Thinking about a career in human resources?

As an HR professional, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on employees and the overall company or organization you support.

Like with many professions, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a ripple effect within the way work in human resources is conducted. Trends have developed that are more focused on employees, technology and a positive work culture.

In a recent article by online career resource, Zippa, Daemen University’s own Karen Sharp-Price, an instructor/career consultant for the business department as well as an alumna of the university, dove deeper into identifying and explaining top trends for the future of HR.

Increased Value on Company Culture

Now, more than ever, new employees want a sense of belonging at their company to feel like they are truly part of a greater community.

This process starts with onboarding. In order to pave the way for a smooth transition, onboarding programs need to begin in companies before an employee even officially starts working, Price explained.

“Company culture has become one of the first things you will hear people talk about when discussing different companies,” Price stated. “The company’s identity is firmly identified by the type of culture it has created. It is one of the most important things that the human resources profession will need to keep its pulse on now and in the coming years because people want to identify with a company that has similar behaviors and beliefs.”

Improved Professional Development Training

The next generation of job seekers are putting professional development training at the top of their list when looking for a new place to work, said Price. Therefore, companies need to have some type of program to keep employees engaged and allow for their professional growth.

With new technology in the human resources field, HR professionals are able to provide a solution to this need for development opportunities.

 “Technology has taken career development to the next level, allowing for virtual training to happen with more depth and variety. Employees want to work in an environment where they continue to grow within their career,” Price said.

Gone are the days of watching old customer service or sales training videos, Price said, adding that virtual reality within the HR space is “just starting to take hold, and the development of what it can provide for training employees is still in its infancy and very exciting.”

Overall, companies are finding new and innovative ways to use technology in helping businesses gain momentum and move forward toward a more successful future.

Advice for Students Interested in Human Resources

First and foremost, Price recommends that all students learn how to become comfortable with interviewing both in-person and virtually. Second, they should become familiar with the different types of video conferencing and recognize what each brings to the table and then use it to help with onboarding, more engaged training and better communication overall.

With that, Price said, “Students need to make sure they understand that human resources is a field that is ever changing, and, to be successful, you have to constantly want to learn and grow within this field. No two days in human resources are the same, which makes this career exciting. Technology will play a vital role in human resources going forward and every opportunity you have to learn how to improve HR processes and efficiencies the stronger your organization will be.”

 

Learn about studying human resource management at Daemen University and all that our Business Administration Department offers.