The past year saw many companies move forward after COVID-19 — but HR managers also had to deal with a new set of challenges. These range from the trend of “quiet quitting”, skills shortages and rising demand for permanent hybrid working.
These trends are driven by several factors, including changing employee expectations, new technologies and sticky changes in working habits. These are illustrated in Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace: 2022 Report, which shows that employee stress levels in 2021 were higher than they were in 2020 — when COVID-related disruptions were at their peak.
In this article, we will explore some of the most important HR trends for 2023.
1. Focus on Employee Well-Being
The pandemic highlighted the importance of employee well-being, with many organisations taking measures to support employee health. According to a 2022 CIPD report, 81% of UK companies adapted by offering more tailored support for their employees’ individual needs and 81% said they increased their focus on mental health.
This trend is expected to continue into 2023. HR professionals are expected to focus more on employee mental and physical health, implementing new initiatives like stress management programs, wellness workshops, and mindfulness sessions.
Additionally, flexible work arrangements, such as hybrid work and flexible schedules, are becoming more popular as they allow employees to better balance work and personal responsibilities, contributing to better employee well-being.
2. Increased Emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is becoming more important in the workplace as companies recognise the benefits of having a diverse and inclusive workforce. HR professionals are expected to prioritise DEI initiatives in 2023, such as implementing unconscious bias training, reviewing recruitment practices, and creating employee resource groups. Additionally, companies are expected to be more transparent about their DEI goals and progress, which will help attract and retain employees who value diversity and inclusion.
3. Greater Use of AI and Automation
Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are already transforming many areas of HR, and this trend is expected to continue into 2023. AI can be used to streamline recruitment, automate repetitive HR tasks, and even help identify areas for employee skill development. Additionally, automation can help HR professionals analyse workforce data and make more informed decisions, improving the overall efficiency of HR operations. Desk booking systems, for example, enable HR and facilities managers to monitor workspace usage and foot traffic, allowing them to optimise their office real estate footprint.
4. Increased Focus on Employee Development and Learning
Employee development and learning are becoming increasingly important, and companies are expected to invest more in this area in 2023. HR professionals can implement initiatives like skill development workshops, cross-functional training programs, and mentorship opportunities to help employees develop new skills and progress in their careers. This can help companies retain top talent and ensure that their employees are prepared to tackle new challenges as the business environment evolves.
5. Greater Emphasis on Employee Feedback and Engagement
Employee engagement is a critical factor in employee retention, and HR professionals are expected to place greater emphasis on this in 2023. Companies can implement employee feedback mechanisms, such as pulse surveys, to gather input from employees and better understand their needs and concerns. Additionally, HR professionals can create initiatives that foster a sense of belonging and engagement, such as team-building activities, regular check-ins with managers, and recognition programs.
6. Increased Use of Data and Analytics
The use of data and analytics is becoming more prevalent in HR, and this trend is expected to continue in 2023. HR professionals can use data and analytics to make more informed decisions about recruitment, performance management, and employee engagement. Additionally, analytics can be used to track and measure the impact of HR initiatives, providing insights into their effectiveness and areas for improvement.
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Author: Jane Holmes
Jane Holmes is the Head of Marketing and Communications at Cloudbooking, a workplace management software provider helping companies build human-centric, hybrid workplaces that improve employee experience and workplace utilisation.
Socials: LinkedIn
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