What HR leaders need to be prepared for this year

2024 is well and truly underway, and with the new year comes new opportunities and challenges. HR and people leaders must be prepared for what the year has in store if they’re to remain effective.

The possible themes that may arise over this year were outlined by Gartner, which gave nine predictions we can expect to impact the world of HR in 2024 and beyond.

“We have seen several shifts affecting the workplace, including the emergence of generative AI (GenAI), pilots around establishing a four-day work week, and changes to traditional careers. This year’s predictions highlight the aspects of work that HR leaders must prioritise over the next 12 months,” explained Emily Rose McRae, senior director analyst in the Gartner HR practice.

1. The cost of work crisis reaching a breaking point

Many organisations that have adopted remote and hybrid working models have experienced cost savings as things like energy and facilities are used less.

Gartner believes that organisations will work to perfect hybrid working models in 2024 and, in doing so, will need to address the “cost of work”. This will be achieved “by sharing the tangible and intangible costs of returning to the office or by finding ways to reduce the total costs. This may include things such as caregiving benefits, housing subsidies, financial wellbeing programs, or the ability for associates to bring their pets to work.”

2. AI creating workforce opportunities

While the AI anxiety surrounding workplace discussions is causing many to worry, it has been noted time and time again that more jobs will be created than will be lost. Leaders looking to stay ahead in the future of work will learn how to leverage AI to improve teams’ capabilities.

3. Four-day work weeks to become routine

A rather surprising inclusion by Gartner was the confidence that four-day work weeks would become normalised.

It is true that attraction and retention are top priorities for leaders at the moment, and flexibility is a key concern for many employees. This could be addressed through the implementation of a four-day week.

4. Employee conflict resolution as the new must-have skill for managers

Conflict among employees was a top concern in 2023, said Gartner. Considering the amount of geopolitical tension and the fact we currently have five generations working side by side, it’s not surprising that people are butting heads.

Dealing with these conflicts should be a priority for leaders: “Managers who can effectively navigate and manage interpersonal conflict among employees will have an outsize positive impact on their organisations; the question is how many really feel trained and prepared to do so,” said Peter Aykens, chief of research in the Gartner HR practice.

5. Generative AI experiments will yield hard lessons and high costs

Generative AI has proven to have risks involved, such as the potential for data breaches. Gartner highlighted how companies will need to have policies and structures in place this year to minimise these risks and protect company assets. While the risks don’t outweigh the benefits, being smart about usage is crucial.

6. Skills to overtake degrees

According to Gartner, recruiters are looking beyond the degree and gravitating towards skills-based hiring. This allows for talent shortages to be eased by offering a wider talent pool to draw from. Removing degrees from job postings could help bolster the organisation’s efficiency in 2024.

7. Climate change protection becoming an in-demand employee benefit

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) and climate policy seem to be becoming increasingly important as the years go on. Gen Z especially are prioritising “purpose over pay cheque”. With this in mind, employers should be looking to stay up to date on climate policy. This will not only make the world a better place but will also improve company image and attract younger candidates.

8. DEI to become the way we work

Gartner noted there has been “disillusionment with DEI over the past few years”, even to the point of pushback. However, DEI will reportedly become integrated into how businesses operate in 2024, making it more powerful than ever.

“In 2024, companies will begin to pivot from DEI existing solely in a silo to having it embedded throughout the organisation. In this new model, DEI will shift to a shared way of working as organisations fully integrate DEI values into business objectives, daily operations and culture,” said Ms McRae.

9. Career stereotypes to collapse in the face of workplace change

Career paths are expected to have a shake-up in the coming year, according to Gartner. Tradition will be thrown to the side as workers are no longer able to retire at the peak of their careers like they once did. Some may not retire at all.

According to Gartner: “Employers will break with the stereotype of career continuity by offering job sharing, gig work or reduced hours to provide greater flexibility. To take advantage of expertise where it exists, regardless of tenure, organisations will break the mould of a step-by-step progressive career trajectory.”