What’s Hot in HR in 2020!

Three years of rapid change, technological transformation and automation have propelled HR into hitherto unforeseen trajectories. Here in the UAE, as we get set for Expo 2020, Human Resources is destined to play a greater role than ever before, in ways not envisioned earlier. On the plus side, this analysis, compilation and overview is about hot trends and positive developments in HR. On a sombre note, it is a clarion call to embrace change, a warning to the traditional “HR Manager” and a death knell to trends on the wane. As a pioneer in HR in the GCC for over 12 years, TASC has been witness to transformation and rapid change in the region. Every time industry analysts said this is it, this is the new way business will be done, we have been surprised at the transient nature of the trend. We have been quick to keep pace with change, stay in sync with the evolving algorithm and convert an emerging industry need into a business practice. Such agility has propelled the transformation of TASC Outsourcing into an integrated HR services player over the last decade. As we enter 2020, our range of services include Contract Staffing, On-Demand Staffing, Permanent Recruitment, Recruitment Process Outsourcing, Payroll Processing and Executive Search. Consistent industry recognition continues to inspire our growth. TASC has won laurels such as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Award 2019, Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award 2019 – Silver, recognition as a Superbrand in 2019 and being named Top Innovative Staffing Agency 2019 by LinkedIn. Since inception in 2007, we have been fortunate to have a ringside view of HR, and an insider view as well. What follows in this White Paper is a fusion of our observations from both fronts, the first in our Knowledge Series for this year. Get set for our in-depth analysis… of What’s Hot in Human Resources in 2020:

Artificial Intelligence

Alexa – Find me a Job! That could be a future scenario (do you know that recently a girl in the US whose car got swept into a river, and could not reach her iPhone, exclaimed: “Siri Call 911,” and the rescuers did arrive because of AI). At TASC, we deploy AI for Volume Hiring. We use machine learning to replace the process of manual screening and shortlisting while sifting through a large database or applicant list, for openings in Logistics, Retail, Telecom or Hospitality sectors. AI proved particularly useful when we had to recruit workforce for a leading e-commerce company in the UAE last year. We started with a database as large as 550,000, screened 800 candidates using AI-based software, shortlisted 200, selected 80 for interview and on-boarded 50 for our client. As the above project affirms, Artificial Intelligence is geared to find you a job or be found on a database search. Tips for the Job Seeker

• Build your resume with the right keywords to make it searchable on online search engines or by recruiters.
• Build your network on platforms such as Linkedin. Make sure the setting for Job Opportunities is enabled (this will enable recruiters in your network to contact you).
• Include relevant hashtags when you Post or Blog.

Tips for the Employer

• Invest in state-of-the-art HR software (here is the good news: According to Ideal, a leader in AI solutions, companies using AI-powered recruiting software have reduced cost per screen by 75%, improved revenue per employee by 4% and decreased attrition by 35%).
• For executive search, stick to referrals and networking for now (robot headhunting is sometime away since human interaction is a pre-requisite for the corner office).
• Beyond search and selection, use AI for personalized employee experience (example: “conversational AI” which uses chat-bots to answer FAQs).

Data Analytics

If you are a CEO, you have seen this: Your HR Manager or Sales Head walks into to your cabin and declares that a key resource, or your entire A-team is planning to quit en masse. Soon, this scene will be passé, or should we say this too will pass. Predictive Analytics, part of People Analytics, can help address employee turnover or attrition before it happens. HR is still discovering the exciting field of data-driven People Analytics, designed to help organizations drive business strategy, improve performance and personalize the employee experience. A survey by The Corporate Research Forum found that 69% of organizations with 10,000 employees or more have an entire team devoted to People Analytics. According to a study by LinkedIn, the number of HR professionals in North America who list Analytics as a key skill in their profile has increased by three-fold in recent years. Tips for the Job Seeker

• Look for a role in People Analytics if you are an IT professional with the following skills: SQL, Advanced Excel (Charts, Macros, VLOOKUP, pivots, etc.) and other analytics tools (e.g., Tableau, R/Python).
• Another in-demand area is Data Storytelling Skills – which helps derive meaningful insights from data sets.
• Get qualified in Data Science, Data Visualisation or Behavioural Psychology. Some of the roles you will come across on job boards are HR Analyst, Data Analytics Platform Developer and Organisational Analytics Manager.

Tips for the Employer

• Use People Data to make critical decisions that may impact the future of the organisation.
• Location of a new office or team, work place redesign, a merger or acquisition… should be based on people analytics and not just the CEO’s vision of the future.
• For mass recruitment projects, use Analytics for the shortlist, and thereby reduce the reject list. One bunch of rejects with a poor interview experience can hurt the company’s reputation in the market.

