Human Resources Trends to Know for 2024

ByContent Manager
Human resources trends

Human resources (HR) is an incredibly dynamic field that has experienced rapid transformation in recent years. Despite this, most companies rely on HR to keep operations running smoothly and ensure they have a competent workforce. Given the rapid transformation of HR overall, it’s a good idea to understand some of the trends that are expected to impact the industry this year. This information can help you plan and strategize for success throughout the year.

Human resources trends that are expected to be prevalent throughout 2024 include:

  • A greater emphasis on the role of HR: HR has traditionally been considered an essential but often overlooked department within organizations. While there are many tasks that HR professionals do that make them essential, such as payroll, there is a growing awareness of the strategic value that HR has. As business leaders now rely more on HR staff to help meet not only basic functions but also to help problem-solve strategic decisions, such as remote working options and innovative solutions to attract workers in a tight labor market, there is a growing awareness of the value of HR. Included is the recognition that HR professionals can bring a lot of insight to the table regarding data-driven decision-making and strategic development. This awareness will likely take center stage in 2024.
  • Flexibility and outside-the-box thinking: Many HR professionals helped their organizations transition to a remote or partially remote working environment to address health concerns during the pandemic. This solution has worked well for many companies but is not the best option for all. The reality is that many employees – particularly those now entering the workforce – crave the office environment and the benefits of socializing with their peers every day. Yet, employers are still scrambling to find and retain top employees in a tight labor market. While some desire flexibility and a remote option, others crave an office environment; there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Therefore, meeting the needs of all employees and potential employees means that employers will have to offer a variety of different perks, benefits, and working conditions. They must embrace a human-centric approach to structuring the workplace. To keep pace with this trend, HR professionals will have to consider innovative solutions and brace themselves for at least a partial return to the office.
  • Greater integration of artificial intelligence (AI): AI has become so pervasive in nearly every industry that it simply can’t be ignored. This is true within HR, as well. AI will likely continue to take over relatively mundane and repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on more complex duties. With the vast computational abilities of machine learning and predictive analytics, AO will continue to inform decision-making and enhance efficiency and personalization. Moreover, it will accomplish these goals while saving most companies money, allowing employers to use these cost savings to achieve business goals and offer employees better compensation packages. Recognizing the assets of a company – both human and AI-driven – will help HR professionals allocate resources better and help their companies achieve maximum productivity, efficiency, and profitability.
  • A focus on professional development and mobility: With the increasing role of AI in lower-level tasks, the human workforce of any company can focus on higher-level tasks that require complex problem-solving and critical thinking skills. With this high-demand skill set, many employees will be increasingly interested in their long-term career goals. Even individuals who hold less skilled positions will likely be considering their professional options, particularly if they are doing something that can be accomplished with an AI solution. The bottom line is that workers at all levels will be more concerned with their immediate and long-term development and opportunities. Retaining good employees will often come down to how well the employer can keep their employees engaged and focused on moving up within a company. Therefore, HR professionals should look at how their companies or clients are currently handling professional development and ensure that employees have opportunities at all stages of their careers – from post-recruitment to retirement.
  • Leveraging the hidden workforce: With the tight labor market, many employers will have to look for alternatives to a full-time employee. Looking at students, interns, retirees, ex-inmates, and those with minimal education may be the key to filling open positions. These solutions can ensure that a company has a robust workforce to accomplish all tasks required for business growth.

Undoubtedly, 2024 will be a dynamic year for HR professionals and the industry as a whole. To learn more about current human resources trends and how your business can stay ahead of the competition, contact CA HR Services today!

CA HR Services specializes in working with small and medium-sized companies to help develop legal, efficient, and appropriate H.R. processes and procedures that meet state and federal labor law requirements.