HR professionals looking at L&D programs to retain employees in 2019: Report

Over 46 per cent human resource professionals are looking at improving learning and development programs to increase employee retention in 2019, according to a report. "As nearly half the HR professionals predict a skills shortage in 2019, organisations will look to bridge the gap internally through robust training programs. Moreover, in order to flourish in the ever-evolving business landscape of today, targeted L&D programs that cover futuristic skills are becoming more indispensable than ever before," according to a report by job portal Shine.com.

Offering growth opportunities through L&D is also a bid to increase employee retention, about 46 percent of HR professionals said. This report is based on a survey of HR professionals across various industries, including IT, e-commerce, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, telecom, media and entertainment, education and training and automotive among others.

Further, the report revealed that in 2019, enhancing talent acquisition management is going to be a major focus area. For this, 61 percent of HR professionals plan to focus on better talent acquisition policies in 2019, it added.

To further enhance the talent acquisition process, over 53 per cent said they are planning to redesign employee/HR interface using technology. Around 47.16 per cent respondents plan to adopt technology-driven HR tools like artificial intelligence tools, virtual reality and hiring tools within their organisations in the coming 12 months.

Additionally, 36.75 per cent surveyed expect some kind of disruption in their industry in the next 2-3 years, it added. This technological convergence is also expected to transform existing profiles and responsibilities and give rise to new job roles, apart from replacing low-value jobs, the report said.

"It was no surprise that we found digitisation and technology will be impacting the HR function most across sectors. With the skills shortage predicted, talent acquisition focus will be very high for HRs," Shine.com CEO Zairus Master said. Other trends that are slated to dominate the HR landscape include the adoption of flexible HR policies and working hours, growth of digitisation and an uptick in freelance workers.

Trends such as flexibility and digital experience will further help organisations to bring down attrition rates and increase employee retention, the report added.