Technology has completely reinvented the role of Human Resources of every organization. The rise of artificial intelligence, mobile computing, social media, and increasing automation has dramatically transformed every aspect of a business including talent acquisition.

Here we present the top trends we think will be important for HR in the Philippines this 2017. The list could have been longer, but we focus on the magical 6.

1. Going Digital

Data has been getting more and more accessible each day as organizations switch to the realm of digital recruitment. This means improved efficiency for professionals to closely screen candidates by means of coming through social media platforms. They can arm themselves with data and will become very strategic when it comes to making decisions. For example, establishing talent pools using data helps talent acquisition leaders improve their understanding of the market.

Furthermore, digital technologies have made recruitment less pain-free for professionals and candidates alike. Gone are the days of sheet of paper in recruiting workforce. Thanks to social media and online job applications which have banished the resume. As a result, employees have an easier and more efficient way to truly seek awesome individuals who are equipped with the right tech skill-sets and entrepreneurial mindset to remain competitive in this fast-changing digital world.

2. Employee Referrals

Due to multitude of job cuts in the previous years and hiring freezes in some companies, job seekers in the Philippines are dealing with a tight competition. And HR professionals are tasked and pressured to find the best talents with the right skill-set. It means one thing- employee referral is an effective way to find and hire the best people. Instead of taking the chance by hiring an unknown candidate, recruitment professionals prefer to choose those who are referred by past or existing employees, reducing the risk of bringing in the wrong people to their roster.

3. Changing Demographics

The Millennials are set to enter the workplace and they are ready to change how businesses operate. As the boomers move closer to retirement each year and the Generation X inches toward leadership positions, hiring demographics will be a game-changing trend in the Philippines this year. From challenging flexible hours and greater emphasis on work-life balance to ditching the classic office layout, HR professionals need to adapt to and embrace the new challenges. The increased number of Millennials set to enter the workplace will lead to an influx of creative and tech-savvy workforce.

4. Freelancers & Part-Timers

This year, we have witnessed a significant increase in freelance and part-timers as employees are looking for greater flexibility in the workplace. As a result, IT professionals and creative industry setters get pressed to recruit and retain the best talents, as the new generation of workforce is no longer engaged by financial incentives but by work-life balance and job satisfaction. With their entrepreneurial wiliness and iron will power for self-actualization, the Millennials will surely go the freelancing way.

5. Performance Consulting

Redefining the performance management process has always been a big issue among many business in the previous years. It’s good to get rid of the traditional paternalistic procedure, where a boss with limited observations has to provide feedback and remarks to his employees. And this year will be more focused on performance consulting for HR professionals in the Philippines. Talent acquisition leads can help good people become even better by giving concrete feedback and suggestions on how to further improve their performance. Frequent helpful feedback from different sources is one huge driving force towards performance improvement.

6. Workforce Optimization

As the workforce becomes more and more digitalized, businesses continuously seek for ways to optimize their workforce. And it means a much stronger emphasis on skills. On the job training focused on individual skill development is therefore a game-changing trend in HR in the Philippines. High-skilled employees are cost-effective and more productive in the working environment. At the same time, training and development go a long way to attract and retain top talents.

With different factors such as a fast-paced digital society, new work models, and the need for continuous relevant feedback, there has been significant transformation on how things get done in the HR department. Organizations are always working harder and harder to keep their workforce happy, healthy, and engaged.

We’ll be looking forward to more HR trends in the Philippines soon!