5 Of The Biggest HR Challenges In 2022

“The hardest challenge being an HR is that sometimes you have to be the lawyer, judge, and the hangman.” – Hassan Choughari

Going into 2022, the lasting impacts of the pandemic and other issues pose a challenge to the HR department concerning many aspects of the workplace. From adopting a successful hybrid work model to improving employee engagement, here are some of the biggest HR challenges in 2022:

Promoting Employee Mental Health

The last three years have been some of the most emotionally taxing, especially for employees. HR managers had to make difficult decisions to reduce the workforce due to the financial strain of the pandemic and employees had to deal with the stress of balancing work and life at a time when the future seemed more uncertain than ever. 

All this shone a light on the gravity of the strain work puts on employees’ mental health and how much work HR heads need to put into addressing the issue going forward.

Hiring qualified staff

The global talent crisis resulting from changing demographics, increased demand, and the overhaul of public policies, as well as increased demand for certain skills has made finding qualified staff to fill open positions much harder. 

For most businesses, a new hire’s qualifications are essential to their success in the role, hence the great challenge for HR to find the best in an increasingly competitive space. Many rely on HR software tools that make the hiring process less challenging.

Implementing hybrid work models

When the Coronavirus pandemic forced people to stay home, businesses found a way to keep the lights on by having employees work remotely. This model was surprisingly successful for many, so when the world opened up again, some adopted a hybrid work model that combined working from home and working from the office.

However, there isn't a one-size-fits-all work model so it's up to HR to determine the one that best works for their business and implement it successfully in a way that will improve employee productivity and the company’s profitability.

Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion

The world is slowly changing to become a more diverse and inclusive space with equal opportunities for everyone. Because the workplace is a big part of this world, the onus is on HR professionals to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at work. 

This is especially relevant in the hiring process and the daily operations of the business. Companies that don’t already have policies regarding this are in a race against the clock to address this challenge and be part of this global revolution.   

Improving employee experience

Hiring qualified employees with suitable personalities is one of the HR department’s most challenging responsibilities. However, keeping the company’s employees happy enough that they don’t leave is an even greater challenge.

Addressing this challenge involves improving the employee experience - this goes beyond offering them a good salary and must include providing better working conditions and a healthy work environment, which HR managers can actively contribute towards creating. 

“In order to build a rewarding employee experience, you need to understand what matters most to your people.” – Julie Bevacqua