Undoubtedly, this year presented unforeseen challenges that reshaped the HR landscape, forcing us to rethink our strategies and remain adaptable. In a revealing survey 520 HR Leaders across several major industries, including US-based manufacturing, have shared their perspectives and identified the top 5 priorities for HR Leaders in 2024. In our latest edition of “Engineering 365,” we will dig into the findings of the Gartner survey and share the top 5 priorities and actionable steps that you can take in 2024 to address these global concerns.
1. Leader and Manager Development
Despite the implementation of enhanced skill development programs and the introduction of advanced tools and technologies, aimed at elevating productivity, a striking 50% of employees remain skeptical about their managers’ capacity to steer their teams toward success in the next two years.
An overwhelming 75% of HR leaders acknowledge that their managers are inundated by the expanding scope of their duties. Recognizing this reality, it is critical to examine strategies to streamline managerial roles and dig deeper into the initial motivations that propelled these individuals into leadership positions.
2. Developing A Sense Of Culture
Hybrid work has compromised the employees’ connection to culture, or so it can be argued. Fewer in-person interactions, less time in offices, and shrinking employee ecosystems have rocked the traditional cultural experience. For culture to succeed in a hybrid world, leaders must work intentionally to align and connect employees to it.
3. HR Technology
56% of surveyed HR Leaders confirmed their HR Technology solutions and strategy do not match their current and future business needs, such as digital transformation. A central issue surrounds the uncertainty about which technologies to adopt. There is increased hype around AI — especially generative AI — to drive productivity, but HR functions are unprepared to implement it. Uncertain labor and economic conditions add another layer of urgency to embrace innovations that support flexible HR strategy. Many HR leaders agree that they will be lagging in organizational success if they don’t adopt and implement generative AI in the next 12 to 24 months.
4. Managing Change
With nearly half of the workforce deeming their performance levels unsustainable, HR leaders are facing what can be termed ‘productivity anxiety.’ The key is not just to increase productivity but to make it sustainable. This requires a deep dive into work processes, employee well-being, and the tools and support provided to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
The volume and pace of change are overwhelming for employees as changes are both stacked and continuous. Add productivity anxiety and it could have devastating impacts on key organizational outcomes.
5. Career Management and Internal Mobility
Traditional career paths are becoming obsolete. Outdated career paths leave employees needing help with how to proceed with their careers at their current organizations. Add mounting turnover rates to an already hypercompetitive labor market and the uncertainty increases for HR leaders trying to figure out how to support employee career growth. Developing a culture leaning towards an agile approach to career development, aligning business needs with employees’ aspirations, skills, and interests may be the needed ingredient for 2024.
The insights shared above should serve as a roadmap for deeper discussions during your planning meetings to close out 2023. Ready to discuss your top 5 objectives moving into 2024?
Here is how we can help you…
CTS carries out deep talent mapping, nationwide, to ensure our shortlists contain only the very best leaders for your Engineering and Manufacturing teams.
1. We help to attract and retain top Engineering candidates in addition to the frontline leaders for your teams.
2. Reduce the cost of acquiring and training new hires by supporting and enhancing the efforts of your onboarding team for the first 90 days.
3. Provide a zero-risk and no-cost assessment of your hiring strategies with a 15-minute consultation.
