HR's Own Change Management

2008 HR Trend Book​

The one constant in human resource management is change.

That's why HR professionals strive to keep up with the latest news and trends: Change represents a major challenge in their jobs. Consumer-directed health care… automatic 401(k) enrollment … wellness incentives … online recruiting tools … impending baby boomer retirements. These are among countless HR developments that are rapidly changing, affected by technology, government regulations, the economy, demographics and other environmental influences.

And that's why this 2008 HR Trendbook, a supplement to HR Magazine, takes a step back to compile a big-picture look at significant HR trends and survey findings. We've combined new reporting with highlights from recent SHRM Online news coverage and statistical insights from the SHRM Research Department. For example, a mere four years from now, one of every three U.S. workers will be over age 50. Do you know how employers are preparing for that evolution in their staffs?

The rate of increase in health care insurance premiums has slowed in the past year, but continues to be a vexing concern for employers and employees alike.

For information on how employers plan to hold down costs next year, see page 7. Meanwhile, more employers are trying to incent workers to improve and maintain healthy lifestyles. See what techniques they're using on.

And the housing market's decline during 2007 has likely not yet hit bottom. How are employers wrestling with the headaches associated with relocating existing employees and new hires?

You'll find these and many other insights beginning on the next page. Of course, remember that--as Bob Dylan sang--"The times they are a-changin'," even as you're reading.

— The Editors