Since the pandemic of 2020, there has been something of a shift in the way that the majority of businesses operate. Many have had to shift from working in offices to working remotely. Others have had to update their policies relating to employee health, as mental health and burnout have become a more recognized complaint in many places of work.
This means that many companies have been making some rather larger and more impressive changes to their infrastructure. It also means that there has been something of a shift in how many larger corporations now operate.
As odd as it sounds, there is even a growing set of trends seen in companies to cater to better employee health and working remotely. Some of which will be explored in this article relating to human resources or HR departments.
Artificial Intelligence
2022 is the year when the majority of companies are having to move to adopt AI into their practices. During the pandemic, AI software helped many companies that were office-based to become remote without hassle. So, it seems that AI is here to stay!
It is predicted that the use of AI in the workplace will help HR departments make better choices about their staff. Even the Joplin HR firm is aiming to include AI in its running of other business’s HR. As AI also allows improved efficiency and security around staff profiles. In some companies, the HR department is even using chatbots to answer employee questions about payroll and benefits.
Emphasis on Mental Health
As the world awakens after the pandemic, many people have lost friends and family. Others have noticed a worsening in their mental health issues because of the social distancing and lack of contact. Either way, in 2022, most HR departments in the US are adapting to include mental health support as part of their employee program.
This includes altering employee benefits and health insurance to include therapy or meetings with a counselor. It also has allowed some workers more flexible working patterns, with many now being able to work four days a week rather than five. You may even be so lucky to join a firm that has a counselor as part of their work team, with whom you may well be able to schedule meetings.
Recruitment Practices
Hiring has picked up again after 2020, with the majority of firms increasing their hiring practices to fill gaps in their infrastructure. This is not because people are less willing to work. It is rather due to employees knowing their worth and refusing to settle for a poor work environment.
This has led HR to make some changes, with more common options including social media marketing campaigns to attract those seeking work. Others have adopted a strategy that involves partnering with trade schools, colleges, and universities. This way, companies will not have to ‘head hunt’ as they used to and can choose potential employees based on recommendations for educational institutes. Many companies have also cut down their interview processes. As in the past, many of these were lengthy and could deter those with the required talent from sticking around for the 4th interview, especially if they had an offer elsewhere. By doing this, they can draw fresh talent in and get them working promptly.