There are some skills that HR professionals have been expected to know for a long time, including strategic thinking, conflict resolution, and organization. But with emerging HR technology, societal shifts, and new employee expectations come new skills that HR professionals must learn. As you continue your education and improve as an HR professional, put these HR skills at the top of your list for development
Hybrid and Remote Work Management
The post-pandemic workplace looks a little different. Now more than ever, several companies are opting for hybrid or completely remote work. Being a digital HR representative will require different strategies and skills to be effective.
In addition to handling current employees virtually, you will also need to learn how to recruit, set up the hiring process, onboard new employees completely virtually if necessary, and offer the support needed to those new employees. If the company you work for is completely remote, there’s a high chance you will never see your coworkers, so learning to communicate virtually will be an important HR skill to master.
Generative AI
There will always be technological improvements, but a major advancement is the use of generative artificial intelligence in the workplace. Depending on how your organization handles AI, you’ll need to be well-versed in AI ethics, how they apply to your company, and how to use the technology to be effective for you. Working with AI will continue to be a huge learning curve for a while, but it’s an HR trend that can streamline processes and increase productivity for you and your fellow employees if you use it well.
Digital Literacy
Going hand in hand with emerging technologies is the skill of being digitally literate. You’ll need to be digitally literate in AI as well as Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS). Being well-versed in this technology allows you to understand and interpret HR data, which then allows you to make better strategic decisions. Understanding HRIS and any other HR technology also helps you to be a more efficient employee and helps your organization at large be more productive.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Having a diverse workforce is often a sign of a healthy workplace. Diversity breeds innovation and market growth, and ensuring that a work environment is equitable and inclusive allows for diversity to grow. As an HR professional, DEI is recruiting from underrepresented groups, diversity training for employees and managers, flexible work options, and ensuring that there is equitable pay between employees of different demographics. Not only will you be responsible for spearheading DEI in the workplace but also making sure that the rest of the employees are adding to an office where DEI can thrive.
Employee Experience Management
A current problem for HR professionals is minimizing turnover and attracting productive talent. A huge factor in attracting and maintaining talent is creating a healthy and happy employee experience. The employee experience starts with the onboarding process and includes development opportunities, work flexibility, employee recognition, regular performance feedback sessions, and wellness programs, just to name a few. All of these initiatives help an employee feel valued, respected, and like their company is investing in them personally and professionally. This investment creates a happier employee, a more productive office, and a lower turnover rate.
The Future of HR
No one can fully say what the future of HR holds, but one thing that will remain constant is change. The world, businesses, technology, and laws will always evolve, and HR professionals will need to constantly adapt. Continuing your education and acquiring new HR skills will help you meet the needs of an ever-changing business landscape and its employees.
