Due to technological advancements, shifting expectations of employees, and changing workforce demographics, the modern workplace looks quite different than it used to. The reality is that we’re living in a different era than before, and our work environment looks much different than it used to. In this blog, I’ll explain four trends that are present in the modern workplace. Let’s get into it!
Four Trends in the Modern Workplace
1. Remote Work
First and foremost, the modern workplace has greatly adapted remote work and the concept of being able to work from anywhere. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted us to create distance between each other, and with this, we developed a new way of working: remotely. Due to the flexibility that remote work provided employees, the cost savings that it provided businesses, and the concept that it correlated with increased productivity, the trend of remote work has stuck around long past the pandemic, and I believe it’s here to stay.
2. Mental Health Awareness
In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic bringing rise to remote work, it also brought rise to the awareness of mental health. Although the concept was increasing in popularity pre-pandemic, mental health awareness gained much popularity both during and after the pandemic as a result of the negative impact that social isolation had on people’s mental health. As a result, it’s now something that employers are increasingly prioritizing in the modern workplace. Not only have businesses begun talking to employees about the importance of mental health, but they’ve also taken more initiatives to help employees manage their own mental health, including implementing wellness programs.
3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Another concept that’s increasingly present in the modern workplace is diversity, equity, and inclusion, otherwise known as DEI. Over the past couple decades, there’s been light shed on systematic inequalities that correlate with people who identify with different races, genders, and disabilities. Businesses have begun to implement DEI practices as a way to combat these inequalities and to create a more inclusive workplace. Since companies have begun doing so, we’ve discovered that diverse teams are oftentimes more innovative, have better decision-making capabilities, and attract top talent. If those aren’t reasons to implement DEI practices in your own workplace, I don’t know what is!
4. Work-Life Balance
Last but not least, work-life balance is a trend in the modern workplace that’s continuing to increase in popularity. Work-life balance is valued by employees because it contributes to their personal health and well-being, job satisfaction, and overall quality of life. It’s also valued by employers, as it reduces burnout and correlates with higher performance. A couple ways that businesses are trying to promote work-life balance include offering flexible work hours and paid-time off.
Conclusion
The modern workplace is adapting trends that haven’t always been present in the work environment. Four of these trends include remote work, mental health awareness, DEI, and work-life balance. The workplace will continue to develop new trends, and my hope is that these trends will continue to benefit employees and have their best interests at heart!
