Three Key HR Trends To Watch In 2018

Workplace Wellbeing

With the new year kicking off, global HR think-tank Reventure reveals the trends and recurring themes that will shape HR in Australian workplaces in 2018.

Lead researcher of global HR think-tank Reventure, Dr Lindsay McMillan said that after a busy year in HR in 2017, workers can expect to see three key trends.

'The main themes for 2018 will be across three pillars: health and wellbeing, new technologies, and purpose and meaning at work," Dr McMillan said.

'In 2018, workplaces should focus on making meaningful, proven changes, rather than implementing passing fads, in order to shape healthier, happier and more productive workplaces."

1. Increased focus on health and wellbeing

According to Reventure's report, Workplace Wellbeing, 25 per cent of Australian workers would sacrifice company perks for better wellbeing in their workplace.

74 per cent of workers also believe that workplace wellbeing programs, which cover everything from flexible hours to fitness programs, are worth the time and money.

2. Technology overhaul

The prevalence of artificial intelligence and automated systems to streamline processes will continue to rise. More workplaces can expect to see change management activities such as workshops and feedback exercises to help guide implementation of new technologies.

3. More than just a job

More employees are looking to their job to provide a sense of purpose – 44 per cent of Australian workers said a sense of meaning was important to ensuring a high level of personal wellbeing.

Further, 77 per cent of millennials said that they were looking for purpose and meaning in their work.

A future that works is a national workplace renewal campaign launched by global HR think-tank Reventure after research found 49% of Australian workers were likely to look for a new job in the next year. This campaign is aimed at highlighting effective and practical solutions so that workplaces can more actively engage with modern challenges.