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5 Recent Trends In Higher Education HR

5 Recent Trends In Higher Education HR

In every industry, HR teams have to work hard to find and retain the best talent. This is especially challenging in higher education, as you’re battling government spending cuts, increased demands from higher education teams and the need to find better talent all the time. To really stay a step ahead, you need to be aware of the trends that are emerging in the world of higher education HR. Here are some of the most important trends that you need to know about right now, so you can be prepared.

1. Creating An Online Brand

In this era, every industry needs to have an online presence and brand. Without it, you’ll be left behind, as your target audience expect to be able to find you online. If you’re trying to find new talent, then you have to be online. Right now, around 80% of job seekers primarily use the internet to find work, and so you need to meet them where they are.

If you want to find the very best talent, you need to create an online brand for your institution. When you put this together, you’ll be drawing talent that you can’t normally reach through other channels, such as print or in person.

2. Using HR Software Systems

Right now, you’ll already be using certain software systems in order to keep on track with goals and stay in touch with each other in your teams. Now though, there are specific HR software systems available that you need to be using. ‘These systems are designed with HR in mind, and many institutions are already using them ‘says tech journalist Ian Grady, from Essay Writing Service.

For example, you’ll be able to make data driven decisions, thanks to the metrics you’ll have access to. You can keep track of the candidates for the roles you’re trying to fill, and ensure you’re choosing the right person for the job. You can also automate repetitive tasks, such as posting openings, requesting e signatures, and so on. You’ll save a lot of time and effort with the right software.

3. Hiring Millennials

As you’re hiring staff now, most of the talent you’ll be looking at will be Millennials. As such, this requires a different approach to hiring and drawing in that talent. All good HR teams know that different generations need different things from their roles, so you’ll need to be able to give Millennial candidates what they’re looking for.

When you’re looking to hire Millennials, you’ll need to emphasise the culture you have at your institution, and how they can progress in their career. You’ll also need to remember that Millennials are looking for more flexibility in their work, so that’s something to offer if you can.

4. Improving Diversity In The Workplace

Thanks to recent college admissions scandals, there has been more discussion recently about how to make admissions and hiring more equal. As the HR team, you have a duty to encourage diversity as much as possible. Many higher education centers are now looking to improve their diversity and become leaders in the field.

The more you can do this, the better talent you are going to attract. Many potential candidates are going to look for your commitment to diversity, so make sure you’re doing all that you can.

5. Addressing Burnout

Now more than ever, we are seeing burnout in the higher education field. Your HR team need to be able to address it, and understand what needs to be done to avoid it in your staff. It’s even more important now, as the pandemic will have had an effect on everyone, staff and students alike.

If you’re not addressing it, that’s how you lose highly talented staff as they leave with stress related illnesses, or move to other industries. One way of combatting this is to hire a Chief Human Resources Officer, who can put measures in place to protect staff.

These are just a few of the trends that are emerging in higher education HR right now. Your team will need to address any trends that you’re seeing in your institution, and face them head on. Doing this shows current staff you’re taking care of their needs, and attracts the very best new talent to your school.


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