15 JAN 2024
The Future of Work: HR Trends Shaping 2024
Gartner's HR experts have identified critical trends shaping the workplace in 2024. HR leaders are navigating an evolving landscape, marked by generative AI's ascent and a shift from academic credentials to skills.
1. 'Cost-of-Work' Crisis: With the shift back to office work, employees feel the financial strain. Companies may counteract with perks like travel subsidies and pet-friendly offices.
2. AI as a Catalyst: A rapid roll-out of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT could mean organisations are forced to learn valuable lessons, Gartner cautions. Companies will need to manage the risks around employees using these tools to generate content or assignments, looking at content classification policies, quality control strategies and training for employees on developing their judgement.
3. Generative AI: Handle with Care: The rapid deployment of generative AI tools poses risks. Firms must establish content policies and employee training to ensure quality and integrity.
4. Embracing the Four-Day Week: The four-day workweek is gaining traction, offering companies a novel approach to enhance talent retention and competitive edge.
5. Conflict Resolution Takes Center Stage: Gartner predicts that conflict between employees could hit an all-time high in 2024, and managers will consequently need to be prepared to deal with this sensitively. “Managers who can effectively navigate and manage interpersonal conflict among employees will have an outsize positive impact on their organisations; the question is how many really feel trained and prepared to do so,” says Peter Aykens, chief of research in the Gartner HR practice.
6. Skills Before Diplomas: Degrees are making way for skills, with organisations widening their talent search and investing in in-house training programs like apprenticeships.
7. Climate Change as an Employee Concern: Workers increasingly expect employers to include climate disaster response in their benefits, from safety assurances to mental health support.
8. Rethinking Career Trajectories: Traditional career paths are giving way to more flexible work arrangements, recognising diverse career movements and valuing expertise over tenure.
Conclusion: HR's 2024 landscape is dynamic, emphasising flexibility, inclusivity, and the integration of technology. Leaders are tasked with embracing these changes to build a more adaptable and resilient workforce.