Human Resources are constantly evolving field, and it can sometimes be difficult to stay abreast of the most recent changes, technologies, methodologies, and buzzwords. But staying on top of these trends is what allows HR departments to stay up to par with the rest of the industry, streamline their operations, reduce administrative load and meet targets. Here are 5 emerging trends we can expect to hear more about in 2020. We will also explain how these trends are affecting the day to day operations for many firms.

Permanent Flexibility

Permanent flexibility refers to companies being flexible in how and where people work as a rule, not an exception. Employees aren't locked into an 8 to 5 work schedule. Flexible work arrangements help employees maintain a work-life balance. It may or may not include remote work or working from home. This is separate from the gig economy, where people are hired for short term projects or tasks.

Remote Work

Remote work is becoming routine. Businesses may hire a full-time professional on the other side of the country. And their team members may be located on the other side of the world. Remote work is expanding hand in hand with the gig economy, but it can include employees who aren't located in the same office as your team. And it may include staffers who work entirely from home. Ironically technology makes it possible to outsource HR functions, as well. 

The Evolving Nature of HR

Human Resources are evolving to emphasize human over the resources. This is why some companies are calling the department "people operations" or having a happiness officer in charge of morale.

However, this doesn't mean HR has ignored the need to carefully manage people. This is aside from increasing automation in the HR fields such as the use of chat bots when answering questions about benefits or guiding someone through the onboarding process. Technology like this freeing up HR professionals to have more time to deal with the human side of HR, hence the changing terminology.


The Changing Nature of Training

Training is changing in a number of ways.Businesses are using data analysis to determine who needs training in particular areas and delivering it, often via online modules but sometimes via virtual or augmented reality.On the job training and checked off lists in onboarding systems to ensure all the bases are covered in another. The constant rate of change in the workplace is leading companies to priorities skills while pushing people to apply their skill in new areas.

Training and development also allow companies to use a new hire's cross qualifications and adapt them to their business. For instance, its not uncommon for swimming pool builders to hire help from related industries due to lack of specialized skill. And this is a trend we see across a variety of industries with similar needs.

Automation

The robot process automation of PRA refers to the use of automated systems to support HR processes. It allows you to create intelligent systems that follow the same procedure every time, And it can enforce data-driven processes.

This is most commonly done in recruitment and onboarding, tracking when employee documents are collected and verified and training is completed. It helps guarantee HR compliance. The automated system can handle changes to someone's retirement contributions to answering basic questions to estimating what their paycheck is if they change tax withholding. Automation frees up HR personnel to focus on the person, but it means the average company needs fewer HR staff.

As its core, human resources are about the people. But this doesn't mean these new trends and technologies will take the "human" aspect out of HR. On the contrary, they could end up relieving HR staff from menial administrative duties and free up resources, which will allow HR to focus on who matters the most, the employees.