Are you ready for 2024? A Playbook for Company Leaders and HR Innovators
2024 is already knocking at our doors and many leaders are left wondering where they should be focusing in terms of their people & culture strategy.
Gartner’s recent “Top 5 Priorities for HR Leaders in 2024” report gives us some fantastic insights to guide that reflection. Here are my thoughts on these priorities and on other areas I believe will have the greatest impact on organizations’ ability to win in the modern world of work.
Leader & Manager Effectiveness
In an era where effective leadership is more critical than ever, it's no surprise that enhancing leader and manager effectiveness tops the list of HR priorities. It's not just about having leaders; it's about having effective leaders who can inspire, guide, and adapt. This priority calls for a holistic approach to leadership development, emphasizing not only skills but also the ability to navigate complexity and foster a culture of continuous improvement. HR departments are likely to focus on targeted leadership development programs, coaching programs, and feedback mechanisms to ensure that their leaders are equipped to navigate the challenges of the modern workplace.
Organizational Culture
The emphasis on organizational culture illustrates the realization that a vibrant culture is the heartbeat of any successful organization. The priority here is clear: let's foster a culture that makes employees want to show up to work (or at least log in) without the promise of free snacks. I see this as a call to action for Leaders to delve deep into the values that define their organizations. Nurturing inclusivity, innovation, and a sense of belonging is not just an HR initiative; it's a strategic imperative that influences talent attraction, retention, and the overall employee experience.
HR Technology: In a world where our phones unlock with our faces and cars drive themselves, shouldn't HR technology be equally enchanting? As technology continues to redefine the way we work, the focus on HR technology speaks volumes about the need for HR to be at the forefront of innovation. In my opinion, this priority reflects the acknowledgment that outdated systems hinder progress. Investing in advanced HR technologies isn't just about staying current; it's about leveraging technology to create a more efficient, user-friendly, and data-driven HR function that empowers both HR professionals and employees.
Change Management: Change is the only constant, and the spotlight on change management resonates with the challenges organizations face in an ever-evolving landscape. From my perspective, effective change management is not just a skill but a mindset that needs to be cultivated across all levels of an organization. It's about fostering resilience and embracing change as an opportunity for growth and innovation rather than a disruption to the status quo.
Career Management & Internal Mobility: The inclusion of career management and internal mobility on this list strikes a personal chord with anyone who believes in the potential for growth within an organization. It's a shift from viewing jobs as static roles to considering careers as dynamic journeys or as Sheryl Sandberg once put it “jungle gyms instead of ladders”. This priority, in my opinion, underscores the need for organizations to actively invest in their employees' professional development through coaching programs, upskilling and reskilling opportunities creating an environment where individuals can envision a future within the company.
A couple more items I feel should be included in this list:
Performance Management to Performance Enhancement: Fostering a culture of real-time feedback and coaching isn't just a priority; it's a performance revolution. It's about turning performance management from a chore into an ongoing dialogue, where teams and individuals receive guidance, coaching and encouragement in the moment. After all, in 2024, we're not just managing performance; we're enhancing it, one feedback loop at a time.
Continued Focus on Holistic Employee Well-being: Employee well-being isn't just about yoga classes and fruit baskets; it's about acknowledging that your team members are human beings with lives beyond spreadsheets. Whether it's through more robust mental health support, stress-busting initiatives, or simply encouraging (and meaning it!) a work-life integration that doesn't require a tightrope, putting well-being front and center is paramount to a happy and productive team.
In reading this list of priorities for 2024, it becomes evident that these are not just checkboxes on a to-do list; they represent a narrative of adaptation, growth, and empowerment. Leaders: gear up for yet another year of challenges and opportunities! May your coffee be strong and your HR strategies nothing short of legendary.
Where will your People & Culture Strategy take you this year?
Opinions expressed are based on my interpretation of industry trends and are not affiliated with Gartner.
Reference: Gartner HR Priorities Report 2024 (https://www.gartner.com/en/human-resources/trends/top-priorities-for-hr-leaders)