Human resources is an ever-changing field, as new trends emerge each year that aim to enhance the support that employees receive at work. With many trends following technological developments, you can make your HR operations flow more smoothly and provide more comprehensive assistance by learning to use new platforms and tech at work. Similarly, it's becoming increasingly important to prioritize each employee's humanity, catering to their personal needs and identities. Here are a few of the top HR trends for 2024, including ideas for implementing them in your workplace to foster success.
Use of artificial intelligence and new technologies
One of the most popular 2024 HR trends is the emergence of artificial intelligence and other new technologies and their integration into the workplace. While you'll likely know how people utilize AI for generation and creation purposes, you may not be as familiar with its use in HR.
For example, some HR departments use AI-powered programs to review resumes and search for keywords to identify top talent and streamline talent acquisition. Aside from saving time, this eliminates unconscious bias that sometimes occurs during recruitment since the recruiter will only see or speak to candidates once their resumes make it through the AI screening. HR departments are also implementing AI to automate management and administrative tasks, allowing them to devote more time to employee coaching and in-person support.
In addition to a push toward AI, many technologies are now designed specifically for HR purposes. By using online programs and digital platforms built for HR, you'll be able to organize and scale your HR operations more easily, making your whole department more productive. For instance, communication platforms that allow employees to reach out to HR over direct messaging can foster more frequent communication and collaborative problem-solving. Especially for companies that engage in remote work, it's important to maintain multiple avenues of communication with HR so employees can always get support.
Changes in compensation
Another trend in HR is the improvement of compensation operations that companies use to reward their employees. While this sometimes means increasing employees' pay, there's much more to consider regarding compensation. For instance, 28% of responders in a recent survey said they'd like to change issues surrounding their pay at their workplace, including being paid more promptly. Similarly, many employees felt underappreciated due to a lack of reward for their successes.
To stay in line with compensation trends at your workplace, consider ways to ensure timely payment, whether automating the process with a digital platform or creating a long-term payment schedule. You can also identify methods for rewarding your employees when they perform above and beyond your expectations, such as cash prizes, gift cards for food or gas, and even raises if successes are ongoing.
Data privacy of employees
Data privacy is a massive trend in HR and business in this age of technology. It's especially important for companies that work remotely or offer hybrid work schedules, as many employees complete their job duties online or use digital platforms and programs. When you use technology, especially over the internet, it's crucial to consider how you'll protect data privacy. This is because using digital platforms connected to the internet can pose cybersecurity threats, such as data leaks and hacking.
To mitigate this, HR departments can prioritize data privacy for all staff members. This typically includes using encryption services for internal communications that protect messaging by making any messages unavailable to users who aren't involved in the conversation. HR departments also implement data-protection protocols, such as installing software to enhance cybersecurity. Think about whether you've had issues with data privacy in your company and how you can better protect your employees' data, as this will show your dedication to their safety and security. You can even conduct an ethical hacking exercise to identify weak spots in your cybersecurity system.
"By using online programs and digital platforms built for HR, you'll be able to organize and scale your HR operations more easily, making your whole department more productive."
Importance of relationships between employers and employees
One of the most valuable trends taking shape going into 2024 is the importance of employer and employee relationships. Since many aspects of different fields are constantly changing, this can result in employees feeling inadequately supported and frustrated when they don't understand the reasons for each change. Therefore, it's important to establish ongoing communication between employees and employers to address any issues immediately so employees feel heard and respected in the workplace.
To improve employer and employee relationships, identify communication gaps in your workplace. You can then close them by creating spaces for employees to speak with superiors and voice their concerns so the team can collaboratively find a solution.
Push for skills development
Skills learning has become a trend in HR as companies recognize the importance of professional development. With the increase of digital platforms and programs, employees have a better chance of succeeding in their careers when they know how to use new technologies. This is why many HR departments prioritize employee skills education, so they can keep developing along with the times.
When an organization provides opportunities for professional development, it results in a more well-rounded and motivated workforce. This is because people who continuously get the chance to learn new skills and improve themselves are more likely to keep developing, which enhances the team's abilities and overall performance. You can find ways to offer more educational programs at your workplace, such as inviting guest speakers to present on valuable topics or hosting training sessions where employees can familiarize themselves with new software.
These are a few of the most popular emerging general HR trends for 2024. By prioritizing one or more of these trends in your workplace, you'll show your commitment to your staff members and willingness to try new methods for success. You can create policies to protect data privacy, determine how to improve your company's compensation protocol, and promote DEI initiatives to display your passion for effective support in the workplace. Whether you're an HR manager or an assistant, you can make a difference by trying new trends in the field.
More tips for engaging in 2024 HR trends
To find out more trends in HR, read about the top things trending in HR now.
Get ideas for improving your HR department and discover how to make your HR dream a reality.
If you're looking for ways to prioritize the well-being of your staff, read about the causes and signs of HR burnout.
If you work in HR and are curious about new ways to support your employees, find out how to support employee well-being in the workplace.
