What’s Happening in HR in 2017?

Rick Goodman — January 26, 2017 Follow @DrRickGoodman

Human Resources is always evolving, and the way in which companies interact with their employees—and vice versa—is in a continual state of flux. Leaders, business owners, and HR managers alike need to stay up to date on the latest trends, and there are a few significant ones that can be expected as 2017 unfolds. Let me show you what I mean.

HR Trends to Watch Out For

There’s a new generation entering the workforce. I still see a lot of articles offering advice for employers trying to understand the millennial generation. Here’s the thing, though—millennials have been in the workforce for so long now that they’re no longer the new kids on the block. In 2017, many members of so-called “Generation Z” will be hitting the 21-23 age range, and thus entering the workforce in higher numbers. If you want to understand your employee base, it’s time for a shift in the articles you’re reading!

Employee reviews will continue. The last couple of years have brought a rallying cry to do away with the annual performance review—something many employers have followed through with. My sense in talking to HR pros across the country is that this trend is dying down. My guess is that, in 2017, a good majority of companies will continue to do annual reviews, and we’ll all hear less and less about ditching the review process.

There are more and more non-traditional workers. The last decade has brought a dramatic uptick in the number of people who work as contractors, freelancers, and contingent employees—and in 2017, that number is likely to continue rising as more and more professionals find themselves in non-traditional work settings.

Culture will be as important as ever. With so many things in flux these days—politically, culturally, technologically—companies are seeking ways to move forward with some steady sense of their core identity. That’s what culture is all about, and I anticipate that more and more businesses will take a long, hard look at their cultural values in the months to come.

Those are my predictions, but I’d love to hear yours. Leave me a comment and let me know where HR is headed in the coming year!

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