As we near the end of the year, it’s time to look at the emerging HR trends for 2021. 2020 did not exactly go to plan and the pandemic will certainly influence HR trends going forward, so what will employers focus on embracing in 2021
1.Mental Health and Wellbeing
Employee wellbeing is without doubt linked to productivity. Many employers are very supportive and recognise the importance of supporting the workforce. Mental health first aiders are common and helplines are available for employees. HR will have an increased agenda to ensure that support is provided and to ensure that everyone feels comfortable to talk about any issues. This will become more of a challenge as remote working stays and uncertainty around job security continues with the economic downturn, we face for 2021.
2. Diversity and Inclusion
It is likely that 2021 will be the biggest year to-date for Diversity and Inclusion. More and more organisations worldwide are beginning to understand the importance of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative working environment. Creating a transparent working environment where your team feels comfortable and productive is key for any successful business. However, removing pay gaps, maintaining a gender-equal workplace isn’t enough. Instead employers might want to build a culture where everyone’s voice is heard without repercussions and where every employee feels empowered to do their best work.
3. Remote working
Remote working will continue well into the New Year and in all likeness will create permanent trends. There are plenty of perks to remote working that are being realised although these are balanced with concerns around employee productivity and focus. 2021 will be about trying to find a middle ground that works for both parties. Permanent remote working will come with its challenges – IT infrastructure will be re-aligned; dining room tables will need to be replaced with proper home office space and team collaboration may become a struggle.
4. Upcoming Technology
Technology is changing faster than ever before, which means your organisation could change overnight. This potentially frees up your employees’ time to drive a bigger customer base. Technology can improve the efficiency of your administration, compliance or HR files by having all of your documents on a secure online database. HR systems can help keep track and stay on top of schedules (such as appraisals and recruitment). This will help free up staff and get more done, instead of drowning in paperwork. These systems capture a lot of employee data, which can help with company insights as well as actionable strategies.
5. Employee Experience
Concentrating on creating a great employee experience is expected to be a key priority this year. After all, well-looked after employees have a huge impact on an organisation as a whole from fewer sick days and increased employee retention to a more dedicated workforce and much easier recruitment drives. The employee experience is the journey that the employee will take within your organisation. This starts with attracting and hiring talent to onboarding and engaging new employees. It then moves on to support and development and ends with offboarding. While employee engagement is the end goal, employee experience is the means to achieve that end.
If you have any questions on any of the above, please get in touch with the office: sally.phillips@wardwilliams.co.uk or call 01932 830664.