Human Resources is such an essential part of so many organizations. It determines the policies and procedures of the company, that directly affect the employees.
However, there are specific global trends right now that are changing HR. As the world becomes smaller, human resources are evolving. Regardless of the size of the organization, there are ways that HR has changed, and trends that they need to adapt to.
Here are some of the most notable global trends that are affecting HR.
- Diversity training
One emerging trend in human resources, around the globe, is diversity training and cross-cultural professional development. Obviously, diversity is a big topic that HR has to face.
The global trend pushes for more learning opportunities, and education programs to be offered to employees.
Many HR teams in organizations have introduced coursework, seminars, and networking events. All to help with diversity training.
Remember, diversity comes in many forms. HR not only focuses on inclusivity, but it also focuses on employees becoming more diverse in their skill sets.
While HR also focuses on ensuring cultural integration is focused.
This means that HR needs to focus on diversity in all aspects. This could be regarding skills and views, or gender and race. It goes without saying that this ultimately strengthens the company.
- Global recruitment
As well as this, organizations are starting to realize that they may need to hire somebody, that isn’t locally.
Perhaps, if they can’t find somebody that fits the role perfectly, they’re looking in the wrong places.
Many companies that only fill roles with those that live locally don’t retain many employees. That’s why a push towards global recruitment has occurred.
With the world becoming smaller, traditional forms of employment are dying out. Global recruitment focuses on getting the best employee, regardless of their location.
This way, it doesn’t matter if somebody sends their CV from 5 miles away, or 5,000 miles away.
This links with diversity training, as with hiring globally, there will inevitably be a more diverse team.
As HR will be very much aware – introducing employees that are diverse both in their skills and culture, will only benefit the organization. It will bring new ideas and innovation to the company.
That’s why, even if there is an added cost, HR is focusing heavily on global recruitment. After all, gaining the right person is more important than anything.
- Benefits and compensation
Another important global trend that affects HR revolves around benefits and compensation.
As you travel the globe, you’ll find that various countries have different laws regarding vacations and sick leave. For instance, American companies seem to have much more stringent laws than European countries.
You may be happy to know that many companies are abandoning their traditional laws and adopting more progressive HR policies.
HR has started to offer paternity leave, flexible working hours, and extended vacation time to their employees.
While many European companies already offer this, it has begun to become a global trend. HR has to consider this if they want to be seen as a progressive and fair organization.
Even something as simple as paternity leave is so important. It’s a fight towards equality, which is something that HR obviously focuses on.
You have to give your employees these added benefits. If you don’t, they may begin to look to work for a company that offers more holidays and family leave time.
Employee retention and happiness are at the forefront of HR, and it’s important that benefits and compensation help achieve this.
Could you offer your employees a chance to work from home, or leave early on a Friday?
- Machine learning
Machine learning has had such an impact on the workplace. HR has to never overestimate the effect in the short term, while simultaneously not underestimating the effect in the long run.
While it may not be true that machines will take over our jobs in the next 25 years, they will certainly be supplemented for various roles.
HR needs to anticipate the changes that technology will bring. Again, this may require training and new development strategies.
Jenna Mason, an HR manager at The Word Point, told us that many organizations have begun to retrain existing employees in order to optimize the use of machine learning and that in the modern-day, global changes regarding machines are the most conspicuous, and the Human Resources department is no exception.
- Demographic shifts
We’ve touched on diversity before, but it’s such an important topic when regarding HR.
Demographic changes are transforming the work environment. For instance, there are now more (higher educated) women in the workplace. Also, there are five generations of people in the workplace, all at the same time.
Older workers are remaining in the workforce, and younger people have drastically different values and ideas.
HR needs to strategically consider all these changes and how they implicate the company. With such a varied demographic, how can they meet the needs of everybody?
Organizations have to appeal to the very young, and the old. They have to address #MeToo issues and cultural differences. These are global changes, that will continue to become more and more prevalent.
As the demographic changes, it’s also important that you treat everybody equally while meeting their individual needs. It’s a tricky balance, but necessary.
There is a correct time and a correct place to bring up demographic differences.
For example, when regarding pay and workload – gender should never be a factor. However, when concerning certain microaggressions and complaints, gender is a relevant factor.
How will your HR team deal with certain issues that affect specific demographics, while simultaneously treating everybody equally?
This may be one of the most controversial but important global shifts for HR in this decade.
Conclusion
Global changes will only continue to affect companies, and specifically HR.
As the world becomes smaller and certain social issues are brought to the world’s attention – HR has to adapt accordingly.
This, alongside an increase in machines, makes the role of HR a socially necessary and vital one. Not only does it help employees, but it helps customers, clients, and the world.
