Looking Both Ways
By Deborah Thoben
Moving from our most popular stories in 2018 to predictions for 2019, it appears that the tightening labor market and adoption of artificial intelligence will continue to trend. Other hot topics for the the new year include diversity and equality in the workplace, bias in the hiring process, data security, and a shift in job titles being hired by major tech companies.
■ 2018 IN REVIEW Our top stories in 2018 were 1) More Jobs Than Unemployed, 2) Quiet in the Workplace, and 3) An Urban Amazon Oasis.
• More Jobs Than Unemployed. For the first time in the history of the United States there were more jobs available than there were people looking for work. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report for May showed that in April of 2018 there were 6.7 million jobs available and only 6.4 million people listed as unemployed. Going into 2019, the experts seem to feel that unemployment will continue to stay at historic lows.
• Quiet in the Workplace. According to the Center for Applications of Psychological Type, introverts make up anywhere from 47-55% of the population in the U.S. Using this statistic as a springboard, we took a look at how almost all interviewing processes and workplace incentives are modeled to appeal to extroverts. As we continue to ride into an ever-tightening labor market, hiring managers will be focusing on any and all potential candidates who may have been previously overlooked.
• An Urban Amazon Oasis. Going into 2019, we now know two new east coast headquarters are scheduled to be built by Amazon in Long Island City, NY, and Crystal City, Virginia. Back in January of 2018, however, Amazon was proudly opening its doors to its Amazon Spheres in the middle of downtown Seattle. It will be interesting to see how quickly the new Amazon headquarters will take shape and if they will be unique as the Spheres.
■ SOME PREDICTIONS FOR 2019
1. Further adoption of Artificial Intelligence. As AI makes its way into a variety of HR processes, hiring managers will slowly start to appreciate the value of automation. Instead of fearing replacement, HR professionals will begin to see the positive potential of the new technology. Instead of performing nonstop busy work, hiring managers will be available to concentrate on the human aspects of their jobs requiring judgment, creativity and flexibility.1
2. Diversity and Equality. In conjunction with new software and machine learning, companies will make great strides in marketing open positions and reviewing candidates with less bias from race, religion, gender, and similar factors. Not only is it the right thing to do, past studies have shown that diversity strengthens a company’s profitability. A 2017 study by McKinsey & Company of more than 1,000 companies from 10 countries found that long-term company valuations and profitability were higher for employers with more diversity and gender equality.2
3. Employee Experience (EX). While companies are busy recruiting new hires, it has become more important than ever that employers also retain the employees they already have. Establishing wellness programs complete with fitness trackers, allowing flexible work schedules and commutes, and providing opportunities for social interaction are just a few of the ways employers can create a sense of work/life balance for their employees.3
4. Tech Hiring More Non-Tech. A recent study indicates that nearly half (43%) of the open positions for major tech companies are now for non-tech jobs. The reasoning seems to be that even tech companies need traditional workers when it comes time to expand and grow a company. Non-tech professionals such as sales, marketing and accounting who want to enjoy the perks and benefits of working at a high-profile tech company might just be considering a move in the coming year. 4
5. Employee Data Security. The same data security issues that retail and credit companies have experienced over the past few years will become top of mind for employers in 2019. Last year alone, 22 million records were exposed in over 600 cybersecurity data breaches. Employers are collecting more data than ever from their employees on pay, productivity, and wellness and it’s vital that they safeguard that sensitive information to retain employee trust and brand integrity.5
1 https://www.techrepublic.com/article/6-reasons-why-ai-adoption-will-thrive-in-2019/
2 https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/delivering-through-diversity
3 https://www.inc.com/guides/201105/7-ways-to-improve-employee-satisfaction.html
4 https://www.geekwire.com/2018/nearly-half-job-openings-tech-companies-non-tech-roles-study-finds/
5 https://www.techrepublic.com/article/7-tips-for-cxos-to-combat-cybersecurity-risks-in-2019-and-beyond/