Augmented Reality in HR

Anyone who has donned an Augmented Reality Headset, or been an early enthusiast of Pokémon GO, will vouch for the power of the medium – the creation of a real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory inputs such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. Big 4 Global professional services firm PwC has forecast a $4 billion boost to the UAE economy from 2020 to 2030, through virtual and augmented reality deployment. AR and VR are estimated to contribute 0.6 percent to job creation in the UAE during the next decade. As a disruptive technology, Augmented Reality today has gone far beyond gaming and visualisation and is expected to play a pivotal role in the HR lifecycle - recruitment, onboarding and enhancing employee engagement. Remember, early adoption is the key, for candidates and companies to get the best out of AR. Tips for the Job Seeker

• Candidates with a degree in Engineering, Applied Mathematics or skills in 3D-imaging or animation are suited for AR roles.
• Skills in demand are Java, C or C++, knowledge of Android SDK and iOS SDK, Agile development, Unity 3D, ArCore, Vuforia Arkit and Native ArCore Android.
• Roles include AR Designer, Animator, Sound Artist, Content Developer and User Experience Designer and AR App Developer.

Tips for the Employer

• Role Narration: Simulate the role using AR, thereby giving applicants a visual and virtual perspective before accepting the offer.
• Onboarding: No more tour of the office or plant facility as part of orientation. Instead, an interactive AR session can help convey company history, introduce colleagues and list amenities such as prayer room, cafeteria and gymnasium.
• Training: Use AR to simulate difficult or hazardous work conditions to gauge the worker’s crisis preparedness.

Remote Working

A red-hot trend in the USA, now gaining traction in the Gulf. Remote working is the standard operating mode for at least 50% of the US population. Here in the UAE, the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation encourages part-time and full-time remote working by UAE Nationals.  Key objectives include creating employment opportunities for Emiratis residing in remote areas, saving on transportation expenses and enhancing family ties through better work-life balance. Tips for the Remote Employee

• Vacancies advertised for Emiratis will specify if the role is compatible with remote working. Look for this feature and apply.
• Ensure you are accessible to team members during work hours.
• Challenges may arise due to remote working… be prepared to handle them. Seek advice from HR to resolve problems if any.

Tips for the Employer

• Invite remote workers to visit the office at least once a month - give them opportunity to learn and grow.
• Nurture remote workers with training programs – this will cut attrition and increase traction.
• Ensure equality between remote workers and in-office peers.

It is worthwhile to note that Emiratisation ranks as a Key Performance Indicator in achieving UAE’s Vision 2021 and building a competitive knowledge economy. In support of this laudable objective, TASC Outsourcing has set up an exclusive Nationalisation Desk. TASC has over 40 recruiters, including Arabic speakers. UAE Nationals seeking job opportunities and Employers who require the services of TASC as their Emiratisation Agency.

Gig Economy

This emerging trend simply says, you can be your own boss! Gig workers choose to give up the stable confines of an organisation, unshackle from corporate norms and work as an independent contractor or freelancer. Not to be confused with contract staff, gig workers represent a fresh and significant segment of the workforce. According to estimates, 47 percent of millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, are freelancing in some form in the United States. Is it possible to freelance in the UAE? You can, if you comply with regulatory requirements. The Nation’s progressive HR policies are geared to nurture your independent spirit. Several free zones in Dubai offer freelancer license in line with the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to position the Emirate as an innovation and talent hub. Take a look at GoFreelance which lists more than 50 work categories in media, technology or education verticals. Also check freelance license options offered by Dubai Silicon Oasis, RAKEZ, Ajman Free Zone, Creative City Fujairah and twofour54 in Abu Dhabi. Tips for the Freelancer

• Build your reputation through on-time project delivery and quality of service.
• Be visible on business portals through regular Posts and Blogs.
• Skills ideal for freelancing in the UAE include: graphic design, web design, CAD, video production, software, language translation, legal services, content writing, photography and digital marketing.

Tips for the Company

• Post your projects on freelance-oriented portals such as Nabbesh and Utalenta.
• If you have a regular flow, create an assignment link for freelancers on your company page.
• Company culture and employer branding are as important as in permanent hiring – spread the good word to attract the best of freelance talent.

So here we are, at the end of our review on what’s hot in HR in the year ahead. To recap, we covered AI, Data Analytics, AR in HR, Remote Working and Gig Economy. To get the best out of this article, revisit your area of interest and take special note of the tips or recommendations we have presented to candidates and employers.   The author of this article is Mr. Abbas Ali who is the Senior Vice President at TASC Outsourcing. As a key member of the executive team, he is intrinsically involved in developing strategies to increase efficiency, productivity, global expansion, and profitability. While strategizing the firm’s direction, he oversees the tactical planning, and daily operations of sales, marketing, business development, and recruitment. To know more about our recruitment & staffing procedures and services, get in touch at +971 4 3588500 or write to us at sales@tascoutsourcing.com or you can contact him directly on abbas@tascoutsourcing.com #staffingagency  #staffingsolutions  #AIinrecruitment  #ai4hr  #HRnotes   #HRinUAE   #humancapital  #humanresources   #HiringTrends  #hrtrends #2020trends #2020