The Latest Trends in HR That Are Impacting Employee Performance

HR trends are ever-evolving, with new technological advancements, artificial intelligence and remote working becoming increasingly popular as the years go on. By keeping up to date with the latest HR trends, you may see a spike in productivity and better rates of talent acquisition, showing that your business is keen to develop alongside advancements.

Now more than ever, adapting new working techniques and ethics will improve employee retention, reduce stress and make room for personalised feedback and collaboration.

In this blog post, we will discuss three of the most important HR trends of 2023…

Increasing Focus on Diversity & Inclusion (D&I)

Diversity and inclusion, also known as D&I, has been an important topic in HR for many years, however, it is now more important than ever. A diverse and inclusive working environment is key to ensuring employee safety and well-being factors are being met – studies have shown that companies with a strong commitment to D&I have higher employee satisfaction, engagement and productivity rates.

Making sure your employees have access to equal opportunities no matter their background and implementing fair hiring practices, equal promotion opportunities and pay rises will create a bias-free workplace that is comfortable for all.

D&I can come in many forms, and we recommend scattering a few different techniques throughout your business – this may include inclusivity talks, educational workshops on diversity, support groups, salary transparency and more.

The Rise of Remote Work

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the trend of remote work – to the joy of many employees! Remote working has become a norm for most businesses in the UK, creating hybrid options for a strong balance between the collaborative and social aspects of working in an office and the comfort of working from home.

Remote working has a number of benefits for employee performance – it can increase productivity rates, motivation and help to attract and retain talent. With most of us having extremely busy personal lives, remote working can promote a better work-life balance and give employees extra time at home that’s very much needed.

However, there are also some challenges that come with remote working. It can be difficult to maintain a strong company culture when employees aren’t working together in the same space, creating divides between employees and possibly affecting performance. It’s up to you and your business to develop a remote working schedule that is effective for all, with most businesses opting for a hybrid method.

The Use of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the world of work, and HR is no exception. AI is being used to automate a number of HR tasks such as recruiting, onboarding and performance management – seemingly lending a helping hand to HR executives.

AI can help with an abundance of tasks, especially those that are time-consuming and error-prone – it can also analyse data quickly, provide tailored feedback or performance plans and more. If used correctly, AI can minimise time spent on tedious tasks which allows for higher performance rates and better productivity levels.

With that being said, AI should always be sued ethically and responsibly, and not replace human interaction in the workplace – it should be used to complement human capabilities and improve the overall employee experience.

Prioritising Employee Well-Being

Employee well-being should always be at the forefront of HR priorities, and it is becoming increasingly important in the HR industry. Studies have shown that employees who are mentally and physically healthy are more productive, engaged, and satisfied with their jobs.

There are many ways that organisations can develop their employee well-being support, including providing access to health insurance, offering flexible working arrangements, providing a healthy work-life balance and cultivating a comfortable working environment.

Employee well-being should be constantly monitored and improved, as it can act as a key factor in employee retention and development.

The latest trends in HR are having a significant impact on employee performance. By focusing on diversity and inclusion, adopting a hybrid work model, and using AI, organisations can create a workplace where employees are more productive, engaged, and satisfied.

Keeping up to date with the latest HR trends will show that your business is keen on developing consistently and welcoming new advances.

Stay on track with new trends and implement them wherever suitable.