This week we’re beginning a series of blogs that identify the top HR trends for 2017.

Start preparing now, if you haven’t already. 2017 is right around the corner and we’re breaking down the top trends for HR that you should be considering for your business. Let’s get started!

1. Workforce Skills.

A topic that has been warming up throughout 2016 is poised to go red-hot in 2017. It’s urgent because in order to succeed you need to be able to retain a highly skilled team and retention maintains a struggle for many companies. An initial push for outsourcing employee training has slowed in favor of “peer-to-peer” training: your staff training your staff. It’s tapping into the strengths already present. You’re bound to have a social media guru who can teach the rest of your team. Same goes for a policy brain. This solution is cost-effective and team-building. What’s not to love?

2. Shake Up “Business As Usual.”

Are you performing certain tasks a certain way because you always have? Stop. Question. If it makes the most sense for productivity, go for it. Otherwise, it’s time to get out of the rut. Create teams from different departments and challenge them to collaborates on new procedures. You’ll reap the benefits.

3. A New Business Structure.

The hierarchical chain of command. Is this outdated? The trend to restructure is growing and the result gives merit to the idea that “flat organizations” (those with little mid-level management) may be the smart choice for productivity. Allege advantages? Some studies suggest flat organizations elevates the employees’ level of responsibility in the organization and improves the coordination and speed of communication between employees. Worth considering.

Change is always constant and you can always rely on Eos HR to guide you to the solutions that make the most sense for your business. Stay tuned for more 2017 trends in the world of HR!