Human resources has always been an evolving field, but the current climate is a particularly interesting one. The gig economy has made it easier than ever for companies to hire contract or freelance workers, making things a bit less stable for full-time employees. On top of that, there’s a shift toward more flexible hours and schedules for both types of employees as well as an increase in remote work arrangements.
1. The rise of the full-time employee
The gig economy is here to stay. It may not be the future of work, but it’s certainly a part of it. With more companies moving toward flexible working arrangements and freelancers becoming more common in the workplace, there are plenty of benefits to be seen from this new way of thinking about employment.
For example:
- The ability to hire specialized talent quickly when needed (e.g., an accountant for tax season)
- Increased productivity among employees who are happier with their work environment and have more control over their schedules
2. The gig economy is here to stay
While the gig economy may not be the best solution for everyone, it’s here to stay.
Many people see the growing number of freelancers and independent contractors as a problem, but I believe it’s actually a good thing for our economy and our society as a whole. There are many benefits that come from having more people working as freelancers:
- It gives more people an opportunity to work on their own terms instead of being tied down by an employer who might not treat them fairly (or pay them enough). This means that more workers will be able to live comfortably without having to worry about making ends meet each month–which is especially important for those who don’t have health insurance through an employer or spouse. The result? More freedom!
3. HR’s evolving role in the digital age
- Human resources is becoming more strategic. The role of the HR department has changed over time, and it continues to evolve in an increasingly digital world. While some may view this change as a challenge or even a threat, it’s actually an opportunity for HR leaders to help their organizations become more competitive by leveraging data-driven insights and staying agile enough to respond quickly when conditions change.
- Human resources is becoming more data-driven: In addition to traditional areas like recruiting and training, today’s HR functions also include talent management (or “people operations”)-a field that combines analytics with a strategy to help companies attract top talent while retaining existing employees.*
- Human Resources should be agile enough to respond quickly when conditions change
Human resource management will continue to evolve as businesses do so as well
Human resources management is a critical part of every business, but it’s also one that is constantly evolving. New technologies and new business models are changing the way we work, and HR needs to adapt in order for companies to remain competitive.
If you want your organization’s HR strategy to succeed in today’s fast-paced environment–and beyond–you need an effective plan that can change quickly without losing sight of the big picture.
Conclusion to Top 3 Trends in Strategic Human Resources Management
We’ve seen the rise of the full-time employee, the continued growth of the gig economy and HR’s evolving role in the digital age. With these changes come new opportunities and challenges for organizations to navigate. Human resource managers will need to continue adapting their practices as technology continues advancing at such a rapid pace–but if they do so with thoughtfulness and creativity, then there’s no telling what we might see next!
