Predictions for 2016
A Bold New World of Talent,
Learning, Leadership, and HR
Technology Ahead
R E S E A R C H R E P O RT
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C O N T R I B U T O R S
Lead Author
Josh Bersin
Principal and Founder
Bersin by Deloitte, Deloitte Consulting LLP
Bersin by Deloitte
Deloitte Consulting LLP
Head of Research
David Mallon
General Manager
Andrew Huddart
Manager, Publishing & Curation
Laurie Barnett
Manager, Visual Design
Jennifer Hines
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Note from the Analyst___________________________________________________4
Ten Key Predictions for 2016_ ______________________________________________8
1. Digital HR Arrives—Changing the Way HR Organizations Design and Deliver
Employee Solutions. 8
2. The Need to Improve the Employee Experience and Harness People Data Drives
the Stampede to Replace Dated HR Systems. 11
3. New Models of Talent Management Emerge—Creating a New Generation of
Talent Management Platforms. 13
4. The Rush to Replace and Reengineer Performance Management Accelerates
around the World. 15
5. Engagement, Retention, and Culture Persist as Top Priorities—With New
Feedback and Analytics Systems Coming to Market. 19
6. Global Leadership Development, Coupled with Career and Talent Mobility, Takes
on a Fresh New Focus. Mentoring and Coaching Grow Rapidly. 23
7. The Revolution in Corporate Learning Continues as a New Model Evolves. 28
8. Diversity and Inclusion Merge with Key HR and Business Strategies—To Move
Well Beyond Compliance and Become a Strategic Part of Business. 31
9. People Analytics Accelerates Its Growth—Evolving to a Mainstream Program in
the HR Function. 36
10. The HR Profession Leaps Forward as a New Breed of HR Leaders Enter the Stage. 39
Closing Remarks________________________________________________________ 41
Table of Figures_________________________________________________________ 42
About Us_ _____________________________________________________________ 43
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Each year since 2004, we have published our Predictions report for the year ahead. As I
read through them, I see how we have been able to track many of the biggest changes in
HR, leadership, and talent practices, technologies, and business trends.
This year, entering 2016, we see many disruptions taking p