HR Trends for 2021 are predicted to be broadly the same no matter where you look – DEI initiatives, the growth of remote work, digital transformation, and HR being thrust into the spotlight. But ASE’s newest report now available in the ASE Member Dashboard, shows how ASE members are responding to those trends.
ASE Partner, McLean & Company, recently completed its annual HR Trends Survey and has released the ASE member report. This special report shows how ASE members are responding to HR Trends.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
DEI is at the forefront of the conversation for HR professionals. The pandemic surfaced even more challenges around DEI: childcare, accessibility in a remote world, and wellbeing are all more critical than ever before. DEI is now in the top five priorities of organizations for 2021. In 2020 it ranked #8.
ASE organizations have put a greater emphasis on DEI in the last year. In 2021, only 11% of ASE organizations say they are not focusing on DEI, compared to 26% in 2020.
ASE members rose to the challenge of expanding support for working parents during the pandemic. 69% of ASE members now offer flexible work options compared to only 42% in 2020. In addition, 52% now offer counseling support such as EAP compared to a mere 19% in 2020.
HR Stress Levels
63% of ASE member HR professionals strongly agree that their stress levels have increased. In 2020, only 39% reported increased stress levels. 2020 definitely helped to push HR into the spotlight across many organizations. 52% of ASE respondents stated they are an organizational partner compared to only 15% in 2020. HR is officially at the table! But with this, comes additional stress.
Remote Work
To no surprise, 8 out of 10 ASE organizations are planning on implementing or continuing some form of remote work in 2021. Over half of ASE organizations report that 50% or more of their roles are capable of being performed remotely on a permanent basis. However, there is still a lack of enthusiastic support around the prospect of permanent remote work, with 42% of senior leadership at ASE organizations being against it. The permanent solution will likely be a hybrid model of both remote and office work.
Digital Transformation
35% of ASE member respondents stated they are conducting training on virtual communication and teamwork. However, 42% are doing nothing to support the digital transformation. This is an area with great room for improvement among ASE members. Reactive quick fixes were enough to survive 2020, but long term, proactive action is required to support organizations staying digital and outperforming their peers.
Additional ASE Resources
To dig much deeper into the 2021 HR Trends Survey data, please join us for a webinar where McLean & Company analysts will discuss the findings in more detail:
2021 HR Trends
January 20, 2021
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
McLean & Company analysts will discuss the findings of the 2021 HR Trends Report. They will also take a special look at the data from ASE member respondents.
REGISTER