As we step into the new normal, organizations need to address the future of work challenges and capitalize on opportunities. Here are ten trends that are radically changing work and employment expectations and should receive attention going forward:
1. A rise in hybrid and other emerging employment models
Gartner predicts that almost 50% of employees will continue to work remotely post-pandemic, challenging organizations to rethink their approaches to recruiting and managing talent.
2. Integration of employee monitoring tools
From tracking workforce productivity and engagement levels to the collection of their health and safety data, employee monitoring tools will help to better understand employee needs and enhance their experiences.
3. Increased focus on transparency
50% of employees are completely at ease with their monitoring if the reasons are explained to them. Now that collaboration and monitoring tools are on the rise, enterprises need to adopt transparent communication strategies so that employees better accept such implementations.
4. Enhanced workforce management flexibility
Since new employment models such as talent sharing and “80% pay for 80% work” can lead to significant cost saving, contingent workers will increasingly replace full-time employees, paving way for flexibility in workforce management.
5. Emphasis on employee empowerment
Now that the pandemic has placed employee support at the heart of enterprises, employers need to expand and enhance social security nets that further improvements in their employees’ physical health and emotional well-being.
6. Separation of critical skills and roles
Today, organizations need roles that can support and enhance their critical workflows. Thus, organizations will need to encourage employees to develop critical skills for their career development, rather than preparing them for the next specific role.
7. Building a culture of inclusiveness
The humanitarian crisis of the pandemic has pushed organizations to prioritize the overall well-being of their workforce. Meeting the changing expectations of employees requires the creation of a culture of inclusiveness.
8. Shift toward resiliency
The pandemic has exposed various vulnerabilities in efficiency-centric work models. To future-proof their organizations, business leaders need to focus on building resilient enterprises with redesigned roles and workflows.
9. Customized approach to workforce management
Remote working models are here to stay, opening opportunities for geographic diversification and investment in secondary markets. Therefore, organizational management must be customized to better align with the expectations of their diverse workforces.
10. Widespread technology adoption
Technology will continue to be a driver of organizational efficiency. Enterprises will need to create an AI-augmented workforce and use other digital tools to gain a competitive advantage.
