Every two years, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) conducts a survey of its members and asks them to look into the future. The group asks human resource professionals about changes their companies are expected to make that particular year. This year, salaries are expected to go up, but in exchange, workers will be asked to increase productivity and pay more money for health insurance.
This year, 1,240 human resource professionals were surveyed. Among those surveyed, there was wide agreement that the factors that will drive workplace trends are as follows:
  • Health Insurance will Impact Employee Pocket Books – As health insurance becomes more and more expensive, it seems companies plan to pass some of those health insurance costs along to employees. Companies are also worried workers with minimum coverage will avoid doctor visits and not take needed medications. This could lead to increased illness, chronic disease and decreased productivity.
  • Bridging the Generation Gap– Baby Boomers are leaving the work force. Their retirement will put a major emphasis on the Millennial generation (which is most often Baby Boomer kids) and supervisors who know how to bridge the generation gap between senior leaders and new up and comers.
  • Increased Worldwide Competition – Countries such as China and India provide markets for U.S. goods and are also a global competition for skilled workers. As the U.S. economy continues to change, that competition is impacted. HR professionals are not sure that Millennial and X generations will be equipped with the skills to replace retiring baby boomers.
Here are some things HR professionals are planning to do to manage weaknesses:
  • 80 percent will implement wellness programs for their employees.
  • 75 percent will invest additional money in employee training and development.
  • 85 percent expect to be more productive workers in 2011.
  • 60 percent say co-pays for their health insurance are going up.
  • 67 percent say there will be more flextime in 2011.
  • 63 percent say their wages are going up.
  • 63 percent will increase the size of their workforce over the course of the year.
  • 59 percent will train managers to respond to and overcome generational differences.
Modern Business Associates is an HR company that focuses on payroll and HR outsourcing. We routinely work with clients on human resource trends. As a Professional Payroll and HR outsource organization, our clients rely on us to help them effectively deal with these kinds of topics.