EPISODE 602: Intriguing New Workplace Trends
I am reading about some workplace trends aside from flex work and work from home options. It’s easy to get caught up in that one thing and not notice the other trends around us that are also important for businesses.
Here are some key trends for you to consider as you focus on being the workplace of choice. Every company needs to have the advantage of being highly sought after among job seekers.
Women have been fighting the wage gap for only forever. They’ve also been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Initial studies show that women are more likely to continue to elect to work from home than men when those choices are given. The issue comes in when surveys show that managers rate workers higher and give better raises when people are in the office. I know this was the case pre-pandemic. I heard it openly discussed in different workplaces. Things have changed. Don’t be part of this trend. It’s been shown that remote workers are 5% more likely to be high performers than workers in the office. Be the company that hires and supports women in the workplace and compensates them the same as their male counterparts on the basis of performance. You can’t afford to lose out on this valuable resource so I want to challenge you to question any outdates beliefs.
You’ve heard of the Great Resignation that’s heading our way. There will be a talent gap at most companies. Some employees will leave, a part of that Great Resignation. There are also a substantially higher number of skills being asked for on new job descriptions than just a few years ago, which makes hiring more difficult. Companies will pay the premium required to get the talent they need in their door. This will drive wages up on certain skill sets and also create more need for contingent and contract workers. Keep this option top of mind if you need specialized help and need it fast.
We’ve all heard of cities and States offering attractive incentives for sizable and desirable employers to move to their areas. Those incentives are now expected to be applied to individuals to relocate. This is currently being done in several cities in our country. Look for this to increase. Employers have traditionally offered sign on bonuses to attract great talent. Consider playing that card.
Employees now expect their employer to have a written, well-thought out Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan. Fifty-six percent of U.S. employers say they are updating their recruitment strategies to bring in more diverse talent. That’s too low a number. If your company doesn’t have a meaningful DEI plan in place, make that a priority. Your employees expect it. You can attract great candidates with it. You are going to need those candidates. It’s a win-win.
Buckle up. I mentioned earlier that companies need the advantage of being highly sought after. The points I’ve shared with you today underscore that. We can expect increased workplace change at a rapid rate for the next few years. Need help as a business professional navigating these unchartered waters? I can help. I bring 34 years of business leadership, sales and HR to the table and I can help you, too. Reach out to me at brenda@brendaholley.com to schedule a free 30-minute consult.
