What Will HR Look Like in the Coming Year?

With a new year comes new systems, processes, and trends. 2017 has just rolled in and if you’re like many companies, you’re deep in planning and executing new strategies to make your business more efficient.

These strategies often start in the HR department. HR has a trickle down effect to every department in your business. From accounting to marketing and sales, the policies you implement and the standards you deploy will influence how successful the business is overall.

Here are five trends I anticipate will change the way HR looks in 2017:

1. Government Will Play a Bigger Role

It’s not a secret that we’re about to see a major shift in governance as President Obama moves out of the White House and President-Elect Donald Trump moves in. With this transition, federal hiring will change. This could also impact hiring at state and local levels.

The private sector will see an impact in HR, too. The Affordable Care Act came into effect during the Obama administration. The laws surrounding healthcare for employees could see a major change if President-Elect Trump follows through on some of his promises.

These and other changes with the new administration could have a substantial impact on the way HR managers hire, train, manage, and provide benefits to employees.

2. The Changing Demographics of the Workforce Will Determine HR Systems

Generation X and Millennials continue to make up the bulk of the workforce. In 2017, more advanced roles will open up for these generations, which will change the demographics of the workforce. These demographic changes will lead to new systems that match the daily routines and preferences of these new generations.

For example, the place where people work will continue to evolve. Office space will become less in demand, and flexibility will become more of a priority. To accommodate this, more businesses will need to adapt new technology to serve the geographically diverse and highly mobile workforce. More specifically, mobile apps will continue to be added to the HR ecosystem to help transition to this new style of work.

3. Employees Will Value Education More

Student loan debt has caused waves of fear among young workers. Many students who might have gone on to earn an MBA after graduating college have opted to enter the workforce early with lower-paying jobs just to start paying back loans. And many students have chosen to forgo college altogether because of the high expense.

Employers who offer students a chance to better themselves through certifications, degrees, or other types of training will be able to recruit more motivated employees. This competitive benefit will become increasingly valuable as more students shy away from educational opportunities out of fear of accruing high amounts of debt.

4. Wearable Technology Will Become More Prevalent in the Workplace

A few years ago, the great debate was whether or not to allow employees access to their cell phones at their desk. Now, it won’t matter whether their cell phones are in their purse or on their desk because calls, text messages, and emails can all be read from the watch on their wrist.

The wearable technology industry is expected to grow to $80 billion by 2020. While these devices, such as the Fitbit and Apple Watch, are being worn to enhance productivity and fitness levels, they can also serve as a help to managers. The easier it is to reach employees regardless of location, the more efficient your HR operations can run.

5. Employee Engagement Will Play a Major Role in the Workplace

The 2015 Deloitte Global Human Capital Trends report shook the HR industry with its statistics on employee engagement. With approximately 60% of employees feeling disengaged from their employer, HR workers have scrambled to find a way to get people re-engaged with their jobs.

In 2017, this effort will continue to be at the forefront. Employee wellness programs, innovative employee perks, and a stronger overall company culture will continue to dominate the HR industry. To do this, HR will place a higher emphasis on hiring the right leaders for managerial roles by looking for people who pair well with the company culture and who have a natural ability to influence others.

2017 is about to be in full swing. What changes are you implementing to keep up with the changing political landscape and workforce demands?

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