It is perhaps laborious to imagine, however 2022 is over and 2023 is lastly right here. This previous 12 months has given us numerous tendencies at work, just like the rise of phrases like quiet quitting and quiet firing, and the advantages of distant and hybrid work for worker psychological well being. Whereas the unsure financial system does depart some trepidation within the workforce going into the brand new 12 months, there’s some purpose for optimism heading ahead. That mentioned, listed here are a number of patterns that we’re taking a look at to both emerge or proceed in 2023.
4-day workweek trials
That is one quite a lot of workers would presumably get behind, which might grant you another day to your self in change for barely longer hours. Extra than simply current as a pipe dream for weary employees, latest knowledge really proves {that a} shorter week can have advantages for each workers and employers alike.
A latest research out of Stanford revealed that workers which have an extended time frame to relaxation up on the weekends are typically extra productive and happier than those that work extra days and hours. Moreover, the four-day workweek has additionally proved to be a useful instrument in worker retention and recruitment of high expertise.
Will this development come stateside in 2023? Time will inform, but it surely’ll actually be one thing to keep watch over.
The continuation of versatile distant and hybrid work
If there’s one development we will look ahead to persevering with within the new 12 months, it’s distant work and hybrid conditions being right here to remain. Final month we spoke with Jim Barnett, CEO of Wisq, about this new regular that appears to be right here to remain.
“What quite a lot of leaders are lacking right this moment is that workers’ mindsets have basically shifted and it’s not that they wish to be at house as a result of they wish to work much less laborious or don’t care about their jobs,” Barnett mentioned. “They’ve found two vital underlying issues that they don’t wish to surrender: stability and autonomy.”
This modification in mindset is so key to understanding what’s going to occur within the new 12 months. Certain, there is perhaps some corporations that proceed to carry workers again on an element or full-time foundation, however many workers can counter (with knowledge and anecdotes just like the above one to again them up) that their distant or hybrid conditions give them a much-needed sense of work-life stability and assist them be extra productive.
An worker that’s completely satisfied about their work scenario is probably going going to wish to hold that scenario going, and in the event that they’re doing an amazing job, why would the group wish to change it? It will likely be fascinating to observe how the talk round work places evolves. Organizations that embrace flexibility might be higher positioned to create an worker expertise journey that really meets every employee the place they’re.
Unsure financial occasions and wellness
With all of the information and hypothesis of an oncoming financial downturn, there’s been some fear about how this would possibly have an effect on the wellness of workers. No matter what is perhaps within the playing cards economically, it’s necessary to maintain wellness in thoughts. Elevated occasions of economic insecurity can result in a lot of stress, and that’s not good for anybody.
Search for probably the most tuned-in organizations to know this and react accordingly. Communications must be undertaken with compassion for any layoffs or furloughs, for these affected and remaining workers. Focus could also be given to alternatives to destress for workers and monetary literacy schooling will be provided to assist workers handle their funds higher below the load of a troublesome financial system. Even when occasions are powerful, it’s necessary to maintain your individuals
Whereas there are various unknowns on the horizon, we will look in the direction of the brand new 12 months with some hope, particularly the continuation of tendencies that place the well being and wellness of workers throughout the nation first.
Sean Devlin is an editor at Ragan Communications. In his spare time he enjoys Philly sports activities, an excellent pint and ’90s trivia evening.
