Top Workplace Trends to Watch Out For This Year

It's important to be aware of the latest workplace trends so you can stay ahead of the curve.

It's safe to say that the conventional workplace we once knew is no longer in existence. Many changes are gaining traction as we transition to a new kind of normal, replacing the traditional work environment. Here are a few emerging workplace trends to watch out for this 2022. 

Evolving Hybrid Work Model

The shift to working from home has become far more common these days because of the COVID pandemic.

Is working from home the new normal? Is it going to stick around for good? With the pandemic’s work-from-home pinch, most companies have discovered that they’ve been able to attract top talent from outside their local markets. This trend is expected to continue as companies are now able to hire highly qualified skilled candidates from all over the world.

Come 2022, organisations should assess their services, offerings, and customers’ needs to determine how flexible they can be in order to incorporate the evolving hybrid work model and to keep up with this trend into the workplace. Providing employees with the option of working from home or in a hybrid office will remain an important consideration.

The best organisations will leverage the benefits of hybrid work to their advantage. This is likely true for top talent, as well. Businesses that rely on constant monitoring and micromanagement instead of building trust with their employees will pay a high price for this.

Empathy-Based Leadership

Living through a pandemic has taught us the value of compassion and empathy. As we enter a New Year, emerging leaders with valuable soft skills like transparency and compassion will be something employees are keeping an eye on.

Employers want leaders who can thrive in ambiguity, inspire their employees’ faith in the future and give them a sense of purpose in the midst of a hectic work environment. In today’s workplace, it is increasingly important for leaders to be able to show their humanity and foster an environment where employees feel comfortable talking about their needs. Workers who are more trusting and connected will be better prepared to deal with future crises.

Vulnerability should be viewed as a core strength as well. Others will follow you if you show humility, trust, and confidence. More than just saying “I feel your pain” is required for effective empathy. This is not about leaders expressing themselves in a way that is in line with the desires of their subordinates. In the wake of the pandemic, many organisations are rediscovering this obvious truth.

The COVID crisis isn’t the only time for organisations to show empathy. Quick-thinking leaders know that an organisation’s greatest asset is its people, and empathetic leaders show they put their workers’ interests first, but exceptional leaders have both qualities.

Career Development Expansion

In this new era of work, research from Gartner suggests that employees’ critical skills and career development will be the primary focus. Adaptability will be crucial in workplaces in 2022 if this trend has any impact at all.

Versatile leaders who are able to take risks, dependable,  and thrive in the face of adversity are increasingly sought after by employers. Career experience will simply become a commodity traded for advancement to more complex and broader leadership roles in the business world. The key to long-term success is to cultivate the right mix of skills.

For high-potential leaders, we see a shift away from relying on the "gut feelings" of their immediate managers to identify them, and toward defined criteria and unbiased external analysis. Mentor networks with senior-level sponsors are the best way to identify and develop future leaders. With the help of an array of experts, employers can better match up high-potential workers to openings in their organisations.

Overall Employee Wellness

In the new normal, employees want their mental, financial, and physical well-being to be taken into account, not just to build a career.

Employees now expect more from their employers, so it's critical to create benefits that meet those expectations. Create an environment where our workers can perform at their full potential and where they are able to learn from their mistakes as well as be recognised for their achievements. If you have a healthy workforce that is able to do what they were hired to do and more, then you have a healthy workforce.

To move towards a more holistic view of wellness, companies need to hire and promote leaders capable of directing work tasks while also leading from the heart. When it comes to benefits, employees should be empowered to choose what kind of benefit that best meets their individual needs.

In conclusion, an era of exciting change is here. Many will rise to the occasion as we approach the New Year. What is your business doing to prepare for the changes that are on the horizon? Are you ready? Chat with us today. We can help hit the nail on the head and make sure your business is ready for whatever comes next.