How are things at the office? Have you noticed anything different? Perhaps your boss granted your request for time off this summer with less hassle. Or maybe recent tech changes have made processes easier to manage. Instances like these may not be a coincidence. That’s because certain trends in the world of HR are making their way through organizations across the country, and chances are yours is included.

Take a look at 4 top HR trends to see where your company falls.

  1. Developing employee experience: In today’s job market, candidates are seeking more than a sound organization. They want an engaging, enjoyable work experience that includes an individualized path for career growth. This is where “people analytics” comes in to play. In fact, in 2017, 69% of companies asked were actively working to improve how they use people data. That’s up from 10-15% previously. In short, tapping into employees’ needs has seen explosive growth, and shows no signs of slowing down. HR software can help streamline this data as well as provide employees with connectivity to enhance their overall experience.
  2. Going digital: As we talked about last month, AI is the future of the HR landscape, with the capability to provide recruitment, onboarding, and task management support, just to name a few. Integrating software and apps for employee use can lead to more productivity, lower costs, and help attract top candidates to open positions. The catch with this trend is it’s constantly evolving as new technology emerges, so devote resources to researching the latest options and stay ahead of the game.
  3. Promoting Inclusion: The “Me Too” movement that began in 2017 thrust sexual harassment in the workplace into the light, making 2018 the year to learn and grow from the past. Organizations across a variety of industries are taking steps to not only prevent incidents of harassment but to create an inclusive culture. The fact is, to ensure employee satisfaction, your employees must feel both safe and supported by company leadership. To start, focus on maintaining an open dialogue on related topics and adopt new policies when appropriate.
  4. Embracing the Gig Economy: Temporary and freelance contracts rather than traditional long-term positions will continue to gain a foothold on the labor market. On-demand hiring for skill is cost efficient but can also create more competition for top talent. This means developing strategies that promptly recognize needs and first identify current staff for a skill based fit. Then, you can quickly fill needed roles on a contract basis. In addition, the number of people who telecommute or work flex schedules continues to climb. Exploring these options for your organization will expand the talent pool and may allow you to keep valued employees through life changes.

2018 is certainly proving to be a big year for HR development. While summer is still in full swing, take a moment to see if your company is keeping up with the trends. Here at Mulling Corporation, we want to help your organization rise above the rest. To learn more, visit mulling.com.

Mulling Corporation