Shifts and Innovations: Challenges and Trends in the HR Industry

Courtney Abraham, Chief Human Resources Officer, Current Lighting

What are some of the major challenges and trends that have been impacting the HR Industry lately?

The People and HR fields continue to adapt and strategize on different ways we can positively impact our functions and businesses. We’ve experienced wars for talent which can work from anywhere to select specialties receiving outsized increases to stay. Recently a high number of employees have been laid off from their company, which is unfortunate for these employees but creates opportunities for organizations to engage with experienced candidates. The world has also shifted its appreciation and acceptance of those who have been made redundant. LinkedIn and other social sites are inundated with “I’ve lost my job please share my resume”, and also with managers and others not just giving a reference on LinkedIn but posting their recommendation on behalf of these candidates. We have interviewed some great candidates that have been referred in this new way.

“Recently a high number of employees have been laid off from their company, which is unfortunate for these employees but creates opportunities for organizations to engage with experienced candidates”

And we continue to move in the right direction with candidate re-engagement and stability from what can only be explained as misguided ghosting moments; however the HR industry continues to be challenged with inflationary pressures, and increased benefits focus on mental health, menopause and fertility. Relocations are back on the rise, offices are expecting employees back onsite 3-5 days per week and just yesterday I received a chatGPT crafted cover letter and excellent chatGPT responses to Behavior Based Interview questions.

What keeps you up at night when it comes to some of the major predicaments in the HR Industry?

Development remains key. There will always be individuals who are on accelerated career paths and those who remain challenged with their day-to-day activity and are satisfied in their present roles. As organizations continue to transform the way in which we work together, the how matters even more. Collaboration, cooperation, creativity and emotional intelligence are key areas we must invest in to develop and retain our employees.

4. What are some of the technological trends which excite you for the future of the HR Industry?

Many of the key features in chatGPT and AI enhancements make the world of HR better. They replace repetitive operational tasks and allow HR team members to tackle something new and work at a more strategic level. These features will also help our customers and in that, service and response times should greatly improve with ready answers and available bots.

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