5 trends that are changing the modern workplace
The way we work has changed drastically over the past few years, and both companies and employees are continuing to adapt when it comes to safety, technology and fairness. The following trends are just a few changes that are altering the typical workplace in 2022, per Gartner.
Organizations will put more of a focus on fairness and equity
Fairness, equity, inclusivity and diversity are all issues that have been forced to the forefront of company visions. Because employees (and the general population) are holding companies to a higher standard and demanding transparency, they are being more upfront about things like employee compensation, the differences between working remotely and in office, and how many people of color are employed or in executive positions.
There will be a focus on employee health
Wellness and health are becoming a part of corporate packages, beyond the traditional sick time and health insurance. Among the new perks are different well-being programs that can include therapy, life coaching, and gym memberships or exercise incentives. Gartner reports that among those who participate in their company's wellness benefits, 23% experience higher levels of mental health, 17% experience higher levels of physical health and 23% are more likely to say they sleep well at night.
Companies may shorten the workweek
For companies that can't (or won't) increase pay for their employees, they may shorten the workweek. As salaries continue on an upward trajectory, not all companies can keep up. Those that aren't able to make good offers to employees may choose to reduce hours to increase the value of those hours. As a way to compete, Gartner predicts that some employers will offer a 32-hour workweek.
The tasks of managers will change
Gartner predicts that some managerial tasks will be automated. As a result, managers will adopt a different kind of role and relationship with employees. For example, tasks like scheduling, expense report approval and confirming the completion of tasks done by employees may become something that's handled by new technology. This will hopefully allow managers to put more of a focus on employee growth and success.
Employers may enforce a return to office
This concept won't help the increasing rate of turnover, but generally executives believe that employees in the office are working harder and producing more. Many executives have the thought that working remotely diminishes company culture. According to research from the Society for Human Resource Management, as reported by the BBC, in the U.S. 72% of managers currently supervising remote workers would prefer them to be in the office. This doesn't match up, however, with the number of employees who would like to stay remote.
Employees are holding employers to higher standards and refusing to settle for anything less. Companies and workplaces are doing what they can to meet the demands and provide a positive working environment. These trends are important to keep in mind while hiring for positions, searching for jobs and while managing a workplace in today's world.