leading trends in human resources jobs for 2024.

The HR sector is changing quickly, thanks to innovative technology in human resource jobs and the shift to remote and hybrid work arrangements.

In 2024, HR professionals must adapt to new realities and build new technical skills.

Today's highly competitive job market has given employees many job options. In response, companies prioritize employee engagement and creating a positive worker experience.

Those factors are critical to retention, which is even more important given that 35% of Canadian businesses expect the labour shortage to be an operational obstacle.

Amid these HR trends, human resource teams are the key to business success. 

Companies need innovative professionals who can effectively navigate emerging human resource job trends, such as remote work options, diversity in the workplace and technology advancements.

Understanding the emerging trends in HR jobs can help companies build strong human resources professionals for the future of work. Here’s a look at some of the key HR job trends for 2024.

shift to a multigenerational workforce

With Gen Zs entering the workforce and their desire for flexible work, including remote HR jobs, it’s not uncommon for companies to employ workers from four generations. 

This unprecedented HR trend will continue until the youngest members of the baby boomer generation reach retirement age around 2030. 

While including four generations certainly brings greater diversity and skill sets to the workplace, it can also make managing employees more difficult.

Today’s HR professionals must be able to recognize the unique preferences and workplace expectations of the Gen Z generation while simultaneously managing baby boomers nearing retirement. 

Business leaders must also meet the needs and desires for flexible work of millennial and Gen X workers.

upskilling due to technological changes

AI is set to play a big role in helping people learn new skills (upskilling) or acquire completely new ones (reskilling) for their jobs. 

Nowadays, especially among younger job seekers, there's a strong desire for roles that challenge them and offer clear growth opportunities.

Investing in upskilling and reskilling programs is necessary for companies looking to attract and keep these talented individuals.

It's not just about staying up to date in a world where technology is always changing but also about getting ready for the exciting changes AI and other technologies will bring to our workplaces.

innovative hiring strategies

Labour shortages continue to affect Canadian employers. HR teams must develop innovative hiring strategies if they hope to remain relevant and win the talent war. 

Professionals in this sector can expect higher turnover and an increased investment in human capital.

Remote and hybrid work arrangements are becoming mainstream in many industries; employees expect flexibility. 

Companies may also need to embrace alternative employment options, such as outsourcing and contingent workers. 

Human resources professionals must stay focused on employee retention in 2024 and beyond.

employee experience is a top priority

Employee experience will be key for HR professionals to recruit and retain workers in a tough labour market.

A 2022 ServiceNow survey discovered that Canadians are no longer content to remain in jobs without purpose — 71% said they would refuse a frustrating or unrewarding job, even if it came with more money.

Higher employee expectations create a new challenge for HR. To support employees, help them feel empowered, and improve employee morale, HR teams must create experiences and working environments that are authentic and tailored to workers' needs. 

Mental health will be a key focus in 2024 as professionals manage the burnout and stress from the past few years.

At the management level, HR will help company leaders develop empathy-driven strategies that support employee growth. 

A key HR trend will continue to be integrating learning and development opportunities throughout the employee lifecycle.

increased focus on employee engagement

According to the latest iCIMS Workforce Report, one in three workers will change jobs in 2024. 

Considering today’s highly competitive job market, this could mean trouble for business leaders already struggling to fill open positions.

To reduce turnover and ease the pressure on hiring managers, HR departments focus on company culture and employee engagement — or re-engagement, to improve employee morale. 

By finding ways to help employees connect to the company and the work, HR professionals can help retain top performers. 

The good news is that effective employee engagement can increase productivity and boost profits by 23%, all while reducing turnover, accidents and call-outs.

demand for modern benefits

As workers settle into the permanent shift to hybrid and remote working arrangements, they continue to express a need for modern benefits. 

Flexible work is crucial, but workers also want salary increases that keep up with inflation and market trends. Top benefits for 2024 include performance bonuses and four-day work weeks to help employees maintain work-life balance.

HR goes high tech

One of the top trends in HR jobs is integrating HR technology into various business practices. 

Automation will free up HR professional's time in 2024, enabling them to take on leadership roles. Many companies are mandating an all-in-one HR system for a more streamlined, centralized approach.

Studies show 30% of companies plan to integrate AI-based technology into their HR practices by 2024. 

Another technology trend in HR is that many HR departments use digital technology, such as HRIS (Human Resource Information Systems) platforms and chat boxes, to perform various tasks, including applicant screenings and virtual interviews.

AI and people analytics can also offer insight into employee motivation and help HR teams time communication for maximum impact.

HR technology also enables organizations to make data-driven decisions. 

Human Resources professionals can use online skill assessments to accurately determine a candidate's skill level.

While this innovative technology is helping HR departments work efficiently, it also requires skilled workers to manage and utilize the technology.

investment in training

 Business leaders are investing in training to boost retention and close the skills gap. It's no longer optional; in 2024, employees expect upskilling opportunities. 

By focusing on internal development through effective training and mentorship programs, companies can equip their current workforce with the skills needed for the future of work.

This type of investment is more economical than hiring new workers, especially in today’s highly competitive job market. Internal training and career development programs can also build loyalty and foster employee engagement.

diversity and inclusion take the spotlight

Employees, particularly those in the Gen Z and millennial generations, want to work for companies with high levels of diversity and inclusion. 

Unfortunately, a 2022 survey revealed that fewer than 50% of companies in Canada have a DEI policy. 

In 2024, companies will be working on creating meaningful long-term strategies to boost diversity. These comprehensive plans should encompass both recruitment and work processes.