As businesses continue to evolve and employee expectations shift, workplace trends are also changing. Perhaps more than anything else, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a lasting impact on societal views on work and the workplace that may extend well into the future. While corporate buzzwords like "quiet quitting" and the "great resignation" have attempted to shift blame away from policy, the fact is that when organizations do not prioritize their employees, there are serious consequences.
In general, employees are no longer willing to work for companies that do not demonstrate respect for their values and well-being. It has become increasingly important for businesses to identify and implement strategies to meet the needs of their employees and to support workplace wellness. Find out some of the most important workplace trends that are emerging in 2023 with an emphasis on what employees want from their employers, including how companies can provide better employee benefits packages as well as encourage workplace wellness initiatives that promote productivity, creativity, and satisfaction within the office space.
Flexible Workplace Careers
One of the top trends to emerge from the past few years is flexible workplaces. In fact, for most job candidates the opportunity for flexible work tops their list of priorities. In 2022, 83% of U.S. employees reported that they want a hybrid work model that allows them to work at least part time from home. These and other statistics show that offering remote or hybrid working arrangements remains one of the top ways to attract new employees.
Data also shows that flexible work models are highly beneficial to employees. For example, studies have shown that flexible or remote work situations helps reduce employee burnout, improve professional engagement, cut attrition rates, and boost productivity. A significant majority - 88% - of employees already working in remote or flexible work environments report higher job satisfaction than those working full time from the office. For this reason, careers that offer flexible workplace options are becoming increasingly desirable.
Mental Wellness
Another key workplace trend to look for in 2023 is an increased focus on the mental wellness of employees. Mental health and wellness in the workplace has been a topic of discussion since near the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The current economic uncertainties of 2023 - and the potential negative impact on mental health - will likely make mental wellness a top priority for employees going forward.
A recent survey found that 81% of workers reported that they want workplaces that support mental health, both now and in the future. To remain competitive in talent searches, businesses will need to develop mental well-being initiatives and strategies that deliver meaningful and practical help to their employees. This is considered such an important part of hiring practices, in fact, that the U.S. Surgeon General has released a framework that aims to support workplaces in better improving the mental health and well-being of their employees.
Learning Environment
More than ever, employees value opportunities for growth in their careers more than their overall career trajectory. In 2023, employees are far more interested in jobs that offer development training outside of their functional job areas, participation in workshops and seminars, and a way for them to channel their passion.
Understandably, such workplace environments lead to fewer resignations and higher productivity and engagement. According to Marissa Davenport, Talent Advisor for Neighborly®, most employees welcome the opportunity to learn and grow on the job. This is why at Neighborly, the company prides itself on its offerings of continuous professional and personal development through training programs designed to engage associates who may desire a leadership position in the future.
Purpose Driven Work
With a stronger focus on flexibility and growth comes less emphasis on the "bigger picture" of individual careers. The potential downside of this shift in focus is that employees can easily start to feel directionless in their day-to-day roles. Complicating matters is that since the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly two-thirds of US-based employees report reflecting on their purpose in life.
One of the unfortunate things to come out of the pandemic years is the sense that businesses and bosses don't value their employees. At the same time, workers want to feel appreciated by their managers, and feel that their work makes a difference. This is true whether they are at work or in the community.
The importance of purpose driven work is something that Neighborly takes very seriously. Our Code of Values provides a strong company ethic that prioritizes not only our customers, but the employees that make the work happen. At Neighborly, we believe that knowing what our employees want from our company and setting in place a framework to make it happen can help keep them satisfied in their work.
As ideas about workplace wellness continue to evolve, it is important for employers to be aware of what employees want from their companies in 2023. Investing in employee well-being through offering support and training programs, and encouraging purposeful contributions, has become increasingly essential over recent years. At Neighborly, we strive to ensure our Code of Values reflects this priority so that each employee knows they are valued here.
