Experts weigh in on workplace predictions for 2019

2018 was undoubtedly an innovative year for the ever-changing workplace. 2019 is expected to mark even further change in flexible offices and coworking spaces.

In the coming year, companies are expected to hone in on communication methods. Business coach Christine Agro says that varying generations will find a common ground in communicating to create a healthy environment and retain talent.

Robotics will also begin to play a bigger role in coworking spaces. While advanced automation will rapidly change the way offices function, some workers may be weary to adapt to this lifestyle. Regardless, companies that integrate robotics into everyday work will benefit greatly.

Career expert Steve Grant predicts that professionals will have the chance to advance their skill set with education.

“2019 will continue to see knowledge seekers obtaining the additional training they want and need but companies will also continue to push their employees to do more of such readings, lectures as lessons,” Grant said.

Retention in the workplace will remain a concern according to Paul MacCartney, chief learning officer at MentorcliQ. According to MacCartney, millennials’ short attention span causes them to job hop more often than the generation before. It is important for companies to maintain a healthy environment or they run risk of losing their top talent.

Recently, many companies have adopted the idea of gig economy, hiring remote freelancers for short-term positions. Now, full-time professional are bargaining for the ability to work remotely, but that may change in the upcoming year.

“I see this as a reaction to policies that have gotten too frayed and taken advantage of, resulting in unquantifiable work hours and a breakdown in cohesive team dynamics,” Agro said.

Despite this, companies may still see employee talent more valuable than their physical presence.

Mentoring programs are also expected to become popular in 2019. Corporations are creating mentoring programs to better motivate employees and help them reach full success. In fact, a 2017 study by the Association for Talent Development found that 75% of executives say mentorship helped them with their personal success.

Wellness in the workplace has been an ongoing topic for years, but companies will be more aware of their employees health in the new year. Implementing a healthy work environment is just the beginning; companies will start opting for mixed space as opposed to strictly open space to be inclusive for all workers. Biophilia, natural lighting, and other designs will be adopted by companies to ensure their employees can achieve the most in a workday.