2023 is bringing a changed world of work. The pandemic has propelled digital transformation a few  years into the future, and the employee-employer relationship has transformed. We believe that 2023 is HR’s window of opportunity to reposition the function’s value proposition in the post-pandemic reality. Human Resources professionals have played a significant role in guiding organizations through the storm of the pandemic. In other words, HR can make a tremendous impact on organizations if adequately enabled.

Here are 3 of HR trends we believe will be shaping 2023 in the workplace. Some trends have been ongoing for a while now, but recent developments have accelerated them. Many are the result of drastic changes that organizations have had to make and, in some cases, are still facing.

1. Redefining remote and hybrid work strategies

Work has changed in the course of the pandemic. The pandemic has sped up digital transformation in organizations by three to four years. And workers have adapted accordingly.

Not all organizations have realized this, and they continue to hold onto outdated strategies that previously made sense.

Employees want clear communication and modernized policies. We expect that in 2023, HR practitioners will set clear principles about how, where, and when work is done. They will facilitate internal conversations on this topic and push their organization to make decisions, even if they are temporary, as organizations explore different workplace strategies.

2. Reshaping workplace learning

2023 is also the year in which HR will reinvent employee development strategies and bring learning into day-to-day work. Lack of career development and advancement is the one of the top reasons for quitting a job, Closing the skill gap is one of the critical ways for HR to make a difference in their organization. However, doing this well requires initiative and reinvention of old learning approaches.

In 2023, we will see a focus on more strategic learning – the training of skills aligned with the capabilities the organization needs to be competitive. This can include hard skills, which are more technical, and soft skills, like communication, time management, and analytical and critical thinking skills.

As part of this trend, we predict that HR will invest in more personalized workplace learning that is linked to what people are interested in learning and the ways they prefer to learn. That way, HR can ensure that employees are learning what’s relevant to them in an engaging manner.
 

3. Creating purpose-driven organizations
In 2023, we expect HR to help shape the company’s purpose. Connecting the company’s purpose to environmental, social, and corporate goals and making these goals a clear part of the (employer) brand is a valuable way for HR to make an impact on the world and attract better talent.

When done well, HR will be able to engage both younger and more experienced workers by offering a purpose-driven workplace, making this one of the key HR trends for 2023.
Purpose is a key differentiator for organizations to help to retain and attract talent. A clear purpose will also help engage existing talent and increase productivity.
It is time for HR to step up to the plate, capture the opportunities that 2023 brings, and reposition the function’s value proposition as a leader of the business and a builder of competitive people capabilities. That is the true power of HR: driving strategic impact through people.

Which HR trends are a priority to your organization, when it comes to the wellbeing of your employees and helping your organization become ready for future challenges?
Share your thoughts below!

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Uitnei Chamusso

People Solutions & Advisory Manager