With the onset of the New Year, it’s an opportune time to review your HR management practices, performance, and departmental and business needs. Look ahead to pending changes that will 
impact your plans in the next 12 months. From technology to tax laws, from health care to wage requirements, there’s a lot to consider as you develop the best possible strategy for success in 2015.
Legal Changes on the Horizon
For California employers, the past year has been very active both in the courts and the legislature. Among the issues to keep on your radar screen as you complete your 2015 HR objectives are:
- New employment-related legislation.
- The state’s new mandatory sick leave law.
- Wage and hour requirements.
- Exempt status changes.
- Disability accommodations.
- The Affordable Care Act, and more.
The Need for a Global Approach
In 2015, HR will continue to go global, as businesses trend toward using more contingent and remote employees. These are freelancers, temps, part-timers and contractors who currently help make up the workforce at almost 35 percent of U.S. companies. Fortune magazine predicts that this percentage will soon grow to between 40 and 50.
- Talent is where you find it. That doesn’t always mean it’s in your geographic proximity – or even your own country. This entails payroll and compliance issues as well as talent search needs.
- Increase your global presence. Technology puts it at your fingertips via worldwide networks and social communities.
A Cloud-Based Future
Cloud-based HR solutions enable your employees to become empowered, as they have instant access to helpful apps and resources through their mobile devices.
- Use of the cloud simplifies work flow and improves information reporting. This allows your HR team to use their time more proactively in support of larger business goals.
- Cost savings stem from greater agility in your processes. You can make use of the latest cloud technology without making any major changes to your tech infrastructure.
A New Employee Culture
In 2015, Millennials will become the dominant workplace population segment for the first time in history and the youngest Baby Boomers will celebrate their 50th birthdays. Be ready for an emerging workforce that expects 24/7 flexibility and transparency. And have plans in place to ensure a seamless knowledge transfer between generations.
- Make your employees feel they’re integral to the organization. Flexibility, innovation and openness to change are required not only to attract Millennials, but also to retain them. Research has shown that in many cases, they’ll go elsewhere if they don’t quickly find the culture that works for them. For many younger workers, this is even more important than compensation.
- Employee recognition is critical. It has to be valid and sincere. Get to know your team members as the valuable individual contributors they are. A simple pat on the back doesn’t cut it anymore.
Social Media Here to Stay
The benefits of connecting on a growing variety of social networks and convey information to targeted audiences in real time are immeasurable.
- Instead of policing access to social media, enlightened and agile companies harness its vast power and reach.
The recruitment and workforce development experts at PrideStaff Modesto can help you manage your ongoing HR needs, stay on top of relevant developments, and lead your company to competitive success in 2015 and beyond. Read our related posts or contact us today to learn more.
