Remember the “old days” of work, less than a year ago? The morning commute, a work day in the office, and the evening commute? A (mostly) 9-to-5, Monday through Friday workweek? The biggest health concern being the spread of the common cold?
Those seem like distant memories in the current environment, and we know they’re not likely to return anytime soon. The workplace has undergone a seismic shift over the past year, and we’ll see more of it in 2021. Here are my Top 5 Workplace Trends for the new year.
- Health and safety remain top priorities. This comes as no surprise. Employees must feel protected in order to be productive. Even with the COVID-19 vaccine out, expect no letup in safety and security protocols. Employers that understand and respond accordingly will gain an advantage in hiring and keeping the best employees.
- Remote work and flexibility are here to stay. Both employers and employees have learned that remote work can be productive. As a result, employees expect to be given flexibility in how, where and when they work. Same story here: employers that provide remote and flex opportunities will more easily build and keep a top-performing team.
- Upskilling employees is essential. The rise of the virtual work environment has forced employees to get up to speed quickly on technology. Employers must ensure their workforce has the necessary tools, and is trained on how to use them, in order to be impactful. It’s actually a win-win for employers: they’re enhancing productivity while also supporting employee growth and development.
- Investing in employee wellbeing is critical. This used to be a nice benefit; the pandemic has made it an imperative. Savvy employers are offering access to mental health therapy, apps and seminars, and promoting physical health through exercise programs, nutritional tips and other healthy practices. Doing so shows you care about your workers while also positioning them to succeed.
- The growing Gig Economy will offer more opportunities. Technology makes it easy for businesses to connect with individuals that offer a wide range of expertise. Hiring a gig worker is a great way to bring in top performers at a fraction of the cost. And with remote work on the rise, it will become an increasingly appealing option to employers facing the challenge of hiring in an employees’ job market.
While most of these trends were in motion prior to COVID-19, the pandemic has accelerated their integration into today’s workplace. Need assistance in adjusting to this new normal, and using it to your advantage in hiring, engaging and keeping great employees? The expert team at Alaant is ready to help. Contact us today and let’s get the conversation started!
