Top 5 Routines for HR Pros in 2024

The year flew by, and 2024 is fast approaching. Are you ready? Ready or not, here 2024 comes! 

1. Embrace Data-Driven Decision Making

Regularly analyze workforce data and trends to make informed decisions. Use analytics for everything from recruitment strategies to employee engagement and retention. W. Edwards Deming, an American engineer, statistician, professor, and management consultant, said, "In God we trust, all others must bring data."

2. Prioritize Mental Health and Well-being

Implement and promote mental health programs. Encourage a culture where taking mental health days and discussing mental well-being is normalized. Use the Calm app for business. Then, leverage employee feedback. Regularly conduct surveys and create channels for anonymous feedback. Use this information to improve HR policies and workplace culture, focusing on mental health and well-being. 

3. Adopt Flexible Work Policies

Stay updated with evolving work models. Implement and refine policies that support remote work, flexible hours, and work-life balance. A popular quote related to working from home is by Stephen King, the renowned author: "Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration; the rest of us just get up and go to work." 

4. Continuous Learning and Development

Dedicate weekly time to stay abreast of the latest HR technologies, laws, and best practices through webinars, HR events, and reading. Also, invest in training and development for your employee population. Establish a routine of career pathing sessions with employees, focusing on their professional growth and opportunities within the organization. Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group: "Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don't want to." 

5. Enhance Employee Experience

Regularly review and update the employee journey. Focus on creating a positive and engaging work environment from onboarding to exit. A lot happens in life—marriage, births, anniversaries, divorce, death, and more. A famous quote from the movie "Rocky Balboa" goes like this: "Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!" As HR professionals, we must execute Romans 12:15 NIV Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Adopting these habits and routines can help HR professionals effectively navigate the evolving landscape of the workplace, ensuring they remain valuable and relevant in their roles while engaging in the complexity of humans.