GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.- As 2021 comes to a close, workplaces are emerging with a new mission: adapt to a workforce that is in high demand. With talent shortages now at a 10-year high, organizations are strategizing to enable growth, success, and employee retention. Power is beginning to shift from organizations and profit to team members and mutual prosperity.
People are beginning to think about the work they do and whether or not it aligns with their personal values and morals. Employees are choosing to leave their careers for a fresh start, now dubbed the “Great Resignation”, with 4.3 million Americans leaving their jobs in August alone. Work culture is transitioning towards the needs of people by treating employees with kindness and showing people are more than work output; they are human beings.
The future of work is trending towards an employee-centric vision in 2022 with a focus on several factors.
- Long-term career stability and vitality
- Connecting with coworkers on a personal level
- Work flexibility
- Adaptable and trustworthy workplaces
- Staying updated with workplace trends
1. Long-Term Career Stability
With the job market opening back up, employers are in a competitive place to recruit candidates and retain them by providing long-term career stability. According to HR Dive, 60% of workers, who said they felt cared for by their employer, plan to stay with their companies for three or more years, as opposed to only 7% who said the contrary.
Employee well-being is the center of attention for employers in 2022. This coming year, employers will need to focus on understanding what people value to foster an engaging company culture. Companies need to be willing to grow individuals professionally while also furthering personal goals.
2. Emphasis on Personal Connection
Professional growth is important during a candidate’s career, but personal growth is just as important. When employers display empathy, care, and compassion for their employees, they connect with them on a personal level. Connecting at the personal level allows for employees to feel comfortable and cared for by their company.
Considering one-third of life is spent at work, building relationships with coworkers can provide a more enjoyable work experience. Going beyond typical work talk and diving deeper into a person’s life can encourage respect and trust among employees leading to higher levels of productivity and brainstorming capacity.
3. Workplace Flexibility
Forbes claims that “flexibility is the new ‘non-negotiable’” which means candidates are actively looking for roles that provide work flexibility. In order to retain employees, companies must begin asking if they are giving employees the best opportunity to work in ways in which they feel comfortable. COVID-19 has given rise to remote work and has provided individuals with opportunities to prioritize their workflows.
Employees are more concerned with living their lives, spending time with family and friends, growing in their careers, and maintaining their personal well-being than in years past. In 2022, organizations will continue to evolve into more flexible work environments with increased personal development opportunities.
4. Trustworthy and Adaptable
Employers are beginning to place increased trust in their employees. This begins with a supportive company culture. A safe and inclusive culture shows employees that they can feel connected, and it starts with leadership. Teamwork and trust are vital to successful organizations and striving to improve company culture is one huge step in the direction of trends in 2022.
Organizations are having to adapt to a variety of factors in ways that are unconventional. These adaptations are necessary for businesses that wish to stay ‘ahead of the curve’ which provides for high retention rates and productivity.
5. Keeping Up with Workplace Trends to Increase Retention Rates
Every year, trends in the workforce evolve and new ones take place. Through COVID-19, work trends have turned to more collaborative, flexible, and innovative environments. Business models have changed and will continue to adapt in 2022.
Embracing change is what employers will have to do in order to solidify retention rates. With 2022 on the horizon, employers are being forced to adapt to what matters today: work-life balance, benefits, personal growth, professional growth, and a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.
Overview
Today, the ability to adapt to change is vital for companies. Whether it is as simple as allowing more flexibility in the workplace, new cultural events, or showing care for the individual, this is the new way of the workforce. 2021 brought unpredictability, but through the uncertain times, companies have learned how to truly take care of individuals within their organization
