Major human resources agendas have been dominated by the same topics for a while now — recruiting, benefits, diversity, and health and wellness. While these focus areas are table stakes for HR professionals today, they are no longer enough to satisfy what employees seek in 2024.

We've seen a revolution among employees who are confidently asking for more than employers have historically offered. And there's good reason for those employers to be listening intently. We are in an economic period where the inability to attract and retain employees impacts companies' growth, operating profitability, and often, brand experience as well.

HR has a pivotal role in helping companies adapt to this new reality, and it requires moving beyond the status quo to embracing new priorities. As a result of the pandemic, HR gained additional influence among C-suite executives as new priorities like the future of work, retention, engagement and labor optimization came to the forefront.