--- title: 7 Workforce & HR Trends to Look Out For in 2018 description: Here are some trends and changes that experts predict will play a role in workforce management and human resources in 2018. image: https://blog.navigatepeo.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/pexels-photo-265072-2-e1515527279242.jpeg --- [![Navigate](https://blog.navigatepeo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Navigate_PEO_June2021/images/logo-color-whitebg.png?width=335&height=2100&name=logo-color-whitebg.png "Navigate")](https://blog.navigatepeo.com/) - [Services](https://navigatepeo.com/services/) - [About](https://navigatepeo.com/about/) - [Industries](https://navigatepeo.com/industries-served/) - [HR Resources](https://info.navigatepeo.com/resource-center) - [Benefits of HR Outsourcing](https://info.navigatepeo.com/benefits-of-hr-outsourcing) - [Navigate Blog](https://blog.navigatepeo.com/) - [Resource Center](https://info.navigatepeo.com/resource-center) - [Savings Calculator](https://navigatepeo.com/contact/) - [The Compass: A Monthly HR Newsletter](https://navigatepeo.com/category/the-compass/) - [Login](https://www.navigatepeo.net/index.asp) - [Client Login](https://www.navigatepeo.net/index.asp) - [Employee Login](https://www.navigatepeo.net/index.asp) - [Labor & Expense Portal](http://50.203.147.195/NavigatelWebPortal/Account/Login.aspx) - [Contact](https://info.navigatepeo.com/contact-us) ![7 Workforce & HR Trends to Look Out For in 2018](https://blog.navigatepeo.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/pexels-photo-265072-2-e1515527279242.jpeg) # 7 Workforce & HR Trends to Look Out For in 2018 by [Tom Disilva](https://blog.navigatepeo.com/author/tom-disilva) on 9 Jan, 2018 Now that 2017 has come to a close, employers are looking to the future and creating or adjusting workforce management strategies for the year ahead. Here are some trends and changes that experts predict will play a role in workforce management and human resources in 2018: **An Eye for Analytics:** We are now entering a time where HR analytics is no longer considered a niche part of Human Resources, but rather an established and key business function. HR analytics refers to applying analytic processes to HR practices to glean insights and uncover the ROI of various tactics. According to the High Impact People Analytics Study from Deloitte,  69% of companies are taking steps to build a people analytics database, compared to only 10-15% before. Now, HR analytics has evolved from being simply about ROI. They can now be used for “measuring diversity, gender pay equity, skills gaps, labor utilization, retention rates, real-time feedback, and even organizational network analysis,” [according to Forbes.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshbersin/2017/12/16/people-analytics-here-with-a-vengeance/#59d025bd32a1) **Increased Adoption of HR Software:** The incorporation of employee analytics is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to the ever-increasing digitalization of the entire HR realm, and the workplace itself. 2018 will see a large uptick in the adoption of HR software into HR processes, especially recruitment, employee retention, and attrition. In particular, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will reshape the way certain processes are carried out. There are already a number of companies, such as [Arya](https://goarya.com/), offering an AI recruiting platform that “ identifies what makes a high-quality candidate through machine learning, big data, and behavioral pattern recognition”, and brings them into the candidate pipeline. **Gig Economy Redefining the Workplace:** The “gig economy” is a term used to describe the shift towards temporary, short-term jobs, with many companies opting to hire contractors or freelancers as opposed to long-term employees. An example of the gig economy in action that we all know is Uber, where drivers are hired not as actual employees of Uber, but as short-term contractors, and thus receive no benefits. In 2018, more employers may be tempted to move towards this model, but must also consider the potential repercussions. **Continuous Feedback and Learning:** In recent years, employee interest in performance reviews have been trending down. Many employees today are uninterested in having performance reviews at a specific time, such as annually, and instead prefer to receive continuous, constructive feedback. 2018 will usher in an era of continuous feedback and learning in the workplace, with the help of new tools such as learning management software (LMS). **The Rise of Telecommuting:** Research tells us that the volume of employees that have telecommuted or “worked remotely”, has risen to 44%, up from 39% in 2012. With the internet being such a crucial component in the work of so many employees, there is more freedom for people to work wherever they have access to it. In addition, younger employees in particular place a high value on flexibility in the workplace, so more employers will begin to offer the ability to telecommute in order to attract and retain talent. **Changing Political Regulations:** This may not be a new trend, but it is something that will continue to be important to pay careful