HR trends for 2023 include some well-established practices, some of which managed to evolve dramatically thanks to workplace digitalization.
What's truly exciting, though, is the development in the AI department, which has particularly benefited HR teams.
Let's take a look at trending insights and points of interest for any HR professional in 2023.
Flexible Work Models
Flexible work models — of which there are 6 varieties — are one of the biggest modern work dynamics influencers.
There's hardly any industry that doesn't employ remote teams in some capacity, and the trend is on the rise (both among employers and employees).
Since the transition from office work to remote work isn't always smooth, there are various models to choose from to simplify the process.
Even so, not all businesses need necessarily to go fully remote; for many organizations a combination of remote- and office work is still the best solution.
Anyhow, the abovementioned 6 models are:
- Almost entirely off premises
- Almost entirely on premises
- Partially remote work, large office space
- Partially remote work, multiple hubs
- Multiple microhubs
- Partially remote work, with flexible office space
There's literally a solution for every organization out there, so plan for the future carefully, as HR teams will need to adjust their strategies accordingly.
Streamlined HR Processes
Before we move on to specifics, understanding HR terms is in order: even more since many HR processes have undergone digitalization, so make sure to brush up your knowledge.
Even management has witnessed a similar facelift, so there's no reason why HR professionals wouldn't benefit from simplified procedures and new tech. Payrolls and invoicing have suddenly become significantly easier!
On the other hand, this also means that training is in order. HR processes are famous for being complex, so getting up to speed with new software solutions is simply mandatory.
Training for the Future
Of course, the practice applies to all employees, starting with C-level executives. The approach to leadership is changing, and not only thanks to digitalization.
Executive leadership has become obsolete, with trends favoring network leadership. This leap is not easy in any means and HR teams know it. The challenge of enabling agility (applicable to all employees, not just leaders) is seen as a top priority.
Closely linked to this effort are efficient performance management, connectivity, and collaboration.
It's on HR professionals to develop appropriate plans to address these ambitious goals.
Talent Acquisition
Attracting talent is another high order. However, ordinary recruitment practices need to evolve in order for HR professionals to be able to achieve this goal.
The two main challenges to be addressed in this department are:
- Skills shortage
- Employee preferences
The first calls for innovative approaches whereas the latter calls for establishing efficient survey procedures (notably, anonymous feedback).
Career Development
A high percentage of employees say they're unsatisfied with their career paths. This only goes to show that HR departments need to work hard on developing appropriate career development plans.
The challenge is significant; with novel approaches and digitalized processes, different skills are in focus.
The transition can prove especially difficult for older employees established in their routines… which brings us to the next point — developing stellar continual learning programs.
Continual Learning
With eLearning and mLearning permeating all industries, it's safe to say that, by now, everyone is familiar with the practice.
When it comes to industry-specific skill sets, developing training programs for specific skill sets is a significant challenge.
Thankfully, with microlearning and gamification, the task can become enjoyable and more efficient.
However, neither of these approaches is easy; it takes a lot of work to come up with stellar courses that will help organizations move forward and create modern career paths.
Knowledge Sharing
Another massive undertaking — knowledge sharing, needs to be addressed from different viewpoints.
Organizational knowledge suffers a huge blow every time an employee leaves, so a new trend has emerged: knowledge-sharing systems (KSS).
Usually, a KSS uses cloud technology to compile organizational knowledge in one central place, where every employee will be able to access it with ease.
However, the implementation is still not up to speed, so brainstorming is in order.
Planning for the Future
Finally, we come to the most complex of tasks HR professionals are facing: planning for the future.
With so many workplace trends happening all at once (and accelerating, to boot), skill sets and processes are only likely to keep evolving.
Mentioning only the most obvious development here — the push for AI use, it's obvious that the focus needs to change to embrace future trends.
Numerous AI-powered tools are already being used widely. Frontline teams have significantly benefitted from the technology.
From chatbots to spell checkers to writing tools, the business ecosystem is stretched to its limits trying to keep up.
The bottom line, the focus is on the digital workplace. Skills, processes, training, and new tech are in the focus of HR teams in 2023. At this point, it seems likely that the focus will move into 2024, so start planning for the future!
