Key Trends Shaping the Workplace in 2022
When 2021 hit, many of us thought normalcy was on the horizon. After all, vaccines were starting to become available, which gave some executives hope that workers would be returning to the workplace in a matter of months. However, it didn’t happen. Some would say things got even worse. The rise of new COVID variants, skyrocketing quit rates, a shrinking talent pool, and high inflation not seen in decades added to the stressors of 2021.
We haven’t seen workplace disruptions like these in generations, and in 2022 it feels as if workplace volatility is increasing. New variants will likely emerge, which may cause workers to go back to temporary remote work once again. For some companies, hybrid and full-time work-from-home schedules create an unbalanced workforce. Plus, inflation may mean that workers may have to face wage cuts. When you layer that with ongoing political disruption and uncertainty, it adds to the realities that worry employees in 2022.
Here are some of the key trends shaping the workplace in 2022.
Fairness and equity: CEOs are talking about the importance of fairness and equity in the workplace more than ever. In terms of equity, employees have equal access to opportunities when it exists in the workplace. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.
Testing to keep workplaces safer: Even with a rise in new COVID variants, companies are hesitant to put vaccine mandates in place. Part of this hesitance is the fear that a vaccine mandate will cause a high turnover event. Another reason is that some employers don’t feel it’s right to force their employees to get the vaccine. So, with that, employers will continue testing to keep the workplace safe.
Shorten the workweek rather than increase pay: Unfortunately, real wages are not keeping up with inflation. While some companies can compete to hire the best talent through compensation alone, many others don’t have the financial resources. Instead of increasing wages, we’re starting to see many employers adopting reduced work hours as a different way to attract and retain knowledge workers.
Employee turnover: Flexible hybrid and work-from-home options mean that workers will have weaker emotional and social connections with coworkers. Weaker connections and reduced social pressure make it easier for employees to quit their jobs.
Better manager-employee relations: The future of management looks to be automated. HR Tech vendors have been busy creating products that help with scheduling, expense reports, and monitoring direct reports of completion of tasks. With so many managerial tasks being automated away, it’s creating more space for managers to build interpersonal relationships with their employees. The manager-employee relationship is especially vital for hybrid and remote employees; it’s often the employees’ direct line with their employer.
Wellness in the workplace: From sitting too long to mental health, wellness will be a priority for companies that want to understand their employees better. Wellness in the workplace can help employers retain workers. Helping to increase employee psychological and physical well-being can translate to a positive work environment where workers produce at higher performance levels.
At AdVenture Games, we’re proud to offer a variety of team-building games and events that motivate your in-person and remote teams. Want to learn more about what we can do for your teams? You can contact us online or call us at 866-587-2125.
