The New Workforce - HR Trends for 2019

Unemployment remains low and the hiring pool is becoming increasingly shallow. Organizations who fail to adjust to the new workforce will find it challenging to keep positions filled. Flexible working conditions, enhanced training, and changes to benefits will be a few of the trends we see throughout 2019.
 

New Flexible Working Policies

In a recent survey posted by BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), unemployment remains below 4% on a national level. In Florida, as of November 2018, at the rate is 3.3%.  According to Brian Rashid on Forbes.com, by 2020, 50% of the workforce in the United States will be freelancers in a part-time or full-time capacity.  We will see employers offer increased flexible working arrangements to attract skilled talent on an as-needed basis, and in an effort to continue meeting the needs of millennials. 
 

What are flexible working arrangements?  They can range from non-conventional hours to work from home options.  Maintaining employee work-life balance is a major challenge for employers.  Burnout and stress due to long work hours can affect retention and employee engagement.  
 

Enhanced Training

HR is seeing a movement towards hiring on attitudes and behaviors, essentially how well an applicant will fit in a certain group over the qualifications an applicant brings to the table.  So the focus of recruiters has been finding and retaining individuals who understand the business, its values and culture.  Companies are offering not only job knowledge training but training in areas like time management, personal finances, health and wellness and time management.  Training is not solely in a formal classroom setting and can be accessed by anyone with internet service. 

LandrumHR is now offering HRCI and SHRM approved webinars in addition to classroom seminars.
  
Changes to Benefits

Wellness Programs

Implementing a new wellness program in 2019?  According to Foley & Lardner LLP, the safest option is to discontinue wellness programs that require participants to answer health-related questions or undergo medical testing to receive incentives. 
 

More Privacy
While open areas and cubicles will remain a common office design, allowing for more individuals in less space (privacy pods or privacy booths) will continue to make an appearance and become commonplace in 2019, according to Jonathan Webb, Vice President of Workplace Strategy at the design firm, KI. 

According to the CEO of Integris Software, Kristina Bergmam, there will be increased pressure for employers to provide the same or similar options to their employees that clients and customers have, like opting out or in, or needing consent to use their data.  Bergman has labeled it the ‘global awakening,’ due to privacy threats and concerns.  She feels it will become part of company’s marketing pitches similar to benefits packages. 
 

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