The pandemic has clearly shown us what areas of work are redundant and what can improve. HR teams across all sectors had to proactively break down their practices and accept that there is work to be done and changes to be adapted to. 2022 and the years to come have great potential as many sectors endeavour to set their businesses on track, a goal HR needs to be cognizant of in terms of people management and workforce wellbeing. Here are some of the key HR trends to look forward to and challenges to resolve, during and post the pandemic:
Internal mobility and upskilling
While the pandemic has led to unexpected unemployment rates, it has also led to business leaders looking into ways to strategize and optimise existing talent. Offering basic benefits is no longer enough to sate an employee’s desire for opportunities that contribute to their progress. A promise of career progression coupled with mindful benefits and mentorship is a recipe for success. In current times, this is imperative not only for employees but also for employers from the perspectives of retention, employer branding, and overall company success. Upskilling initiatives, also tie in with this strategy. Apart from offering courses and formal training, employers can also encourage seniors or appropriately skilled employees to take on the role of an advisor or mentor. This would also help cultivate a stronger team spirit and good rapport amongst the employees.
The intention behind these trends of 2022 such as upskilling and internal mobility remains the same; if the well-being of the employee is prioritised appropriately, it contributes strongly to a company’s success.
HR Trends For The ‘Future Of Work’
An adaptive mindset is what will be a saving grace in the face of unprecedented changes. So now the question is, what does the office that an employee is going back to look like? New HR trends are redefining work processes, putting the employee experience in the spotlight. With hybrid working and its flexibility, the need for a physical workplace is more of an option, than an absolute necessity. Having said that, a prepared workplace with required protocols for health and safety is a new fundamental. It is imperative for employees who choose to work from the office, to have a sense of safety as they settle back in. The establishment also needs to be an embodiment of the company values that the employers are putting forward, as do the practices. A ‘practice what you preach’ approach with an emphasis on a healthy work-life balance, will be well received and ultimately, take the organization one step forward.
In the next few years, it goes without saying that the workplace will be completely reimagined, from a very corporate way of working to a more relaxed and empathetic one, the fresh shift in the system seems not only like the need of the hour but also very welcomed.
Any kind of revamp in a workplace system is incomplete without a look at an important aspect - well-being of employees. When it comes to taking care of the employees, upskilling is only a part of the battle won. An approach that is more holistic and mindful of the emotional and mental state of the employee is paramount. At the heart of this move, is the intention to build a workplace that is purposefully mindful of every aspect of an employee, for them to bring their greatest self to work and perform efficiently. An unspoken and often unexplored correlation, well-being, and performance go hand in hand. There are numerous benefits to prioritizing employee well-being, from an improvement in employee engagement and productivity, to a boosted morale all around. A happy and well-adjusted employee will always be found to be more productive as opposed to the one that isn’t either of those things.
As one adapts to the top trends of 2022, it is essential to move away from the old system of a workplace that does not emphasize enough on these unspoken aspects of an organisation and employee lifecycle. Each of these HR trends has its own long-term benefits which help build a workplace and workforce that is resilient and empathetic, two qualities that are now more than essential for a company’s success.
