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Human resources (HR) professionals need to redefine their skill set to meet the needs of not only the business, but also the transforming workforce. HR must create new strategies to develop personal connections between employers and employees, as well as adopt more automated approaches for routine tasks. Communication is one key skill that HR personnel need given that they are the first point of contact and businesses continue to prioritize social responsibility. HR needs to actively connect with various audiences, promote the company in a compelling way that gives the brand a lasting impression and helps candidates visualize what their experience would be like should they join the company. Secondly, HR needs to think creatively about what keeps a workforce engaged and retains employees with perks other than increases in salary. Perks that win over younger workers are centered around community, pampering, development, convenience and culture.

HR also needs to effectively coach employees, demonstrating to the workforce that they are appreciated and can empower themselves to become leaders and innovators. Part of that includes coaching at all levels of business to encourage and practice accountability between departments. HR also needs to develop a strategy for creating greater diversity and inclusion in the workplace that bridges the gap where differences are not seen as a challenge but rather something that brings everyone together. Accenture, for example, leads this movement with their “Inclusion Starts With I” YouTube series, that takes an overlooked and intimidating concept and makes it the foundation of their business, while using the voices of their employees to communicate their experience. Finally, HR needs to stay connected and ahead of the technology curve.

With HR being the driving force behind the training and development of employees, it’s crucial that HR learns new processes, strategies and systems to keep companies at the forefront of the industry.

Read the full article on Forbes.com.