The New Norms of Hiring and HR in 2019

It’s a new year and we are sure to see the results of exciting new developments in the world of hiring and HR. We need to be ready, though, to ensure that we understand them and can use our knowledge to our advantage as employers or employees.

1. Offering Perks to New Hires and Top Performers

Remember you don’t want just any candidates applying to your job ad – you want the best! In order to attract the strongest candidates, you need to make the idea of working for your organization an attractive one.

Think about the perks you could offer to your new hires. Letting job applicants know that a larger than expected desk awaits them may encourage them to choose you over other employers when the offers start coming in. Providing your employees with high-end ergonomic chairs, the latest technology, and a comfortable, well-appointed break space could be a selling point that speaks to your company culture and conveys how much your company values its workers. After you’ve identified your top candidates, making them realize you understand their worth and value their time will play a critical role in helping them choose your offer over others they may have.

Think about outfitting your offices with modern, height-adjustable desks, or large L-shaped office workstations. Improved working space and adjustability are what most employees look for, and when you take candidates on a tour of your office, having a cohesive and well-appointed space will make them excited about joining your team.

2. Provision of Corporate Wellness Initiatives

It is expected that there will be a significant increase in corporate wellness initiatives in 2019. These focus on mental and financial health, as well as physical wellness.

These initiatives have a significant positive impact on the health and wellness of employees, and therefore benefits retention and productivity. Corporate wellness initiatives also help to boost employee health and can reduce absenteeism, boosting productivity.

3. More widespread use of AI-based HR technology

It’s becoming more common for companies to make use of AI technology in the effort to find data opportunities, boost productivity, and optimize internal workflows. AI not only makes life easier for HR but makes the employee experience better, as well. This extends from the recruiting and onboarding processes through the entire cycle.

4. Increasing Use of Blind Hiring Technology

As most of us realize, implicit (unconscious) bias remains a significant obstacle in making the most appropriate and fairest hiring decisions. Companies are increasingly using special technology to help remove the effects of unconscious bias in the hiring process. This is expected to become significantly more popular in 2019, which most HR professionals can agree is a good thing.

5. Increased Focus on Company Culture

Company culture is becoming a significantly more important aspect of hiring and HR processes. Employers understand how vital it is to ensure the people who are hired are a good fit for the organization and its existing structures.

Strong research by job candidates and proper screening in the evaluation and recruitment process to make sure the right person is chosen decreases turnover and therefore operation costs.

There’s a lot to be excited about in the coming year! The key is to be ready for all that awaits you.