attention to in 2018. The Trump administration is consistently in the headlines regarding policy changes that could greatly impact employers and the workforce such as changes and reductions in regulations surrounding healthcare, pay equity, immigration, paid time off, and more. Employers must be proactive in monitoring these changes and knowing how they will impact their business and the steps they must take to accommodate the changes. **Generational Breadth:** We are at a very interesting and complicated time, with four generations now making up the workforce. That being said, research continues to show that many businesses are failing to understand and take steps to meet the unique needs of each generation. For example, the [Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) reports](https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/trends-and-forecasting/research-and-surveys/Pages/aging-workforce-research-initiative.aspx) that only 36 percent of businesses have actually taken a look at internal policies and practices in place to address older employees in the workforce. Each generation has unique desires and needs, and sometimes they can conflict with the desires of needs of other generations. Employers must be aware of the general characteristics of each generation that makes up their workforce, and what their unique preferences and working styles are. Furthermore, employers must be prepared to take action to address these unique needs, such as developing a plan to help the oldest generation of the workforce prepare for retirement. With all of these changes taking shape in 2018, it is critical for business owners to invest time and resources to prepare for them. Doing so, however, can detract from the other functions of the business that help it to grow. Luckily, business owners do not need to become bogged down the burden of keeping up with HR and workforce trends.  [![contact us today](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/473026/4d66d63c-528e-48e8-9d84-5958a5d89871.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/473026/4d66d63c-528e-48e8-9d84-5958a5d89871) ## Subscribe to our blog!  #### We respect you and will never sell your information. ![Navigate Logo_Icon Rounded Square](https://blog.navigatepeo.com/hubfs/Navigate%20Logo_Icon%20Rounded%20Square.jpg) Tom DiSilva Tom DiSilva has been providing [**professional human resource services**](https://navigatepeo.com/services/) for over 30 years. As the CEO of Navigate PEO, he actively partners with organizations of all sizes in the Greater New England area and across the country to help their businesses grow. He has expertise in [**HR and Labor Management**](https://navigatepeo.com/category/hr/), offering guidance and support for key areas of business such as negotiations, operations management, employee coaching, and [**employee benefits design**](https://navigatepeo.com/category/benefits/).  - ## [*Got an HR question?* Schedule a free HR consultation with Tom!](https://info.navigatepeo.com/contact-us) [Trending Topics](https://blog.navigatepeo.com/topic/trending-topics), [Human Resources](https://blog.navigatepeo.com/topic/human-resources) ## Continue reading helpful HR articles from Tom. ## [Should You Hire, Delegate, or Outsource HR?](https://blog.navigatepeo.com/should-you-hire-delegate-or-outsource-hr) Small HR teams are rarely capable of handling the full spectrum of HR functions. The lack of time, expertise, and resources lead to errors, compliance issues, employee. ## [How Does Outsourcing Impact HR?](https://blog.navigatepeo.com/how-does-outsourcing-impact-hr) Every year, Human Resources for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) is becoming more and more complicated. A small HR team may struggle to cover the entire ground, from. *Disclaimer: this article does not represent expert advice and is provided for informational purposes. Please **[get in touch if you would like expert HR advice.](https://info.navigatepeo.com/contact-us)*** [![More HR Articles](https://blog.navigatepeo.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Navigate_PEO_June2021/images/freddie_button_dont_stop_me_image.png) More HR Articles](https://blog.navigatepeo.com) ## Your business is going places. We’ll help you get there. - [About](https://navigatepeo.com/about/) - [Services](https://navigatepeo.com/services/) - [Industries](https://navigatepeo.com/industries-served/) - [HR News & Resources](https://blog.navigatepeo.com/) - [Navigate Cares](https://navigatepeo.com/corporate-giving/) [Book an HR consultation with Tom](https://navigatepeo.com/contact/#schedule) - 20 A St, Burlington, MA 01803 - [(781) 552-5040](tel:781-552-5040) - [info@navigatepeo.com](mailto:info@navigatepeo.com) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/navigatepeo/) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/navigatepeo) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigatepeo/) *© 2026 Navigate PEO* [Sitemap](https://navigatepeo.com/sitemap/) | [Privacy](https://navigatepeo.com/privacy/) | [Login](https://www.navigatepeo.net/index.asp) [Questions? Feedback?](https://www.olark.com/site/5278-691-10-9334/contact) powered by [Olark live chat software](http://www.olark.com?welcome)