Companies need to be mindful of their employees' needs and their influence in a larger sense
When we envision a modern workplace, what exactly do we picture it as? For a lot of working professionals, a workplace would involve variations in cosy common areas, open floor plans, community amenities, game rooms, and so on. It is no surprise that workplace design covers aspects that focus on ergonomics and climate conditions, among other things.
Modern workplaces have evolved beyond prioritising physical safety. With the onset of the pandemic, workplaces are witnessing a changing landscape in workplace norms now more than ever. Workplace trends have a direct effect on business efficiency and, for the same, it is imperative to understand how new trends are shaping the current workforce.
How is the modern workplace changing?
Workplaces are evolving from simply being a place of work to centres of innovation and collaboration in a broader sense. In this sense, trends that form or make modern workplaces are important. Continuous feedback and digitisation are two main trends that are shaping the workforce today as compared to the workforce earlier.
What are the 4 biggest workplace trends?
For employers, staying up to date with the modern workplace trends helps in talent retention, increased productivity, offering them an advantage over their competitors in the market. For employees, a workplace that prioritises changes in the business to accommodate their needs gives them room to push for career growth, attain work-life balance, and develop professionally are preferred.
Here are some major trends that rule modern workplaces
Hybrid work arrangements
Hybrid work arrangements have gained favour among employees in recent years, especially since the onset of the pandemic, as this mode of work allows for greater flexibility in working and promotes work-life balance like never before. This mode of work can help workplaces to reduce the cost of renting office spaces, among others.
Although a hybrid workforce allows the management access to a larger talent base, the lack of interpersonal relations may be one of the highest-ranking disadvantages that arise from work from home modes. In some cases, these modes of remote work may also discourage employee engagement and collaboration. Post pandemic, a lot of companies have started remote work or shifted to a hybrid model of working.
Focus on employee well-being
It is increasingly evident that employee well-being is directly linked to employee retention and productivity within the workplace. This has led to many companies adopting policies that advocate for employee well-being and the outcome has been positive. Some ways that companies promote employee well-being are by providing opportunity for professional development, health safety measures, mental health support, and flexible work hours.
Emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
In light of various social movements coinciding with workplace dynamics, companies now realise the importance of promoting or harbouring a workforce that is diverse and inclusive. Apart from the advantage of leveraging diverse perspectives, this is one method of ensuring that your business is rooted in DEI qualities. Some companies adopt accessible policies to incorporate disabled working professional within their workforce, which can also be done through community engagements, and cultivating a culture that values inclusivity. Adopting unconscious bias training and diverse hiring practices are some ways corporations can take a step toward initiating a robust DEI strategy in their organisation.
Technology integration
Tech integration is key in transforming modern workplaces and changing some key aspects of the current workforce. Technology has enabled digital collaboration and made remote work viable. It has also supported the automation of certain processes, reducing the impact on manual labour. Technology has pushed modern workplaces into another strata of development that was previously deemed impossible.
Sustainability
Sustainability has evolved from being a buzzword to a call for action strategy in most workplaces. Companies now realise the importance of CSR, and this is a huge trend ahead of the looming threat of climate change. Adopting eco-friendly policies, creating sustainable supply chains, and investing in renewable energy are various ways to achieve sustainability and corporations are putting in concerted efforts in this arena.
In conclusion, with the evolution of workplaces, especially in forms of remote work, DEI initiatives, and technology integration, among others, companies need to be mindful of their employees’ needs and their influence in a larger sense.
