In March 2020, the global pandemic shook the foundation of the world we live in. Companies needed to make changes to accommodate workers that were either under shutdown orders or quarantined due to COVID-19 exposure. Workers in certain industries found that they can complete most or all their duties at home using a Wi-Fi signal, computer, and smartphone. Also, they saved time and money by avoiding long commutes. Employees had more time to run errands, spend time with loved ones, and pursue hobbies. Since COVID infection rates are lower, many organizations want to transition their employees back to the traditional 9 to 5 workweek. However, many workers are not willing to return to the status quo. Some will even search for a new job if their employer stops providing work-from-home benefits.
Here are the workplace trends that we are experiencing now and can look forward to over the next few years.
- Increased emphasis on employee well-being. The last two years of the pandemic have taken a toll on many people. Employees are experiencing a variety of stressors including COVID burnout, increased at-home demands, high housing costs, and out-of-control gas prices. As a result, companies need to provide more comprehensive healthcare insurance plans to cover the higher risk of mental and physical illness. Companies should prioritize mental health, physical fitness, alternative healthcare (e.g., acupuncture and chiropractic care), and increased claims coverage. Likewise, some businesses are testing four-day workweeks; employees would either work 32-hour workweeks or continue to work 40-hour workweeks with slightly longer workdays. Such changes can help increase productivity, improve job satisfaction, and decrease turnover.
- Not coming to the office does not necessarily mean missing work. If a worker cannot come to the office due to illness or a last-minute emergency, it is far easier to resume work once the issue has subsided. There is no need to worry about giving your co-workers a cold at the office when you can work from home. Also, workers will not have to use as many of their sick or vacation days.
- Communication and collaboration are virtual. With new remote office technologies, many employees can work from home. “The collaboration and communication landscape is more important than ever, with the majority of organizations transitioning to a hybrid workforce that includes a large population of permanent telecommuters,” notes Josh Hamit, CIO of Altra Federal Credit Union in Wisconsin, and a member of the Emerging Trends Working Group for IT industry association ISACA. While businesses are worried that this dramatic shift will cause a decline in workplace culture and ability to work as efficiently at home, they know they must make the transition. “It’s evident that all the big players in unified communications recognize that the complacent platforms of yesterday are no longer going to suffice in a post-COVID world,” he says, “so, we’re seeing a rapid acceleration that is leading to some extremely creative innovations.” (“How Remote Work Is Changing Collaboration | BizTech Magazine”)
- Making the most of artificial intelligence. Workplaces are already integrating AI technologies, such as speech recognition, chatbots, and biometrics, into their projects. These technologies can help employees streamline normally mundane and time-consuming tasks, making it easier for the employee to get tasks done quicker. Experts predict that the adoption of AI technologies will lead to the creation of 97 million new jobs by 2025. (“The Future of Work in 2022 | Cloudbooking”)
- Digitalization and automation are coming to the forefront. Saurabh Kumar, CEO at Rezolve.ai, states, “While 2021 was the year of recovery, 2022 will be the year of growth. The global pandemic has made organizations worldwide realize the importance of digitization and the application of modern technologies to get the work done. As a result, companies and professionals are ready to enter the new year on a high note and make their ventures prosper with this technological acumen.” (“2022 Workplace Trends and Why Employee Experience Matters”)
Conclusion
The pandemic undoubtedly changed the world we all live in, and the workplace is no different. Ever since a substantial portion of the U.S. workforce had to work remotely, they experienced a variety of time and cost-saving benefits. Some workers are no longer willing to return to the rigid 9 to 5 workweek at the office. As technology evolves, more companies will be able to provide their employees with the tools to complete their work at home. In the end, increased emphasis on employee well-being can improve company productivity and performance. If you’re interested in learning about our remote office solutions, contact us at info@swifttechsolutions.com or 877-794-3811.
Sources
Bonderud, D. How Remote Work Is Changing Collaboration. (2021, June 24). Retrieved from: https://biztechmagazine.com/article/2021/06/how-remote-work-changing-collaboration
Bailey, J. Workplace Trends That Will Shape 2022. (2022, March 15). Retrieved from: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/418971
Kumar, S. 2022 Workplace Trends and Why Employee Experience Matters. (2021, December 5). Retrieved from: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/393082
Madhosingh, S. 5 Work Trends Business Owners Should Focus on in 2022. (2022, January 23). Retrieved from: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/410222
Hall, J. How Hybrid Work is Affecting Workplace Trends. (2021, June 25). Retrieved from: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/375736
O’Connell, M. How Employees With Disabilities Are Influencing Workplace Trends In 2022. (2022, February 08). Retrieved from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2022/02/08/how-employees-with-disabilities-are-influencing-workplace-trends-in-2022/?sh=68625c1155df
Marr, B. Future Of Work: The 5 Biggest Workplace Trends In 2022 (2021, November 22). Retrieved from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2021/11/22/future-of-work-the-5-biggest-workplace-trends-in-2022/?sh=4153ddfb7d0f
Comaford, C. 4 Troubling Workplace Trends – And Brain-Based Tools To Navigate Them. (2021, September 30). Retrieved from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinecomaford/2021/09/30/4-troubling-workplace-trendsand-brain-based-tools-to-navigate-them-infographics/?sh=53e685854dcc
Schochet, C. 10 Workplace Trends To Watch For In 2021. (2021, January 11). Retrieved from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/01/11/10-workplace-trends-to-watch-for-in-2021/?sh=7498129b3ddf