process. This process includes meetings with new hires via videoconferencing, gamification, online training, and other innovative tools and resources to help new hires assimilate to the organization.
Integrating HR Trends with HR Technology
- Cloud-Based Solutions. Remote work has become part of the “new normal.” Collaboration and workflow management tools like Slack and Trello have helped streamline the transition to remote work environments, cloud-based solutions are necessary to help businesses quickly adapt to people management processes. Cloud-based solutions offer real-time access to employee data, as well as a simplified way for employers to track employee productivity and engagement.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI is considered a more modern HR technology, but is becoming more streamlined as it offers HR practices enhanced capabilities. AI algorithms are used to help analyze and automate processes. This data provides integral business insights for machine learning and natural language, thus providing a user-friendly approach to analyzing employee data and actionable insights. AI can also assist in employee engagement and performance via customizable performance management and learning journeys, AI algorithms can help employees reach their full potential, thus increasing their engagement. Lastly, AI in recruiting efforts can help review candidate profiles to create better matchmaking abilities.
- Online Learning and Development. Industry leaders expect AI to automate 50% of jobs within the next few years, which means that how we work will inevitably change. HR software that can tailor learning and development for employees to upskill, build transferrable skills, and compete with automated processes is another way to help prepare both employees and organizations adapt to the coming changes.
Whether you’re looking for a new time and attendance software or streamlining your employee onboarding and e-verify processes, SBS Payroll has human resource specialists that can assist you. Our team of HR experts have the tools, resources, expertise, and support you need to optimize your new employee onboarding and all your HR service needs.
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HR Insights
