Two more sets of forward looking views are noteworthy as 2008 begins. WorldatWork Highlights Key Predictions for Human Capital Management in 2008 and Beyonds first two predictions of eight combine to validate the process and technology investments that companies need to make if they want to achieve the next level of business performance:

1. The successful organization of the future will excel at acquiring, organizing and strategically deploying global resources.

2. There will be increased global connectivity, integration and interdependence in the economic, social, technological, cultural and political spheres.

The Herman Trend Alert: 2008 Workforce/Workplace Forecast also calls out eight factors in the coming year. Four caught our immediate attention:

1. Recruitment in a Tightening Labor Market
3. Retention in the Face of Increasing Choices for Employees
4. More Employers Will Focus on Metrics
6. Lack of Succession Preparation

Without innovative recruiting and sourcing solutions, time to fill and recruiting costs are predicted to increase as the war for talent tightens the labor market. Retention of key employees is more than worth the investment in formal internal mobility programs. Increased efficiency of automated performance management processes also delivers consistent performance metrics. In many companies, formal succession plans will become not just a stretch goal for HR, they will be considered a basic operational requirement.

And finally because a little humor is a welcome way to start a new year, read CareerXroads Tongue-In-Cheek Predictions for 2008. Happy New Year 2008!