6 Human Resources Trends to Follow in 2022 - Emptor

Flexibility is the thread that connects the 2022 human resources trends. The past few years have shown that companies must adapt to survive the constantly changing public health circumstances caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, companies have had to adapt their policies in response to growing social justice efforts and the dynamic needs of the workforce. In the future, human resources departments must be prepared to offer employees a wide range of options that adapt to their changing circumstances so they can focus on working towards the company’s goals.

In this post, we tell you about the 6 human resources trends:

1. Adopt Dynamic Office and Remote Policies
   When the COVID-19 pandemic forced many companies to close their doors in 2020, office-based employees abruptly shifted to remote work. Since then, managing a remote workforce has become a permanent situation for many companies. Remote work options have proven valuable for responding to new COVID-19 variants and sudden spikes, and for meeting employee needs.
   Despite the popularity of remote work and flexible work policies, some employers and employees prioritize time in the office to collaborate more efficiently as a team or change scenery. In response, more offices in 2022 will adopt hybrid policies for remote and in-office days, offering employees the flexibility to make the best decisions for their situations and pivot according to changing public health needs.

2. Virtually Maintain Organizational Culture and Employee Engagement
   Fully or partially remote organizations must find creative ways to keep remote employees engaged and foster the company culture. Without a physical office space and daily routine to connect with coworkers, employees, especially new hires, can feel isolated or disconnected. Maintaining employee engagement is crucial, as remote work seems poised to continue. To keep collaborators involved, they need to stay connected.
   Employee engagement and culture must be prioritized by organizing virtual meetings and hangouts, surveying employees about their interests, and increasing internal communication. It should be noted that many employees are beginning to suffer from the meeting fatigue known as Zoom burnout, so it is crucial to consult your team to find the perfect communication balance.

3. Companies Will Focus on Employee Well-being
   Health and well-being are indispensable topics. Organizations are more aware than ever of the importance of employee well-being and its impact on business success. However, employee well-being and mental health will undoubtedly fluctuate during stressful and uncertain times.
   Small business leaders must step up to support the well-being and engagement of their employees, likely in ways they’ve never had to before. They must find ways to create a flexible and healthy work environment and support mental well-being in some of the toughest times we’ve seen.
   Company leaders can help improve the health and well-being of their employees by maintaining transparency and clear communication within their organization. Ensuring people don’t become too burned out. Holding conversations to understand how your team is feeling and what they are doing.
   Companies will also continue to expand employee assistance programs to provide a wider range of tools, including mental health days, more access to counseling, wellness plans, and updated services that can help collaborators adopt a holistic approach to their health.

4. HR Teams Will Modify Employee Benefits
   The pandemic changed employee benefits and perks. As companies seek to provide their staff with the best possible health insurance and benefits, they must consider the changing needs of their employees. Employees prioritize healthcare, wellness programs, and work-life benefits.
   Enable flexible work, whatever that means for the individual. Some parents of young children, for example, might need to juggle childcare and work during the day, and being able to work at night could be less stressful. A key point is that everyone has their own unique circumstances, and you have to open those conversations, listen, and take actions that provide support.
   Employers are also offering more thoughtful vacation options that cater to workers with unconventional schedules. For example, some companies have adopted a policy of offering new hires two paid weeks before they start in their new roles.

5. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
   DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) ensures fair treatment and opportunities for all. Its goal is to eradicate biases and discrimination based on an individual’s or group’s protected characteristics.
   Equity
   At its core, equity means fairness: we must ensure that people or groups of people are not treated less favorably due to their protected characteristics.
   Equity also means equal opportunities: we must ensure that those who may be disadvantaged can obtain the tools they need to access the same fair opportunities as their peers.
   Diversity
   Diversity is recognizing, respecting and celebrating the differences of others. A diverse environment is one with a wide range of backgrounds and mindsets, enabling an empowered culture of creativity and innovation.
   Inclusion
   Inclusion means creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. An inclusive environment can only be created once we become more aware of our unconscious biases and have learned to manage them.

6. HR Departments Will Face New Compliance Requirements
   As laws change, HR departments will face new compliance requirements. HR managers will rewrite employee handbooks and reevaluate rules related to workplace harassment measures, maternity and paternity leave benefits, and substance testing.
   HR departments will also have to navigate the salary transparency laws that are becoming more common.
   Knowing HR trends allows you to adapt to a changing and challenging environment; it requires flexibilizing policies within the company to attract and retain the best talent. In the background verification process, Background Check Emptor is a strategic ally that streamlines and represents savings in time. We invite you to schedule a free demo by clicking on the image.