Issues around talent management are becoming more and more complex, from the role that artificial intelligence and talent analytics plays, to the shift in how people are looking to get compensated. To succeed in attracting, developing and retaining top talent, it's critical to be agile and forward thinking. Recruiters are no longer looking at employment gaps with raised eyebrows as the stigma of taking time off between jobs to raise children, travel, or learn new skills wears off. Tactics to reach professionals who have been out of the workforce include targeted proactive sourcing, talent communities, workshops, alumni networks for those who have left the company and may consider returning, and'buddy' systems for effective onboarding. Making artificial intelligence more'intelligent' Artificial intelligence (AI) has been touted as a new holy grail in recruiting – particularly in helping to source qualified candidates.

As technology develops at a seemingly exponential rate, the potential for radical transformation in the workplace might seem a dizzying prospect. HR managers need continually to be flexible in adapting to new situations, and keeping on top of emerging trends. We HR managers need always to be asking: 'How can I redefine the role of HR in this organisation so that I'm adding value?' Here are the top six talent management trends for 2018 and beyond, to help spark your imagination in the process. More people are more plugged-in to their work more of the time, so there's an increasing emphasis on the employee experience.