The workplace is evolving faster than ever before, and smart business leaders are already preparing for what's coming next. From the expanding use of AI to transform talent management to shifting workforce demographics, tomorrow's HR landscape will look dramatically different. Another recent BestFit blog post highlighted the changing role of HR. In this article, we peer into the future, to envision HR in the months and years to come.
Stand Skills-Based Hiring Replaces Degree Requirements
One current shift that is likely to continue is a move toward skills-based hiring. Companies are prioritizing what candidates can actually do, rather than focusing on college degrees, or where candidates graduated from. Job postings requiring four-year degrees dropped from 20.4% in 2019 to just 17.8% in 2024. This approach expands talent pools and helps address critical skills shortages, as well as giving opportunities to applicants who may be traditionally overlooked and could be an asset to your company.
AI Impacts Talent Management
AI is already transforming employee management, with several companies using it for crafting job descriptions, resume screening, and candidate searches. This evolution will almost certainly continue. The key for small businesses is starting small and scaling gradually. Professional employer organizations can provide access to AI-powered tools that level the playing field with larger competitors, while providing expert advice to validate AI-powered tools.
Multi-Generational Workforce Strategies
By 2030, every Baby Boomer will be 65 or older, yet many are expected to continue working past retirement age. At the same time, Gen Z enters the workforce with different expectations about work-life balance and career development. Younger workers prioritize purpose and flexibility, while older workers bring experience and prefer traditional structures. Successful companies will need policies that accommodate both preferences, as well as other unique, new trends that future generations may bring.
Upskilling Becomes Essential
Experts predict 44% of workers' skills will be disrupted by 2030, with six in ten requiring additional training before 2027. This is not just the result of artificial intelligence. It also reflects changing market trends and new services expected from current and future industries in the coming years. As a result, companies will need to create comprehensive learning programs to help employees adapt to changing requirements, while retaining your talent pool and generating employee satisfaction by investing in the long-term success of staffers.
Hybrid Work Models Are Likely Here to Stay
As we all remember, many businesses shifted to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. And afterwards, return-to-office programs were often not very well received. Approximately 87% of employees expect remote options, and this leaves companies at risk for losing talent. Successful hybrid work models require thoughtful policies about collaboration, culture, and trust.
The workplace of tomorrow demands strategic, technology-enabled HR practices. Small businesses that prepare now will thrive, especially with Professional Employer Organization partnerships providing cutting-edge technologies and expert guidance.
Let BestFit PEO Solutions guide your HR department’s next big steps forward.