Enhancing workforce efficiency remains a consistent objective for HR professionals, and the global pandemic has introduced several new trends in workforce management. In light of this, HR leaders are urged to stay abreast of these trends to optimize employee retention and gain a competitive edge. This article highlights five workforce management trends to watch in 2021.

1. Embracing Disrupted Workforce Models

Remote work was already a growing trend before the pandemic, with a 44% increase in remote working opportunities over the past five years. Despite its prevalence, managing a distributed workforce poses challenges such as loneliness, communication gaps, team synchronization issues, and payroll complexities. Businesses are adapting by leveraging innovative tools to help employees acclimate to the "new normal."

2. Ageless Recruitment Strategies

In 2021, a significant trend in workforce management is building a multi-generational workforce. Recognizing that skills are not tied to age, recruiters are strategically targeting and retaining employees across all age groups. While different generations may hold distinct values, creating a supportive work culture and addressing compensation, perks, and benefits are essential for attracting and retaining a diverse workforce.

Leadership emphasis is shifting towards building an inclusive workforce, fostering fewer conflicts, and promoting solution-driven discussions.

3. Emphasis on Technology and Innovation

The adoption of innovative technologies is another key global workforce trend. Recruiters are integrating advanced tools at various stages, including hiring, onboarding, and retention. Notable technologies include people tracking tools for remote workforce management, workforce planning software for streamlined HRM activities, self-service portals accessible from any device, and HRM outsourcing software for consolidated management of hiring, onboarding, global payroll, and training.

These tools empower employers and recruiters to make data-driven decisions on employee productivity and well-being, providing actionable insights to enhance workplace culture.

4. Enhancing Employee Experience

Improving the employee experience has been a prominent global workforce trend in recent years. Employers and recruiters recognize that engaging employees involves transforming their workplace experience. Key trends include:

• Implementation of more employee engagement programs, such as fun activities, educational training, and upskilling courses.
• Prioritizing work-life balance by offering various leave plans and tour packages to promote quality time with family.
• Addressing employee well-being through initiatives like Covid-19 vaccination drives, well-being webinars, and offering Covid-19 insurance policies.
• Acknowledging and addressing employees' mental health concerns, often by arranging free consultations with therapists.

5. Streamlining Compliance Processes

Ensuring compliance has become a critical workforce management trend. With remote work becoming the norm, compliance procedures have undergone simplification. HR managers have strived to simplify jargon and make policies understandable for remote employees. However, identifying the right set of compliances tailored to industry type, location, and organization size remains a challenge.

To mitigate this, many organizations have sought assistance from HR outsourcing agencies. These entities assist in simplifying compliance processes, breaking down regulations, and providing clarity, ultimately making it easier for organizations to stay compliant with minimal effort and confusion.