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Hot Topics in HR

The world of human resources is always evolving, particularly with the increased use of online recruitment technology. However, it’s not just the changes to talent acquisition that have emerged as a potential concern to HR professionals. At DNA Recruit we keep a very watchful eye on all trends in this area and we’ve identified several hot topics that may have an impact on HR very soon.

MILLENNIALS ENTERING WORKFORCE

The new generation entering the workforce come with new expectations. They’re not looking for menial tasks but for challenging, rewarding careers, with a progression path, work flexibility and a happier work/life balance. There’s also the very real added fear that these Generation Y workers do not have the career experience to fill in the gaps left by those who are moving on.

Baby Boomers Leaving the Workplace

For the last six years or so there has been increasing concern about the exodus of "Baby Boomers" — the generation born between 1946 and 1964 — from the workforce. HR professionals are facing the loss of valuable, senior members of staff and are now tasked with finding high calibre leaders to step up and take the business forward.

Baby Boomers Leaving the Workplace

Developing New Leaders

With an older workforce leaving and younger employees stepping into the gaps, HR professionals have to put great importance on developing the next generation of leader. Obstacles to this include rising education costs resulting in fewer employees coming in with the right skills or receiving management training on the job. This means there are less and less people with the leadership skills and experience you need. Investing in training programs that offer employees a leadership path shows that you have foresight and acknowledge the importance of succession planning. It will help with staff retention and if you develop a reputation for being good at this, it will attract a higher calibre of ambitious future leaders looking for their next great opportunity.

Developing New Leaders

Retaining Talented Staff

The latest breed of employees doesn’t just value a healthy pay cheque – they will be looking for a competitive benefits package too. The younger generation have higher expectations and a higher cost of living than ever and to retain your existing staff, junior or senior, you need to remain competitive and be seen to reward hard work and loyalty by a variety of means.

Striking a Balance

Businesses will have to work harder than ever to strike a balance between appealing to the young talent and nurturing their future, while making the best use of the skills of mature employees and acknowledging their value. Be careful not to be perceived as only interested in the younger generation. Show your more experienced employees the respect they deserve, give them mentoring opportunities and reward them for it. Not all of the necessary skills to be a leader of the future can be formally taught on a course. The best learning is always done ‘on the job’.

Careful Use of Social Media

While social media offers great benefits when recruiting or building a company brand it also brings greater exposure to criticism, poor reviews and the potentially damaging public grumblings of former workers. Another reason to take care of your people – remember reputation is everything. If you use it well social media presents great opportunities for HR to reach a larger talent pool than ever and to share achievements of the business which will attract and impress your employees of the future. It’s also a great place to publicise the success of current employees. The employee feels recognised and future employees will be drawn to a company that openly praises the achievements of staff.

Careful Use of Social Media