Understanding the Modern HR Landscape
Human resources management is a dynamic industry. Even in the most stable of times, HR needs to be on top of everything –– ensuring both that employees are satisfied and that the company’s needs are being met. But particularly of late, with the global pandemic having forced companies to make so many changes, HR teams also need to keep up with the constant evolution of working models and conditions. To that end, let’s take a look at the modern HR landscape and what it now means to work in this field.
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Better benefits and more choices are becoming the norm
While we may still hold traditional views of “employee benefits” consisting solely of government-mandated extras and little else, companies are beginning to move away from this concept and offer more thoughtful benefit options (and more choice). Now, it’s increasingly up to employees to learn about and take advantage of benefits that are offered to them. This is viewed as a positive step from an employee standpoint, but it is still the job of the HR department and other decision-makers in the company to go through the process of determining what benefits matter most to employees. Offering a desired range of benefits –– rather than just some token standards –– will increase employee satisfaction and retention.
Hiring is becoming more difficult
HR departments that are actively engaged in recruitment, hiring, and especially onboarding face more competition than ever –– though as we’ve noted, the so-called war for talent is not an entirely new phenomenon. Nevertheless, modern companies are constantly striving to keep up with employees’ demands, which naturally complicates the recruiting and hiring processes. As a result, some companies report that they’re spending more than originally predicted on employee hiring and onboarding. Improving employee retention strategies is also a priority, given both the cost of onboarding new hires and the risk of employees joining the “great resignation” and simply moving on.
HR employees are being hired directly
In the past, there was more of an emphasis on promoting internally rather than hiring “from the outside.” This meant that often enough, an existing employee in an administrative or office role would be promoted into the HR department. However, with the growing demands on the position, more companies are looking for hires with specific backgrounds studying HR management, who are equipped for the extensive rigors of the position today. It’s for this reason that demand projections for HR workers are high, with certain specific roles expected to grow by 7-8% over the current 10-year period from 2018 to 2028. Companies that are not prioritizing talent in this space risk having less efficient and less capable operations than their competition.
Performance reviews and feedback are being emphasized
Most employees have probably gotten a poor performance review at some point or another. Regardless of the reasons for such reviews though, one thing remains constant: the need for feedback. HR employees are now becoming more transparent about the performance review process, what is expected of employees, and how feedback is given. Additionally, companies are now being more receptive to feedback from employees, and are making an effort to make requested changes, within reason. Ultimately, this is all part of a greater effort to keep employees happy; performance reviews, more than ever, go both ways.
Remote work must be considered
Finally, we can’t discuss the HR department properly without mentioning the fact that more employees are now working from home. Indeed, even though remote work due to the pandemic is decreasing, many employees are now choosing to stay remote. HR departments need to be aware of this, and companies need to be prepared to alter everything from benefits packages to day-to-day practices in response. Fortunately, with software like BambooHR, Slack, and Time Doctor, it’s easier for the HR department to monitor billable hours, employee attendance, and productivity –– which makes for a strong start in keeping operations smooth and cohesive.
The HR landscape is, without a doubt, full of challenges. As is often the case under such circumstances though, there are also a lot of opportunities for savvy departments to improve companies and boost employee satisfaction. Anyone who is currently interested in an HR position should be prepared to balance the needs of both the company and its employees through ever-more-complex changes.
Article written by Ravinia Jaide
Exclusively for
