HR Workplace Trends to Follow in 2022


Human resources in 2021 has been challenging to many and in 2022 employers and employees are hoping to get back to normal-even it is a new normal. With a new year on the horizon, it is a great time to review your current career and see if a change is needed. A role in human resources is sure to be an interesting one in the next few years, be sure to check out a human resources program to learn more about this exhilarating industry.  

So, what can we expect from 2022? Let’s look at some of the workplace trends you can expect to encounter and work on as a human resources professional.  


High Turn Over + Evolution of Hiring  

According to MindEdge's second annual HR in the Age of Workplace Uncertainty survey, nearly 55% of HR leaders say turnover is higher than it was before the pandemic, while this is specific to the US it is similar to Canada’s numbers as well. Since hiring and onboarding remotely is still relatively new to many businesses, something they have never done prior to the pandemic, hiring and training has been a more difficult and slower process. Labour shortages have also caused companies to look outside their normal vicinity to hire, which works quite well with remote hiring practices and onboarding training. This evolution of hiring is not going to change anytime soon, many companies have embraced remote work and plan to keep it or integrate a hybrid model. To provide some guidance and support to your managers here are a few tips for managing remote workers: 

  • Be on the lookout for signs of distress in your employees 
  • Equip your employees with the resources and knowledge to succeed in virtual environments 
  • Promote continuous two-way dialogue 
  • Trust your employees, there is no need to micromanage 
  • Focus on outputs not processes 
  • Increase recognition of work 
  • Reinforce organization values and model the right behaviours

A time of big change calls for a change management professional, find an outside consultant with a change management certification to help managers and other employees deal with the change of a hybrid work environment.  


HR Product Mindset Instead of Project Mindset 

One of the most notable HR trends we are seeing right now is the shift away from HR focused on projects towards HR focused on products.  This represents a fundamental change to how human resources operate, traditionally HR functions on a project mindset with a clear timeline, deliverables, predefined resources and is aimed at being run efficiently. While a product mindset is ongoing and doesn’t have a set end or predefined resources, it is focused on delivering high value and personalized employee experience while continually improving their own human resources performance. This mindset makes the HR professional up their game and skills with personal and professional development such as conferences and continuing education courses.   


Reskilling, Upskilling, and Flexible Development Opportunities 

Along with HR professionals going through professional development, employees will also be getting more opportunities to reskill or upskill. With so many workers on a hybrid model of work, allowing for flexibility of hours to let employees pursue professional development opportunities is key to keeping and attracting talent. If your organization will not encourage or allow upskilling opportunities, your employees will most likely find that opportunity elsewhere.  


Workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Stays in the Forefront 

In 2021, HR trends focused on enhancing workplace diversity and fostering an inclusive company culture. This trend is expected to continue in 2022, as it is becoming a crucial aspect of creating an attractive employee experience. Currently, 70% of companies believe they successfully recruit and retain diverse employees, but only 11% know what diversity is. If you are not sure where to start when creating a safe and inclusive work environment and hiring policies, look at taking a diversity and inclusion training course to get started on the right foot. 

Creating an inclusive and diverse workplace may get some push back and conflict may occur, be prepared to mediate all situations with a mediation certificate or a conflict resolution certificate.  


Mental Health and Wellbeing Starting to Take Centre Stage 

Finally, mental well-being of employees will continue to be a priority. Many employees and their managers are still struggling to find a healthy balance between work and life. It might make sense for you to increase access to mental well-being benefits in the coming year. One of the growing workplace trends in 2022: Give staff access to tools they can use to cope with stress. For instance, you might offer subscriptions to meditation apps, memberships to yoga centres, or passes to well-being events or webinars. 


Here is to 2022, where we initiate the importance of diversity, inclusion, mental health, flexibility, and opportunities for everyone.  



Written by Lindsay McKay

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