HR Trends & Fashion
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Ah, the perennial question that keeps popping up like a Jack-in-the-box: what are the latest HR trends?

Written by Eva Andreskova, Prague Branch Operations Manager.

Eva joined the Group in 2013 as a Recruitment Consultant and has been successfully working her way up to her current position. Becoming responsible for the entire branch business operations in Prague and extending her responsibilities outside the Czech Republic. Working closely with managers at all levels in the clients’ portfolio ensuring recruitment quality delivery and client satisfaction is always to the highest standards.

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“Cooked and ready to serve in 3’24”

Ah, the perennial question that keeps popping up like a Jack-in-the-box: what are the latest HR trends? It’s a query that tickles both the fancy of seasoned professionals and the curiosity of eager job seekers. So, let me don my HR wizard hat and share some chuckle-worthy insights gleaned from my escapades in the trenches of the HR world.

Well-Structured HR Total Rewards Strategy:

Imagine strolling through the picturesque streets of Prague, sipping on a hot cup of coffee, only to realize that your city is not just a pretty face but also a goldmine. Yes, Prague has been strutting its stuff as the ritziest city in CEE, and guess what? It even bagged the fourth spot in the EU’s wealthiest cities, according to Eurostat’s GDP per capita data. With such a posh playground, having a top-notch compensation strategy is non-negotiable. Companies with their compensation ducks in a row and flexible incentive schemes are the cool cats this year. On the flip side, those snoozing on salary trends might find themselves bidding adieu to their top talent faster than you can say “salary review.”

Benefits Adaptation and Employee Retention:

Aside from fat paychecks, perks are the cherries on top. Legal tweaks in benefits and Uncle Sam’s mandatory moolah munching have sent HR teams scrambling for cover. Rejigging benefits to dodge the taxman’s grip can be the golden ticket to keeping your workforce singing your praises. My personal highlight this year? Watching companies generously provide winter and summer bonuses, perfect timing for the vacation season – now that’s what I call boosting morale and ensuring employees enjoy their time off to the fullest!”

Onsite/Hybrid/Remote Work Dynamics:

While fat stacks are dandy, the freedom to work in your PJs is the real MVP. Since 2023, and especially in 2024, some companies have been dragging their employees back to the office like reluctant cats being shoved into bathwater. But surveys say “Nuh-uh!” to that, with many folks willing to take a pay cut for a slice of that sweet work-life balance pie. Remember folks, investing in your employees’ sanity and family time pays dividends in happiness! Plus, who wouldn’t want to show up to work in their bunny slippers? It’s a win-win!

Upskilling:

Gone are the days when learning and development programs were mere window dressing. Now, they’re the bread and butter of staying relevant in the ever-evolving workplace landscape. Investing in your talent pool today saves you from hemorrhaging cash tomorrow – it’s like a long-term insurance policy for your company’s brain trust. So go ahead, send your employees to that coding boot camp or enroll them in that leadership seminar. Your future self will thank you, and who knows, you might just uncover the next Elon Musk or Oprah Winfrey in your ranks!

Changing Goals:

Employee engagement is all the rage this year, like avocado toast at a hipster brunch joint. But there’s been a slight dip in the DEIB department. While many companies pay lip service to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, achieving salary parity is still a bit of a puzzle in the market. So here’s an idea: why not spice things up by organizing a DEIB-themed karaoke night? It’s a fun way to promote diversity while belting out your favorite tunes – talk about hitting two birds with one microphone!

Rise of AI:

And finally, AI is strutting its stuff in the HR arena. A mere 15% of companies have dipped their toes into the AI pool, while a whopping 23% are doing the digital tango with the idea. But fear not, dear HR warriors, AI isn’t here to steal your thunder. It’s here to help you ditch the drudgery and focus on the big-picture stuff – like plotting world domination, one employee at a time. So sit back, relax, and let AI take care of the nitty-gritty details while you dream up your next brilliant HR strategy. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the one to usher in the era of AI-powered HR – the possibilities are endless!