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With the arrival of 2024, Human Resources professionals are contemplating the future. Everyone is looking into that crystal ball to try and understand what the most pressing issues in talent management will be.

HR Exchange Network is no different, so we turned to the experts on Featured to ask what they think will be the biggest trend of the coming year. Discover their predictions:

THE EMERGENCE OF THE “HIDDEN WORKFORCE”

“With so many employers still facing talent shortages, 2024 will be the year of the ‘hidden workforce.’ This refers to the 27 million Americans who are often rejected or underutilized because of unfair hiring practices, like caregivers, retirees, or neurodivergent professionals.

In 2024, you can expect to see more employees taking on technology and recruitment strategies that help them dig into this unexplored segment. Technology makes it easier to tap into the hidden workforce and simultaneously customize workflows so that diverse hires are set up with the right tools for success.”-Robert Kaskel, Chief People Officer, Checkr

PRIORITIZING DATA PRIVACY OF EMPLOYEES

“I believe that in 2024, a significant HR trend will be the heightened prioritization of employee data privacy. With the shift toward remote work and digital operations, the importance of securing employee data escalates. We expect HR departments to introduce advanced data-protection measures and privacy-centric policies.

For instance, companies may adopt end-to-end encryption for internal communications and invest in training staff to recognize and mitigate data risks. This rising priority on data privacy not only safeguards against data breaches but also signals to employees that their personal information is respected and protected, further reinforcing their commitment to the company.”-Nuria Requena, Talent Acquisition Manager, Spacelift

INTEGRATING AI IN HR

“In 2024, I anticipate a significant advancement in integrating artificial intelligence within HR technology. Many HR professionals will learn to leverage AI to their advantage. Notably, in recruitment, AI has shown efficiency through streamlined candidate screening, a reduction in unconscious bias, substantial time and cost savings, and an elevated candidate experience marked by prompt and personalized responses.

An HR trend I hope to increase is remote and hybrid work models. Many roles do not necessitate a physical office presence, and the benefits of remote work are manifold. I encourage all employers to critically evaluate their organizational structure to identify opportunities for implementing and optimizing remote and hybrid work arrangements.”-Antwan Robertson, HR professional

ADAPTING TO NEW WORKFORCE DEMOGRAPHICS

“Adapting HR systems and practices to changing workforce demographics will be one of the leading HR trends going into 2024 and beyond.

As workplace technology evolves, the workforce demographics are growing as well, and many HR teams find themselves having to support and meet the needs of their workforce. Choosing to focus on one or the other is no longer a realistic solution, and HR needs to adapt its practices to serve both its aging and young workforce.”-Max Wesman, Chief Operating Officer, GoodHire

REBRANDING HR AS “PEOPLE & CULTURE”

“In the next year, I foresee more and more HR departments rebranding to “People & Culture.” This signals a systemic shift in how the function operates and views its role within an organization. It is the next step in the function’s evolution, which originated as “Personnel,” to the current state, “Human Resources.”

Today, more and more are rebranding to “People & Culture” to show the value and priority of the two most important aspects of their organization—the people and the culture. When both are thriving, the business will equally thrive. In contrast, if either is suffering, it will be evident in business outcomes. “People & Culture” teams play a critical role in shifting HR from a paper-first, transactional department to a people-first, transformational pillar of the business.”-Lindsey Garito, Director of People and Culture

MORE COMPREHENSIVE DEI INITIATIVES

“One trend we foresee is a growing recognition of the need to encompass various aspects of diversity, including race, gender, sexual orientation, and disability, within DEI initiatives. Organizations are expected to adopt more comprehensive and inclusive approaches. Additionally, there will be a continued focus on promoting mental health, emphasizing the creation of a supportive ethos, and offering resources. As remote work becomes prevalent, organizations will grapple with DEI challenges related to a globally diverse workforce, addressing cultural differences and remote inclusion.

Continuous education and training on DEI topics will therefore persist as a key trend, with a focus on cultivating an inclusive culture and minimizing bias. Also, there may be a greater push for transparency in reporting and accountability to showcase progress in DEI efforts.

To navigate these trends successfully, organizations will need to engage with DEI experts and adapt their strategies to foster a more inclusive workplace.”-Arundhati Chafekar, Principal Consultant, Vertical Lead – Learning and Strengths, NamanHR

FORWARD-LOOKING HIRING STRATEGIES

“In 2024, I expect one significant trend in HR to be the intensifying competition for top talent. This development follows a period where companies have become more adept at retaining their existing talent pools post-pandemic. As a result, attracting the best candidates for new positions has become more challenging.

In response to this trend, HR and talent acquisition professionals should adopt a more forward-looking approach to their hiring plans. They should start the recruitment process early and maintain a consistent effort to build and nurture a talent pipeline. Fostering relationships with target talent ahead of time can also give companies a competitive edge in securing the right candidates when the need arises.

This proactive approach is vital in a job market where availability is often characterized by the urgency of yesterday’s needs.”-Katie Tu, Managing Director, Kepler Search

DEI AND CONSTRUCTIVE ARGUMENTS

“With more and more attention being brought to DEI issues globally, I foresee more conversations and demand for solutions that consider cultural contexts. Similarly, I see an integration of conflict-management principles into DEI and HR work, where disagreements and conflict are not avoided or seen as destructive, but to collaborate and problem-solve.

This also reflects the shift of DEI work from purely the role of a select, passionate few into the hands of every working professional to prioritize the cultivation of diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments in the workplace and beyond.”-Xin Yi Yap, Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Product Manager, Aperian

By Francesca Di Meglio

Originally posted on HR Exchange Network