By Corey Daxon, President
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, spring is on the horizon, and there’s lots to love. And the workplace is no exception. We’ve all experienced changes that have impacted employees, employers and the entire workforce dynamic over the last few years. While change can be daunting, change can also result in massive improvements, opportunities, and optimism for the future.
With that being said, it’s a great time to be an employee. Here’s a list of 5 trends for employees and job seekers to love.
1. You’re in Demand!
Between the post-pandemic “Great Resignation,” changing demographics and changing priorities – it’s a perfect storm of exiting talent. A recent Korn Ferry study predicts a global talent shortage of over 85 million workers by 2030. Finding and keeping talent is a major component of any corporate strategy. The supply and demand curve favours employees. And if you’re not happy in your role or actively searching, there are a lot of organizations that need you!
2. Organizations are Working Harder to Keep Employees Happy and Engaged
Hybrid work, flex hours, four-day work weeks and other options for how work gets done are becoming commonplace. Businesses are putting an increased focus on the emotional and financial well-being of employees with new and creative programs. Company-sponsored coaching, learning and development programs for employees at all levels are at an all-time high. A new study by Mercer shows that 70% of large U.S. employers are planning to improve their benefits plans in 2023. Companies are revitalizing their employee value propositions and that’s good news for employees.
3. New Opportunities to Shine
Headline-grabbing trends of 2022 included quiet quitting, rising employee disengagement numbers, and employees refusing to return to offices as companies returned from lockdowns. A 2022 Gallup poll stated that quiet quitters – those who choose to not go above or beyond at work but simply meet their job description – make up 50% or more of the US workforce. Regardless of the causes of these trends, those employees who take on extra projects and who can find a way to engage can really differentiate themselves. It’s easier for engaged employees to stand out with so many employees opting out.
4. Job “Requirements” are Opening Up
With the shortage of talent and demand for people, many organizations are revisiting their “must haves” in position descriptions and becoming open to hiring from non-traditional sources. Less emphasis is being placed purely on industry experience and years of service, and more focus is shifting to emotional intelligence, the capacity to learn, team skills and grit. These skills have long been talked about by hiring managers, but we are now seeing the ability to demonstrate these behaviours having a significant impact on hiring decisions, along with non-linear career moves, entailing a switch to a different industry or functional area, becoming much more common. As a result, employees have a broader selection of career choices and roles that they may be a fit for.
5. There’s More Excitement Around the Corner
During our lifetime most have never seen such a tumultuous time regarding working relationships, employment, careers, and anything else related to “making a living.” We are living through huge changes and have already seen some great things impact our work environments as a result. And I’m sure there is more to come.