As the business landscape has evolved, new technologies and economic changes have shaped the way people do business and has inevitably affected the workplace. Only ten years ago, the technology and benefits that modern innovative workspaces offer today seemed impossible, and working from home was reserved only for freelancers and contractors.
Employers who want to keep pace with the modern business world and attract top talent need to transform their workplace and create a productive and engaging work environment. With that in mind, here are the top workplace trends you should embrace.
Soft Skills Matter Big Time
Hiring highly skilled employees used to be of paramount importance for the success of every company; however, emerging digitalization and automation has made it possible for some redundant roles to be filled by technology. This means that companies should shift their focus toward developing employee soft skills instead of focusing on hard skills.
Focusing on soft skill development, such as leadership and communication, will help employees be ready to fill the gaps left by automation. Soft skills make it possible for employees to adapt to new changes and to take on roles and workloads that cannot be taken on by technology.
Gender Equality Is a Must
Promoting gender equality has been high on businesses’ agendas for quite some time, and yet, companies are still struggling to make sure that there are female leaders. Stats say that women hold fewer than 5% of CEO positions in the US and Europe, which shows that the business world is still far from gender equality.
Having women in leadership not only makes your business an example to society, but it can also improve the profitability of your business. Scientific research has shown that companies with women in management experience a 15% increase in profits. Including women in traditionally male-dominated industries can also result in a company culture shift that promotes innovative and creative thinking.
Employee Experience Makes All the Difference
Millennials and Gen-Z will soon make up 35% and 24% of the global workforce, respectively. This will bring in a new generation of workers with new skills and assets, but it is important to note that these two cohorts are not driven to accept jobs simply because of a fat paycheck. Rather, they are driven by a desire to create a sense of purpose for themselves and change the world for the better. This means that they want to work for the companies who share the same values as them and want to make a difference.
A business that is actively cultivating a sustainable office culture, promoting green initiatives, or advocating for social issues is the type of business that Gen-Z and Millennials want to work for. By embracing change in these areas, your company is more likely to attract new members of the workforce.
The Future of Work Is Remote
Faster internet connection and a number of different online collaboration tools and platforms have made remote work more convenient than ever before. If you already haven’t already provided your employees with the option to work remotely, it’s high time you jumped on the bandwagon.
Employees of the 21st century hold flexibility and freedom in high regard, which is why remote work is such an excellent compromise between you and your employees. It allows them to organize their time better and spend more time with their families, which meets their flexibility wishes. On top of giving that, working from home can also boost employee productivity which benefits you as a business owner and employer.
Work-Life Balance Is a Game-Changer
Happy and healthy employees are more productive and engaged, which is why an increasing number of companies encourage their employees to establish a healthy work-life balance.
When employees work long hours frequently and don’t have enough time or energy to pursue their interests, they will become frustrated and less productive. When that happens, both the employees and the employer suffer. This is why it’s crucial to support your employees and assist them in maintaining their work-life balance. Here are a few things you can do.
Offer a Flexible Work Schedule
Offering a flexible work schedule means that employees still work an eight-hour day, but they don’t have to start at nine in the morning. This arrangement is much easier to implement than a four-day work week and requires less set up than remote working.
Allow for Paid Time Off
Your employees need to know that they can take a couple of days off for personal reasons or if they feel tired or overwhelmed. Giving them the option of paid time off will prevent potential misunderstandings over what constitutes a sick day and when they have the right to use it.
Encourage Them to Work Smarter, not Harder
If your employees can be efficient and complete their work in a short amount of time without sacrificing quality, then you could consider letting them leave early from work. In other words, working longer doesn’t mean being more productive, so why hold your employees at work after they have been productive all day?
Embracing these trends can help you create an improved corporate culture and ensure that you attract the best employees. With a satisfied, productive, and loyal team on your side, you’ll have a thriving work environment and will be able to take on new challenges.
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