HR best practices that will rule 2019
TRENDS As newer technologies influence hiring, changes in the industry are likely to happen at a much faster pace
The recent development of disruptive technologies has revolutionized HR practices across the globe. On the back of innovative technologies, HRS are enhancing employee engagement, boosting hiring efficiency and fortifying candidate experience. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, data analytics, blockchain, and automation are some key drivers of the transformation that is currently underway in the HR sector. 2019 will be a year of vast uptake and refinement of existing technologies as organizations augment their practices in line with the changing industry demands. Keeping in mind the ongoing disruption in the HR domain along with an evolving job landscape, here are some practices that are likely to take center stage in the year to come.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND HR
Artificial intelligence is one of the key technologies that has streamlined HR practices over the past few years. HR managers continue to rely on AI to screen numerous candidates simultaneously, thereby saving the time taken to conduct hundreds of screening interviews. AI systems smartly match the skillsets possessed by candidates with those demanded by the current open positions, selecting suitable candidates for face-to-face interviews. HR managers are, therefore, able to spend their time working on other important aspects of hiring such as candidate experience and feedback. Through automation, HRS can also free themselves of transactional tasks such as scheduling and sending out emails, allowing them to focus on speeding up the hiring process.
In a bid to improve hiring efficiency, chatbots are being deployed to give automated feedback and support to candidates in a timely fashion. AI and automation are thus set to boost hiring efficiency in 2019.
CHANGING ROLE OF THE CHRO
In a world led by innovation, the role of the HR head or Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) will change drastically. The next few years will witness CHROS assuming the role of Chief People Officers (CPO). These CPOS will lay great emphasis on people analytics to make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
Through data science and machine learning, CHROS will be able to glean deeper insights into the trends pertaining to their current workforce, thereby enhancing productivity and retention. CHROS, in the years to come, will work closely with CEOS to enhance the people function, demonstrating the indispensability of each human resource associated with the organization. In order to strengthen the people operations arm of the organization, HRS themselves will have to acquire technologically advanced skills that will allow them to simplify and streamline their own practices.
UPSKILLING AND NEW TALENT POOL
A FICCI report titledfuture of Jobs in India: A 2022 Perspectiveprojected that 9% of Indian working professionals will be employed in job profiles that are currently non-existent, and 37% will find themselves working in roles where the skills requirements will have been transformed completely.
The future of employment, therefore, will be defined by widespread upskilling and reskilling which will allow employees and jobseekers remain relevant in the new job landscape. In an era where in-demand skills become outdated in no time, HR managers will have to create an environment of continuous learning within organizations to ensure that their employees do not become complacent or irrelevant in their positions. The new talent pool thus created will be accustomed to continuous learning and will be eager to acquire newer skills throughout the course of their employment.
INCREASING IMPORTANCE OF EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE
Employee experience has become one of the most important HR functions in the past few years. As organizations realize the value of nurturing and retaining talent, HRS will be expected to redesign the overall employee experience, making the workplace conducive to productivity and engagement. HR leaders will focus on the workplace culture, ensuring that the overall vibe of the floor is positive so that employees enjoy working. Further, perks such as good coffee and free snacks will encourage employees to increase their work efficiency and contribute more towards the success of the organization. Finally, a flexible workspace that allows work from home or learning opportunities will appeal to the growth-seeking employees of tomorrow.
TRANSFORMING COMPENSATION AND CLASSIFICATION
Compensation and classification of employees within different job levels have been largely timebound until recently. As skills take precedence over experience, organizations are becoming cognizant of the fact that certain human resources are worth retaining by all means. Therefore, top-level positions are being offered to employees who might not have been with the organization for a long time, but are worthy of a salary and designation bump in accordance with their performance. In 2019, HRS are likely to focus more on employee performance to identify resources who display exemplary skills that could potentially accelerate the achievement of organizational goals in the long run.
DATA SCIENCE WILL ALLOW CHROS TO GLEAN DEEPER INSIGHTS FROM THE CURRENT TRENDS AND ENHANCE PRODUCTIVITY