New Year, New (HR Trends): Focusing on the Year Ahead in 2022

By ALEXIS YORK

If the past two years taught us anything, it is to expect the unexpected. All we hear is everyone waiting to go back to “normal” but the truth is we have all adapted to a new normal. Through the past two years, people have changed and because of that, organizations have changed. One thing we have all come to somewhat accept since 2020 began is constant disruption in routine that have since become trends that bring challenges. Like all trends, some have come and gone but here is what we anticipate for all HR Professionals as 2022 begins:

Remote work has become the future and it is here to stay.

With COVID-19 still on the forefront of everyone’s minds, employers have had to get ahead of the challenges as much as possible. Vaccine mandates, leave policies and telework solutions are now becoming permanent work solutions. According to recent Gallup surveys: -72% of employees are working remotely -42% have not been face to face with colleagues since 2020 -80% of managers find it difficult to manage effectively -60 % of positions are expected to be solely home- based by 2025 With top CEOs announcing that their employees will be allowed to work fully remote, companies face many challenges and opportunities ahead!

While a main focus is tele-work solutions, another ever-changing trend is the ability to retain and attract talent.

While this is by far no “new” trend, it remains an ongoing concern for employers across the globe. As we mentioned in our latest webinar “Battling the Great Resignation” there is a growing number of 4 million people who have left their jobs across the past two years. Companies are struggling to both keep employees and create attractive environments for them to want to stay and refer new talent to join to the team. Over the past two years HR professionals have had to do an incredible job at anticipating their employees needs and feelings as we approach this rapidly changing professional climate. It is important to focus on your employees and what they feel, want and need. Going into 2022 studies have shown employees: -Are changing their priorities and gaining better work/life balance

-Want to feel empowered at work -Want better for themselves and families

-Are more concerned about social change and inclusivity -Are no longer afraid of change, and want to grow We have said it before: “Covid clarity” has made people re-examine their personal and professional priorities and employers have to take note of that as they prepare their retention and recruitment plans.

All eyes on employee culture as we go into 2022.

Employee culture has always been a factor in choosing the right fit for both job prospects and employers but now more than ever, it is under a microscope. Employees need inclusivity and employers need engagement. Employee feedback has shown a culture based on inclusivity and engagement looks like this:

-Sharing core values -Establishing trust, compassion and team building -Valuing and caring for people and their emotions

-Empowering people with positive feedback -Creating a safe space for employees

Unlimited PTO and Flexible Scheduling are becoming a must-have to stay at companies.

Virtual learning for school-aged kids became the norm in 2020. As of October 2021, 77 million students worldwide are still not sitting in classrooms. Prior to COVID-19, flexible hours were considered a special benefit that not every company provided, now it is necessary to recruit talent and keep employees happy. It is mutually beneficial as well as research has shown flexible scheduling can boost productivity and morale while decreasing stress. Give your HR professionals freedom to form creative strategies in regards to flexible scheduling as this can help your reputation as an employer.

2022 needs to focus on Workplace Safety.

Gone are the days of only thinking of increased safety measures in just the manufacturing and warehousing industries. For those employers introducing optional or mandatory return- to- work policies, employers must have processes in place to protect the staff’s safety. We must not forget those that never had an option for remote work as well. As some offices return to work for the first time in 2022, make sure the following is in place and properly communicated to employees: -Health surveys -Thorough sanitation protocols -Temperature checks -Contact tracing - Sick leave guidelines Like every new year brings, 2022 holds endless possibilities- but lucky for HR Professionals, also endless challenges, and new hurdles to jump through. We also recognize that these HR trends will continue to evolve and change day-to-day as we adjust to our ever-changing new “normal” both professionally and personally. As you gear up for this new year, our hope is you use these trends as a guide to position your organization for a successful and profitable 2022.

Happy New Year from HRO Partners!

Alexis York, Client Solutions & Operations Coordinator