Changes in the Workplace with significant Human Resource Management Implications

            There are several changes in the workplace with significant human resource management implications. These changes are all new in management since historically, they have not been issues.

            First, with the rate of increase in the number of obese in the United States, the work place is slowly being affected by the increase. At present, obesity is becoming an issue in many companies and organizations.  Obesity is not a simple matter for these companies. This is because obesity can be caused by a disease and the company cannot simply penalize an employee for being overweight. However, there are other companies which are more proactive. These proactive companies have their human resource management create financial penalties or rewards based on weight or other screenings such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, body mass index and others. The employees then will have to pay their own insurance plans or will be rewarded financially, depending on whether they pass the screenings or not.

Another change in the workplace which has significant human resources management implications are the increasing number of older employees. These employees, called “Eldercare Generation”, have returned to work not as regular employees but under different status, such as part-time workers, consultants, etc. Some companies had their human resources management made provisions for these older employees. These provisions or benefits cater specifically to their needs. Some examples of these benefits include on-site medical and wellness center, on-site education program for college credits, fitness and recreation programs, paid sabbaticals or “seasonal work” , comprehensive financial benefits, “float” options, flexible work schedules, temporary assignments, job rotations and part time work policy. Many companies now realize that providing these benefits is good business since for every $1 they spend on eldercare benefits around $3 to $14 is the return to the company.

Lastly, changes in marriage and childbirth are now redefining the workplace and the human resources management must again face to the new challenges brought about by these changes. The trend of individuals postponing marriage has made the workplace an opportunity for men and women to meet and develop a relationships. Office romance is becoming more common and the company must now face a different set of questions about workplace standards. The human resource management must now have a new formal policy regarding romance between co-workers.  As employees stay single longer and as these single employees generally do not have children, the workplace has become a combination of home and workplace. And, as the workplace has more singles, the office is no longer just a place to do business. Because of these changes, the human resource management now has made the workplace less formal and more comfortable. Well designed lounges and kitchen are just some of the new features added to the workplace.