Pandemic has HR walking 'tightropes' between talent priorities: Gartner

Dive Brief:

In order to balance competing talent and culture priorities as the coronavirus pandemic continues, executive leaders and their teams may have to walk "tightropes," according to Gartner. But it's possible to "strike a balance," between productivity and well-being, for example, if executive leaders help identify challenges and mitigate risks, according to the firm's report released Feb. 24.
In balancing personalization and fairness in work allocation, Gartner noted that leaders are inclusive when they are perceived as fair — treating all employees equal. "Equity is a 2020 buzzword that will continue in the 2021 lexicon, and for good reason," according to the report. But amid the pandemic, personalization is more important, Gartner advised. So, leaders must work on the balance between giving employees what they need and creating a sense of fairness among teammates. Executive leaders should discuss the competing talent priorities with their teams, such as the value of courageous conversations versus the risk of microaggressions, the report found. Making decisions about work allocation, addressing their team members' personal concerns and ways to celebrate and recognize employee contributions, should all be a priority for leadership teams, according to Gartner.
Transparency — communicating the company's plan and viewpoints "clearly and frequently" — on issues such as well-being initiatives and diversity and inclusion priorities, is essential, the report found. Working with HR partners to provide trainings and forums to support leaders and managers handle "unfamiliar and conflicting terrains," is necessary as well, Gartner advised.

Dive Insight:

The HR profession may involve competing and often contradictory priorities.

Under rising expectations, amid digital transformation and driving performance growth, HR professionals have been struggling with feeling "overcommitted". One such challenge during the pandemic and beyond is managing a hybrid workforce, when some employees work in a physical work location, and others work remotely, according to a Jan. 13 statement by Gartner.

Employers may need to implement changes in policies or pay practices in order to ensure a successful transition to hybrid work models. To reduce the need for employees to work on-site, HR teams may look into virtual reality and robotic process automation, for example, the firm said.

HR professionals have a better chance of building a strong, resilient base of talent, if executive leadership gives them the needed support and resources, according to Gartner.