The world is changing quickly, and with it comes changes in just about every industry. One of the industries that will be hit the hardest is Human Resources or HR. New technology, changing workplaces, and so on will all change the way our roles function at every level. 

How exactly will HR change in the next few years? Specifically, how will it change in the next 5 years? What changes can we already see today? Let’s review the latest trends that will shape HR within the next 5 years (and beyond). 

1. Rise of AI

AI or Artificial Intelligence is here to stay. It’s not going anywhere, must to many HR professionals’ dismay. That being said, AI might not be as bad as it seemed at first glance. While the conversation in the past was that robots were out to steal out jobs, this is slowly but surely changing. 

In truth, AI is HR’s ally. It’s a partner more than it is a threat. It helps HR professionals take a front role in the new era of technology, and it helps eliminate that slow, painstaking work that was draining our time. This is something we can all get behind. 

2. Higher Turnover

Turnover is rising at a rapid pace. Employees are leaving companies faster than ever before. In fact, in 2018 the estimated total workplace turnover in the U.S. was over 19%. What’s leading so many employees to hit the road? Mainly, they’re expecting more from their workplaces. They want better benefits, upward mobility, and the right culture fit. 

As HR managers and professionals tackle rising turnover rates, they’ll also need to address these issues headon. In the age of technology, there’s simply too much transparency to bury problems out of sight. 

3. Push for Agile

The term “agile workplace” was first popular in tech companies, but it’s slowly making its way through other industries as well. What is an agile workplace? It’s anywhere that has the ability to adapt and change quickly. It’s light on its feet and it’s collaborative. 

More than 80% of C-level executives called agility the most important characteristic of a successful organization. This means it’s now up to HR to adapt to this trend. Human resources professionals are leading the fight to a more flexible, productive environment. 

4. Talent Acquisition Changes

There’s currently a talent acquisition crisis. It’s hard to attract top talent to leading organizations, let alone smaller organizations. Frankly speaking, there is simply too much competition. Depending on the areas you’re hiring talent, it can feel impossible to find the right fit. When you couple this with the growing turnover rate, it can feel like a disaster in the making. 

Luckily, new software solutions are making this easier. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) allow HR hiring experts to find the best candidates faster, allowing them to take more time finding the right fit for their particular role and organization. Find the full Applicant Tracking Systems vendor list for more information. 

5. Fight for Diversity

Finally, HR professionals and leaders are taking the front lines in the fight for more diversity in the workplace. The push for gender and race equality has been a big discussion going into 2019, and it’s only going to become more of a factor moving forward. The organizations that don’t make strides to improve gender and cultural biases will soon be called out on their lack of change. 

It’s up for HR leaders to make sure diversity is more than just a trend. It’s a commitment for change from today onward. Everyone will need to fight to eliminate discrimination and harassment in the workplace. 

Final Thoughts

The world of HR is changing, but it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Like all roles, HR is simply adapting to meet its new challenges. The leaders in this field have a lot to accomplish, but they’re ready and able to make any new innovations and strides for the good of everyone. 

Are you ready for these trends? Have you noticed any of them in your own workplace? It’s time to be proactive, not reactive.