By Debbie Bolla
Personally, I’m excited that 2019 is around the corner and I’m entering my tenth year with HRO Today! We will continue to provide our readers with the latest research, innovations, and trends in human capital management. But before we leave 2018 behind, let’s take a look at what we predicted for the year and how we fared in our forecast.
Prediction: “Flexible, easy, personalized, intuitive, slick, and mobile-first. This not only helps employees and managers do their jobs more effectively, but can be a recruiting differentiator for organizations to show candidates that they are progressive and willing to provide the tools to get the job done.”
–Dave Almeda, senior vice president and chief people officer of Kronos Incorporated
Outcome: It’s undeniable: Technology has redefined the ways in which people both live and work. From ordering groceries with Alexa to checking pay history while at soccer practice, the world at large expects technology to deliver convenience. Moving toward a consumer-like experience will continue into 2019 with Deloitte reporting that 56 percent of businesses are in the process of redesigning their HR programs to leverage digital and mobile tools.
Prediction: “Whether it’s healthcare, work hours, work spaces, or career paths, people entering the workforce want choices.”
–Janet Barnard, chief people officer of Cox Automotive
Outcome: In 2018, employees were definitely on the hunt for a variety of benefits choices and a new level of flexibility. Research from LinkedIn’s Workplace Culture Trends report found that 44 percent of respondents said a top factor in remaining with their organizations for more than five years is strong workplace benefits. And MetLife’s 16th Annual U.S. Employee Benefit Trends Study found that 60 percent of employees are open to paying more for benefits to ensure their needs are being met.
Prediction: “AI and automation solutions are currently most prominent within talent acquisition, but are now expanding into learning and other HR functions with solutions such as personalized coaching and recommendations. We expect a heavy focus on AI and automation in 2018 with no signs of slowing down any time soon.”
–Stacey Cadigan, director of ISG
Outcome: HR leaders probably didn’t go a day without hearing about the impact or offerings of AI, automation, or machine learning. And adoption levels support its prevalence in the daily life of HR: HRO Today and Alexander Mann Solutions’ survey found that AI adoption was at 57.4 percent with 53.7 percent of all respondents planning to implement intelligent technology in the near future.
What’s coming for 2019? You will see that our roundup of experts predict that two 2018 trends will mature in 2019 and reveal four others that need to be on every CHRO’s radar. Head to Get Ready for 2019 for a closer look.
My prediction: It’s going to be a great year!
