Staying current on workplace trends is essential if you want to run a business that flows with the world around it. Essentially, these movements give you an idea not only about what is happening right this moment, but they also provide a sneak peek at what is likely to come. This allows you to plan and prepare in a way that leaves you smoothly going with the flow versus fighting the current and going backwards no matter how hard you try.
What types of trends should you be aware of at this point in time? Take a look at this highly informative infographic created by Workspot and then we’ll talk a bit about where it says we’re headed:
Although this infographic offers a lot of great information, there are three essential trends that it shows small business owners when it comes to what to expect in the years ahead.
We Are Becoming a Work-From-Home Nation
With 84% of Americans working out of their house more than once monthly and 53 million currently freelancing, this is a huge sign of the fact that we are becoming a work-from-home nation. This type of telecommuting arrangement offers many advantages to employers and employees alike.
For instance, after reviewing over 4,000 studies and reports, Global Workplace Analytics found that employers who offered some type of work-from-home capabilities reduced employee turnover or loss, reported fewer employee absences, showed a boost in productivity, and even handled fewer customer complaints. Employees also gain when working this way, with higher levels of job satisfaction, more self-empowerment, and even a reduced chance of auto accidents because they’re spending less time on the road.
Therefore, if you’re not already taking advantage of this trend, you might want to ask yourself what changes you can make to your business to get in on the work-from-home movement. Here are some questions that may help you in the process:
- Are there certain positions within your small business that could be work-from-home positions either full or part time?
- What policies would you have to implement prior to letting employees work from home?
- How will you ensure that employees are still getting their work done while allowing them to work in their home environment?
- Will new equipment have to be provided for their use while away from the office?
Our Work Force Is Getting Younger
With around 10,000 Baby Boomers leaving the work force daily, it only makes sense that the percentage of Millennials in the workplace will rise. And the fact that it is expected to more than double by the year 2030 is a pulsing red sign that, in order for your business to thrive, it needs to be ready for younger workers.
According to CIO, a company dedicated to “serving Chief Information Officers (CIOs), [and] other IT leaders,” here are some ways to attract millennial workers:
- Provide growth opportunities so they know that they can move up
- Be transparent to cultivate their trust
- Let go of your structure a bit so they know they will be heard
- Get their input on their areas of strength, such as with social media
- Make them feel like part of the company so they are willing to share it with others
- Update your online presence so they can find you and learn about you
Workers Are Relying More on Electronic Devices
With a whopping 90% of American employees using their own phones for work and 64% of the companies saying that mobility support is “a top priority,” this highlights the need to make sure your workforce is connected. In order to achieve this goal, you may need to update your equipment and/or discuss helping your employees financially so they can update their own devices that they regularly use while working for you.
The one issue you need to be aware of in regard to electronic devices, as discussed thoroughly by Privacy Rights Clearinghouse is that letting employees use their own electronic devices for work purposes comes with some risks. For instance, there is the issue of work materials on their personal devices, potentially resulting in privacy or confidentiality issues. Therefore, you might want to establish a policy if you let your employees use their own smartphones, tablets, laptops, or computers when working for your company.
These are just a few of the things I found when considering these three 2015 workplace trends. What are your thoughts? Feel free to share them below!
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