SHRM has once again released its Top 10 Trends in HR, a survey that they conduct every two years to assess the most important concerns in Human Resources. This year, its no surprise that the rising costs and increased legislation of healthcare topped the list. Also in the top tier of the list: increased global job competition, and the growing complexity of legal compliance for employers.
Since 2005, Healthcare concerns have taken the top slot in the survey. (In 2003, healthcare was listed second to technology usage). This year healthcare was listed both 1 and 2, due to recent overhauls in healthcare legislation.
Survey of Top 10 Trends for 2011 from SHRM
- Continuing high cost of employee health care coverage in the United States
- Passage of federal health care legislation
- Increased global competition for jobs, markets and talent
- Growing complexity of legal compliance for employers
- Changes in employee rights due to legislation and/or court rulings
- Large numbers of Baby Boomers (1945-1964) leaving the workforce at around the same time
- Economic growth of emerging markets such as India, China and Brazil
- Greater need for cross-cultural understanding/savvy in business settings
- Growing national budget deficit
- Greater economic uncertainty and market volatility
One of the larger trends SHRM points to this year is the increase in global issues, pointing to the rise of global markets such as India, China, and Brazil, the need for diversity and cross-cultural education, and increased market competition. These issues have risen in place of many domestic and demographic trends, with the retiring of Baby Boomers dropping down in rank from a top two concern in 2009, to a rank of six in 2011.
Also telling are the responses from SHRM survey-takers on their expectations for the coming year. More than 85% of human resource professionals expect workers to be more productive this year, while only 63% expect to raise wages.
Benefits such as flextime and wellness programs are also expected to increase, with 80% of responders reporting the implementation of a corporate wellness plan, and 67% planning on increasing flextime opportunities for employees.
What are your expectations for the rest of 2011? Leave us a comment, and let us know.