2022 came with a lot of new ways of working that have employers and recruiters on their feet about how to manage employees' needs. Now more than ever, employers need to prepare for the changes that will happen in the work market in 2023.
Having been in the business consulting, and career coaching field for over a decade and having worked in different industries, I have noticed how the nature of work has changed. The shaping up of trends geared towards employee growth, agency, and ultimately fulfilment, will become a necessity for companies in 2023.
Below, I sum up the main trends about the new workforce that companies need to look out for if they want to stand out, attract, and retain the right talent:
1. Increasing work flexibility
After the COVID-19 pandemic and the method of working shifted, employers realized that work could be done from home, and the employees loved it. Although this was seen as a "nice to have" for a lot of employees, it is not so anymore.
It has become a necessity for companies to implement remote work, not just an added advantage any longer. Companies that want growth in 2023 would have to embrace hybrid, remote forms of work, and contingent solutions to fulfil their needs and attract the right talent.
This work flexibility stems from the newly found personal agency in people. In addition, many professionals increasingly choose freelancing as a way of working that allows for more flexibility. In general, we are increasingly more in tune with ourselves, desire to spend more time with family, and want to live fully without allowing the workforce to hinder that. It also helps promote the much-talked-about and valued work-life balance.
It now feels redundant to repeat, but for most companies that do not embrace this, it will mean lagging behind and losing out on productive employees or attracting clients.
Not all is lost, as for professionals, this might mean an opportunity to differentiate by being prepared to be "physically available."
2. Mental health as an indicator of company health
Having become more crucial than ever, the connection of mental health with work has been a serious topic in the post-pandemic era. Professionals are increasingly prioritizing mental health and well-being. This link cannot be overlooked, especially since the workforce is dominated by millennials and Gen-Zers who do not shy away from being expressive. It has simultaneously become imperative to take the health of workers seriously because of the impact it has on their productivity.
A lot of professionals have left companies due to cases of burnout and the need to breathe. For a working environment to function, people must feel good and excited to work. In my short-term interim management assignments over the last months, I have observed that companies where workers are able to take breaks, freely communicate their emotions, get provision for counselling, fun/team building sessions, and support groups visibly thrive and record enhanced productivity.
3. Training, Coaching & Development
This trend is going to be key to employee retention in 2023. People don't just want to work in one role forever. They seek companies that contribute to their growth. A junior software developer wants to have attained skills that will allow him/her to position themselves as a senior developer in 2 years or a year.
People don't just want to go to work, they want to grow to work.
Companies can do this by providing avenues for the employees to learn and help them upskill to fill higher roles in the company. It also involves learning soft skills like developing relationships, self-awareness, time management, and good communication skills that will enhance employee relations and productivity.
Considering how challenging the quiet quitting trend has been, investing in people on a personal level can help not only attract talent to the company but also breed loyalty, retain the best people and contribute to the company's growth.
4. New ways of working, learning and collaboration
Although not new, the concept of teamwork will become more critical towards enhancing productivity. Employees working together as a team helps to improve problem-solving, adaptability, healthy workspace, engagement, provide support and participation which contributes to the employees feeling supported thereby leading to work efficiency. Companies must take this initiative if they want satisfied employees.
New and creative ways of working, but also of learning, creative workshops, simulation games, etc., are all tools & methods that enhance employee experience along with collaboration and strengthening team bonds.
Working more with attached freelance fleets that support companies in non-regular moments when needed, is also a trend that could benefit companies in building their eco-system for human, knowledge & skill resources.
Working more with attached freelance fleets that support companies in non-regular moments when needed, is also a trend that could benefit companies in building their eco-system for human, knowledge & skill resources.
5. Multi-level Inclusion & Diversity
It is widely accepted that multi-disciplinary, and diverse teams as in the Agile way of working, contribute to performance, speed and efficiency of productivity and creativity. But the moral and social reasons to choose an employer are becoming more and more the norm among professionals.
To get a competitive advantage in the market, it is important that the company is not only accepting towards the difference in people’s values, viewpoints, and backgrounds, but plays an active role in encouraging and facilitating inclusion & diveristy. Gone are the days when people are judged based on the kind of hair they wear out.
Promoting diversity from race to class, gender, or religion will give companies an edge. Being all-inclusive through the provision of support towards the values of employees from giving them the freedom to their practices, and supporting good causes will help to attract the socially-aware new-age professional.
The inclusion of different groups of people enhances a more eco-systemic workforce through cross-cultural, cross-company and cross-industry liaisons.
Work trends evolve over the years and reflect how employees want to be treated and what employers need to do better. While most of these workforce trends may have started earlier, new approaches to them have formed, and trends like work-life balance, collaboration, new ways of working, development, and health as a priority will become more prominent for companies, big or small.
Our Unbossing Peers have the experience and expertise to guide you and your company along unbossing journeys that puts your company in a position to leverage these workforce trends. Get in touch today to speak to an unbossing expert.