After a roller-coaster ride of changes in 2021, many caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, 2022 promises to be filled with its own set of challenges for the workplace.

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As you reflect on the past year and think ahead to what the new year will bring, now is a great time to think about the actions you can take to breathe new life into your workforce management activities for 2022.

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4 Resolutions to Support Your Talent Management Strategy in 2022

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As the pandemic transformed organizations across just about every industry, workforce management practices came front and center in 2021. Now, as you prepare to lead your workforce out of the pandemic into a very different talent management landscape, here are four actions that can help you remain competitive and well-positioned to meet your business goals for 2022 and beyond:

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Recommit to improving employee retention

After a year in which the “Great Resignation” led to record numbers of employees leaving their jobs, in 2022, you will need to focus on maintaining retention at all levels of your organization. In addition to those who have already left, research by Qualtrics has found that the length of time people intend to stay at their company has fallen by 11 points for managers and seven points for individual contributors. As a result, you’ll need to take more proactive steps to keep your people and avoid a turnover crisis.

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In 2022, you’ll need to continuously monitor your retention rate, and at the same time, focus on employee recognition, career advancement, and other activities to help you manage turnover and keep your best talent.

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Get up to speed on changing compliance requirements

Changing labor laws are nothing new, but the new year is a perfect time to make sure you understand how the latest requirements may affect your business. Whether you need to make plans to comply with the employee COVID-19 vaccine mandate proposed by the federal government or new state laws for overtime and paid leave, now is the time to examine your payroll, time tracking, and leave management practices to ensure they are compliant with current regulations.

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Assess return-to-work plans

Once thought to be a temporary pandemic-related phenomenon, widespread remote work is here to stay. According to the Gartner 2022 HR Trends Report, 95 percent of surveyed HR professionals said that at least some of their employees will work remotely after the pandemic.

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Since 2022 is likely to have its share of new COVID-19 variants that may complicate your plans for returning some or all of your workforce to on-site work, it’s a good idea to routinely revisit your plans. In doing so, you can keep your contingency plans current and identify opportunities to offer employees continued flexibility in where they work.

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Continue to support employee mental health

One of the most pressing issues affecting employees during the pandemic has been mental health and wellbeing. According to research by The Standard, nearly half of employees (46 percent) have reported struggling with mental health issues since the start of the pandemic. Many said that their mental health also negatively affected their productivity at work.

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Given that high stress and anxiety have the potential to lead to burnout at work and higher rates of absenteeism and turnover, it will be critical to continue offering support that bolsters your employees’ mental wellbeing. Some actions you can take include:

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● Implement an employee assistance program (EAP)

● Remind employees about available mental health and wellness benefits

● Train managers to demonstrate empathy in leading their teams

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Make a Great Start in 2022

While every year brings a new set of challenges and opportunities, 2022 is likely to be a standout given the continued pandemic and the fluctuating job market. Though there will be many variables beyond your control, you can take specific action to support your employees and create an environment where they can be productive and engaged. Thankfully, you don’t have to do it alone. As your HR services partner, MarvelHR can help you execute your talent management goals for 2022 and get the year started right. Contact us to learn how we can help.

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