Much has already been written about what HR can look forward to in 2017 covering topics such as the increasing use of technology, widely anticipated changes to employment law, the impact of Brexit and what exciting cards Donald Trump might play.

The world of HR will be affected by each of these and to some degree be reactive in their response. I however, am more interested in what we can anticipate for 2017 and proactively prepare ourselves for.

Government has been influential in imposing certain changes that will be effective throughout 2017 including the Apprenticeship Levy and Immigration Skills Charge. Each has cost implications for businesses and cultural and policy consequences for HR that we can pre-empt.

Outside of Government influence, the status of employees has come under the spotlight and will continue to do so moving into 2017. People working for Uber and Deliveroo have brought claims to ensure their rights are protected as employees and we will undoubtedly see more of this next year.

Sports Direct and some other large retailers are under the spotlight for the way they have treated their workers, both permanent and temporary in status. HR has the leading role to play in this drama and should insist that their organisation is both a great place to work and worthy of their staff.

Whatever challenges HR encounter next year, HR’s role is to simply provide an engaging, stimulating, and respectful place of work where people can develop their skills, feel proud of their contribution (no matter how minor their role) and understand the part they play towards the organisations goals and ambition. If HR gets this right, their business will be an employer of choice, recommended by the staff and successful in all it does.

Bring on 2017….

 

 

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