HR leaders had several challenges in 2020 and 2021, following the outbreak of COVID-19. From developing a remote work strategy to meeting changing desires of skilled workers, the HR landscape has been anything but stagnant. Looking ahead to 2022, a recent survey reveals that developing vital skills and capabilities will be a top priority for many human resource leaders.
In July 2021, Gartner, Inc. surveyed 550 HR leaders on their priorities for the New Year. The results are eye-opening and help provide a roadmap for those who are unsure what to focus on next year regarding talent management.
Interestingly, more than half (almost 60%) of the surveyed HR leaders indicated that building critical skills and competencies will be their top priority in 2022. Another reported area of focus is organizational design and change management; 48% of respondents indicated it as their main priority. Other key priorities are what the future of work looks like (42%) and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) (35%).
Many reasons explain why HR executives are focusing on these areas, including the move to more flexible work arrangements. Rather than working at the office Monday-Friday, 9-5, many organizations are moving to a hybrid work environment to meet candidates’ expectations in a pandemic era.
With their top priority being to strengthen key skills, according to the Gartner survey results, many HR leaders are looking to build skills rather than roles. That makes sense given how quickly technology is changing and the need to have a workforce that understands how best to use the latest tech.
Rapid advancements in on-the-job tech point to the need for organizations to continually train workers to update their relevant skillsets. Doing so can enable those employees to use the latest tech efficiently to improve company productivity and stay ahead of the competition.
Rather than replacing jobs, therefore, HR leaders are focusing their sights in 2022 on transforming how their employees do the work. Plus, focusing on building key competencies means that human resource departments are looking to find ways to enable workers to use their highest competencies.
Doing so may help businesses reduce development gaps too. Bridging these gaps is possible through effective training programs under the guidance of HR professionals.
Starting training on the right foot begins with a positive onboarding experience facilitated by Talcura’s intuitive software. When changes happen positively, it can help to combat employee tiredness.
Change fatigue is an issue for employees, according to 274 HR leaders in the Gartner survey. Making small shifts slowly over time may be a more effective way to prevent employee fatigue than instilling significant, sweeping organizational changes.
HR departments can also actively listen to employees’ concerns in a changing workplace to help them feel they are a relevant and essential part of the organization. Encouraging a team environment also can build a feeling of belonging, starting from their first day on the job.
Knowing the 2022 priorities that many HR leaders have is important as it can help your team understand what to focus onto stay relevant and competitive. Starting to think of next year’s priorities can help you determine what actions to take and when.
