The pandemic has undeniably changed the workplace environment everywhere. Businesses have had to adapt to a remote and hybrid workplace to cope with drastic changes, while employers and employees alike have had to implement modern solutions to new challenges brought on by COVID-19. With the new year starting, there are important trends to look out for 2022, specifically for Human Resource departments, as they continue to adapt and face the challenges brought on by the pandemic. Here are the estimated top HR trends for the upcoming year:
Employee Well-being
In any workplace, it is important for employers to support and address concerns for wellbeing for their employees in all aspects. With an ongoing pandemic, the well-being of employees has gone beyond just their physical health. The focus of wellness now includes emotional, financial, social, and career-based.
Employers are also focusing on the employees’ families, specifically in ensuring that the home environment is healthy as well. Some ways companies have helped employees’ families are with incentive programs, such as prizes for completing 10,000 steps a day or a family picnic for reaching sales goals. For many, their home life can distract from their work, so ensuring a stable and happy home life can help keep everyone on track.
It can be really beneficial for employers to have an array of resources available to employees. Some possible resources to offer could be financial literacy, mental health options, classes to enhance work skills, and workshops for a safe work environment.
Alltrust has partnered with eMindful to offer a mental health resource to employees and clients. eMindful is a tool to help implement mindfulness practices with everyday activities. Practicing mindfulness can help prevent employee burnout and ensure that your employees can stay happy and healthy every day.
Hybrid Workplace
The majority of American employees now prefer the option to work from home. But some would still appreciate a hybrid option, which allows for employees to work both from a physical office and from an at-home environment. Having a hybrid workplace can be very practical for employers and employees. Employers can save workspace by coordinating the number of employees that will be working from the office and ensure that they stay healthy during the ongoing pandemic.
The pandemic has forced most workplaces to adapt to a different way of operating. After almost two years, companies have successfully adjusted and found what works best for them. Many employers have found that switching to remote and hybrid workplaces is what is best for them. With websites and apps like Slack, Trello, Basecamp, and Miro, communication and collaboration can be streamlined.
Whether employers decide to implement a remote or hybrid workplace, it’s vital they define their management roles and ensure that the workplace is set up for employee success.
Company Values
Another major HR trend for 2022 is establishing company values. When searching for jobs, potential employees are looking for companies whose values align with their own. Some HR departments are establishing listening programs to help understand what’s happening within their workforce so they can help boost employee engagement.
Along with company values, potential employees also look for how diverse a company is. Working for a company that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion is an important aspect that employees want within the workplace. Diversity can be an instrumental factor in a company’s success. Having a team with different backgrounds, ages, cultures, genders, education, and ethnicity will allow different points of view to accomplish goals and offer several different perspectives for varying projects.
Upskilling
Upskilling is training employees to enhance their performance in their current role as well as to aid in their progression towards higher positions. When employers have upskilling programs, it shows employees that they’re investing in their future within the company. This helps build a culture of learning and provides employees with the opportunity to gain new skills. These could be both hard and soft skills, like helping employees receive specialized certifications or improving their communication skills.
With more workforces adopting a remote workplace, digital skills have become increasingly critical. Being able to effectively communicate while working remotely is something that HR departments are trying to constantly improve. Tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meets have helped accomplish this.
Implementing educational programs can further establish an environment where employees feel valued. An emphasis on continued employee growth can help instill a mindset of prosperity and advancement within the company’s culture.
The CHRO Role
A major HR trend to expect this year is continuing to develop the role of Chief Human Resource Officer. The pandemic has brought on a new set of problems that workforces everywhere have never experienced before and the CHRO was pivotal to its response and adaptation. CHROs are responsible for developing and enforcing human resource strategies. The human resources department is accountable for proposing new plans and what options are available and the CHRO is there to implement those plans. The main purpose of the CHRO is to create a healthy and equitable workplace environment, both in-office and remote.
Combating the Great Resignation
All across the US, people are quitting their jobs in record numbers. They are seeking out more well-paying jobs with a well-rounded benefits package and a company that matches their values. Employee retention has started to become a top priority and focus for workplaces.
Developing an employee-first culture can help work towards employee retention. An employee-first culture is a concept that balances culture, strategy, and structure. It makes employees feel empowered and seen as an asset to the company. Prioritizing the employee will increase morale and productivity.
Some ways to improve the employee benefits package:
- Financial – overall compensation, retirement plans, financial planning and education.
- Mental health – accessible programs, mental health resources, and sessions with a therapist or coach.
- Physical – health insurance, wellness programs, and availability of exercise sessions in-person or virtual.
- Career – access to training and development programs, tuition reimbursement, coaching and mentoring, and internal mobility opportunities.
A New Year With Alltrust
The pandemic has taught us to adapt to change and that there is more than one way of successfully doing things. Workplaces have had to redefine their goals and expectations from employees. By understanding how the employee experience has changed over the last two years, employers can make plans and prioritize what to address for the upcoming year.
Alltrust Insurance is here to help your business thrive during this difficult time. Our focus is to create a healthier environment in the workplace. Navigating through a pandemic has proven to be a difficult task, and with Alltrust by your side, we’re here to see you through the complexities of building your HR department to succeed. We provide innovative and supportive solutions to aid in managing your business. Contact us to see how we can help you develop a strong HR strategy.
