As the year comes to a close, it is time for organizations to look back at the year that was, gauging employee performance and preparing for the next year. In 2018, the HR function underwent a massive transformation on the back of rapid technological advancements. HR professionals continued their foray into the realms of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning and Data Analytics among other forward-looking technologies. From digital interviews to AI-based job-candidate matching, HR teams across the globe witnessed a slew of enhancements. Furthermore, relevant skills took center stage in the process of candidate selection, redefining existing HR processes. The prevailing trends of 2018 have led to multiple predictions and anticipation regarding the year 2019. The fresh year will probably bring further technological intervention and resultant augmentation of HR practices. Here are some HR trends to look out for in 2019:

1. AI and automation take over basic functions

AI has already proven itself to be an able disruptor across several industries from healthcare to finance. In the HR domain, AI is simplifying the job of screening hundreds of candidates to deem them suitable or unsuitable for particular positions. In fact, large organizations such as Deloitte are already using AI systems to hire for entry level positions. AI led systems screen numerous candidates simultaneously, ensuring that HRs are only required to meet and interview deserving candidates with the right set of skills and experience. Furthermore, AI-led automation can take away transactional work such as scheduling and emailing from HRs, and allow them to focus on essential functions such as on-boarding and feedback. Overall, AI and automation have the power to cut down on the time taken to complete a hire, which is exactly what will boost HR efficiency in 2019.

2. Rising importance of candidate experience

The 2018 AgCareers.com Candidate Experience Survey found that almost 90% candidates were put off by the lack of response by companies. These candidates also said that this unresponsiveness would prevent them from applying for future openings in the company as well. With thousands of existing openings across industries, HR leaders have realized that while they choose candidates, candidates need to choose them back! The industry is candidate- driven and candidate experience, therefore, is becoming essential in the entire hiring milieu. Organizations are dedicating time and resources towards creating an interactive interview and post-interview experience for potential employees. Asking relevant questions, giving timely feedback and clearly establishing pay structures are just some of the aspects of creating a positive candidate experience that HRs will dabble into in the coming year.

3. Remote working and atypical workstations

A recent survey by FlexJobs revealed that 85% millennials preferred working from home in an arrangement that allowed telecommuting. With 64% of the Indian workforce touted to be composed by millennials by 2020, atypical work arrangements are projected to gain dominance. In fact, the gig economy in India is already flourishingwith the sector projected to reach $20-30 million by 2025. The increasing popularity of remote working will allow organizations to look beyond borders for relevant talent, and will look for seamless remote hiring and working solutions. Subsequently, virtual hiring platforms such as Monjin will witness skyrocketing demand as remote working picks up pace in 2019 and beyond.

4. Gamification and HR

In 2019, HRs are likely to venture into gamification in order to improve management within the workplace. Numerous organizations such as Marriott, Cognizant and Deloitte are already using gaming to enhance employee skills, boost morale and solve complicated problems in a fun, engaging manner. Gamification is a technique dominated by goal setting, competition, real-time feedback and rewards. When gamification is intertwined with day-to-day work of employees, it breeds healthy competition, higher work efficiency and an overall positive, thriving work environment. Gamification might become the norm within organizations, with HRs using the technique for recruitment, training and retention purposes.

5. Hiring efficiency and a focus on skillsets

Currently, HRs are shifting their focus towards identifying and hiring for specific skillsets that are in-demand thanks to the evolving nature of jobs. Technology such as AI and predictive analysis are continually simplifying the process of matching the skills required for a particular position with the skills possessed by candidates. With such technologies in place, hiring efficiency is bound to shoot up. In 2019, HRs will not only reduce the time taken to complete a hire, but will also improve the accuracy of each hire, leveraging technology to identify the most suitable candidate of the lot.
While it is exciting to predict what 2019 will bring into the HR universe, one can rest assured that the future of HR is smart and efficient, precise and quicker than ever, all thanks to constant innovation in technology. Here’s to another successful year of recruitment!