Looking ahead, employers will need to step up their efforts to balance person-centered workplaces with cutting-edge technology and automation.
The first leaf has yet to fall and winter coats are still in the closet, but smart organizations are already looking ahead to 2020. They know that they will have to be less centralized, more mobile, and more flexible than ever; and they are strategizing to adopt the latest technology, attract the best younger workers, and employ cutting-edge training tools and resources. Read on to learn about how you can prepare for success in 2020.
Millennial and generation Z workers will begin to dominate the workforce. These employees have specific expectations for their jobs and won’t hesitate to jump ship if they are unhappy. As a result, employers will need to rethink workspace configurations, recruitment, benefits, and communication. To succeed in 2020:
- Create a great employee experience. More than ever, this should be individualized according to each worker’s needs and interests, as well as the role he or she plays in the organization. This may mean offerings such as flexible schedules, a greater opportunity to participate in skills development and career advancement programs, access to cutting-edge mobile technology, and the ability to bring pets or kids to work (as appropriate).
- Be more agile in recruiting. If you’re not maximizing the use of artificial intelligence, video interviewing, and other technologies to recruit and screen job candidates, you’ll be falling behind in 2020. People increasingly expect phone or video screenings before any in-person interview takes place, and they want quick responses and efficient, unbiased hiring processes.
- Create flexible and mobile workspaces. Workers increasingly will want to have a say in the design and, when possible, the location of their workspaces. They will be more concerned with issues such as ergonomics and green energy.
- Become data divas. Increasingly, interactions of all kinds generate data. Learn how to use this information to modify or improve recruitment and retention strategies.
- Think AI. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a fast-growing market for a reason. Increasingly, automation is embedded in all aspects of work and personal life. Consider efforts such as creating bots designed to offer personalized online conversational experiences for clients and employees alike.
- Realize the need for new HR roles. In 2020, companies will need to create a more personalized experience for job seekers and employees. HR professionals will need become more tech-savvy and specialized.
- Place a greater emphasis on team development. As technology enables more virtual and remote work, ensuring teamwork, communication, and collaboration will be more challenging. HR and other leaders will need to educate employees about how to work together, connect, and contribute to projects as a team.
