With the beginning of a new year comes a lot of talk about resolutions and fresh starts. A new year also brings about a lot of talk about trends. So look no further – we’ve scoured the worldwide web to see what industry experts are predicting to be the biggest 2018 HR trends. Here are a few of our favorites.
Staffing will reach a new level of complexity
Digitalist Magazine, published by SAP, reports: “For over 100 years, most people interpreted “staffing” to mean hiring employees to work onsite in full-time or part-time roles. This concept is changing due to shifting skill shortages, global labor pools, and a massive rise in virtual work and contract employment. Staffing no longer means hiring employees. It means finding the right mix of skills and matching them to business demands by tapping into an increasingly global, virtual, and contingent labor force. Companies will be forced to redefine workforce planning, recruiting, staffing, and management to work in this much more complex labor market.”
“Staffing no longer means hiring employees. It means finding the right mix of skills and matching them to business demands by tapping into an increasingly global, virtual, and contingent labor force.” -SAP
Increased focus on diversity hiring
From Ceridien, a global HCM tech company: “Lack of diversity in industries including tech, entertainment and government has been a hot topic over the last few years. More leading organizations are making diversity hiring a priority, and this will become increasingly important in 2018 and beyond.
Creating a culture that is truly inclusive will require organizations to review their hiring practices and diversity policies. Many organizations are investing in technology to aid their diversity hiring processes, for example, using AI to screen resumes and reduce unconscious bias. More organizations will also rework job descriptions (whether manually or using software to identify exclusionary language) and consider standardizing aspects of the interview process (for example, implementing a structured interview process or structured process for candidate feedback). They will also proactively seek out a more diverse talent pool, via building relationships with various community groups and outreach beyond the standard channels.”
STEM skill needs will continue to increase
From HR Daily Advisor: “ Although much of the industry discourse around the STEM skills gap focuses on jobs that require advanced degrees, midlevel STEM jobs like computer support specialists, web developers, and engineering technicians are actually in the highest demand. These vacancies present a real opportunity for employers to upskill workers with high potential and the ambition to grow.”
A massive shift to an employee-centric approach
From talent management software company, Empxtrack: “Pleasing employees has become more important than ever. Learning, career development and real-time feedback are some popular demands that employees stand by. Organizations are ready to go beyond automation to make a culture of continuous learning and development and offer solutions that help employees build their career path and collaborate seamlessly with colleagues.”
These 2018 HR trends are just the tip of the iceberg. As industry technologies evolve and new workforce models become the new norm, we can expect to see lots of exciting changes coming our way in 2018. Will you be ready? If you need help with your hiring strategy this year, connect with A.R. Mazzotta.