In a near instant, massive changes in work structure occurred and suddenly the majority of employees were doing their daily jobs from their home. Management, from senior executives to direct supervisors, along with the entire HR staff, had to adapt to a host of new issues brought about by this change.

As the pandemic started to fade, both business and HR professionals hoped that everything would return to the pre-pandemic normal. This was not at all the case. Employees who lived and worked in near bunker-like conditions in their homes, had been deeply affected by the turmoil of the pandemic and spent a lot of time reflecting on what they truly wanted and felt they deserved in life. This led to the Great Resignation, and waves of employees leaving their jobs for better opportunities. HR staff and management have to adapt to these altered realities, and bring new and improved professional skills to their chosen career.

Improve Your Skills with Higher Education

When you are an HR specialist, you need a wide range of skills to tackle all of the issues that arise as part of your work. In addition to a deep understanding of business, you have to be a great communicator, an expert in HR regulations and laws, and be up to date on management techniques and the latest technologies too. One of the best ways to make sure you have the skills you need to handle the current challenges is to enroll in courses at your local college or university. To help pay for all or part of your degree, look online for scholarships for college students so you can apply and save money on your higher education. A business degree or an MBA can give you the up-to-date academic training and certification you need.

Expertise in Employee Experience and Relations

One of the key factors that led to the Great Resignation was an overwhelming feeling by employees that they weren’t respected, cared for, or understood at work. After facing one of the most challenging events of recent times, workers who had time to think about what they really wanted in life resoundingly put being valued at the top of the list. The days of dynastic edicts from top management, uncaring bosses, and abusive situations at work are over. To succeed in today’s world, companies need HR professionals with strong interpersonal skills and an empathetic and caring approach to employee relations.

Coaching and Advising

High employee turnover and the inability to even fill all the open positions can cripple a company. In today’s labor market, many businesses have had to curtail operations or close on certain days because they just can’t get enough qualified workers. To help alleviate and address these shortages, HR specialists need to develop superb coaching skills. Employees want to know they matter, and that there is a hope and a future for them with their company. A HR team that can work with employees as trusted coaches or advisers will go a long way towards alleviating the worker shortages faced today.

Stress Management Skills

The last several years have been unbelievably stressful, and the extreme nature of the issues we are facing does not seem to be subsiding at all. The pandemic, the struggle to balance remote and hybrid working and the constant stress associated with working remotely, worker retention, and recruitment have taken a toll on those serving in HR. When you talk to senior HR leaders, one of their biggest concerns is the soaring stress levels of all within the HR group. It’s vitally important that you take the time to learn stress management skills and routines, and put them in place in your life.