Change is something we’ve all had to adapt to, whether we’ve wanted to or not. From the way we shop, to the way we work. Whilst some of these changes are temporary, some are turning into workplace trends for 2021, which we can expect to continue.
Hopefully, 2021 will be a year of substantially more stability and normality. Whilst there should be less drastic forceful change in the way we work, there will still be major shifts in the working climate.
We’ve identified some top workplace trends for 2021 which look to shape the working world.
Working from home will continue, but office space will still be vital
At one point, even the most stubborn were forced to work from home. With several lockdowns forcing many out of the office, it is without doubt COVID-19 has accelerated remote working.
At the beginning of the pandemic, many companies feared those working from home, did less work. However, a study has shown that those not in the office do on average over seven extra hours per week!
Therefore, with increased flexibility seeming to result in the same if not higher levels of productivity, the times in which people are required to work looks set to become less rigid. A survey by Gartner found that 36% of employees were high performers at organisations who enforced the standard 40-hour work week. In comparison, those organisations who are flexible regarding hours and location of work, say they see 55% of their workforce being high performers.
What does this mean for the future of work?
Another survey by Gartner revealed over two-thirds (74%) of organisations plan to permanently shift employees to remote work after the COVID-19 crisis ends.
Whilst this is a change many seem to be adopting, especially large tech firms, a hybrid approach is popular amongst many. Nicholas Bloom, a Stanford University economics professor with expertise in remote work, believes that once the impact of the pandemic is reduced, working from home two days a week will be optimal. He believes this is the balance to achieve the right mix of both collaborative and quiet work.
Whatever ends up happening, it seems many favour at least a combination of the two. It’s been found only 8% of employees want to work from home five days a week, and 53% of UK businesses surveyed said they wanted their offices to feature more collaboration space. So, while the demand for flexibility continues, social capital remains a priority.
Employee performance to become more team focused
Carrying on the theme of flexibility, the way data is used to monitor employee performance looks set to be refined. When employees are in the office, performance feedback can be given quickly and easily. But, with remote working, additional measures need to be put into place.
Gartner reported that 81% of HR leaders are changing their organisation’s performance management system, and less than one-fifth of HR leaders believe that performance management is successful right now.
What does this mean for the future of work?
In a study which looked at how the world of work will look over the next five years and beyond, it found employees now want ‘flexible jobs with flexible impact.’ But, what does this mean?
Previously, for many, performance was gaged on an individual basis. But, increasingly, the importance of teamwork tracking is becoming more significant in measuring results. This is reflected in the survey respondents, of whom 63% say that team performance will increase in importance and 41% say that the importance of individual performance will decrease or stay the same.
Therefore, although it seems workplaces are welcoming the remote or hybrid style of working, a focus on collaboration and the success of teamwork will be a key trend in the workforce going forward.
The importance of a healthy workplace
Even before Covid-19, mental health was an issue of growing concern. A 2019 study by Mind found one in five women and one in eight men suffer from a common mental health disorder. Fast forward another twelve months, and a study by Glasgow University revealed 41% of the UK population is at risk of developing mental health problems as a direct result of COVID-19. Stress-related absences have also been steadily rising, with a study this month revealing that stress-related appointments are up 64% over 2019.
Therefore, companies are beginning to priorities benefits packages take steps to help improve employee wellbeing. This includes regular check-ins, a flexible schedule, and incentives to take up fitness activities.
Increase importance of workplace purpose in attracting candidates
With substantially more transparency over what is going on in the world around issues like climate change and inequality, an organisation’s corporate responsibility and values are becoming increasing scrutinised by a younger, more job-hopping population.
A good corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy can demonstrate the company treats all people, including its employees, with respect and with equality.
According to a study among Millennials, 42% have “begun or deepened” their relationships with businesses they believe have positive impacts in society or the environment, and 37% have abandoned or retreated from companies they didn’t believe were ethical. This is translated when it comes to employees deciding which companies they desire to work with. Research has shown applicants are more attracted to pursue jobs with firms that have a positive corporate social performance reputation. Further to this, these organisations on average, attract higher quality staff which contribute to the long-term success of the organisation.
In a recent global survey, 77% of millennial investors said that environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues are their top priority when assessing investment opportunities.
In summary
Work and life are now combined more than they’ve ever been. With adapting to remote working putting some pressures on organisations and employees, a lot of the workplace trends for 2021 and moving forward will be in streamlining the process and ensuring businesses continues to run smoothly and efficiently.
And, as Gen-Z begin to enter the workforce, the importance of transparency with organisational values and CRS will continue to grow.
If you would like further information about hiring the right talent, or mobilising your workforce into another location, get in touch with a member of our team today.
Written by Steve Smith, Head of Inside Sales at Procorre
