A World Economic Forum report stated that 65% of children entering primary school will most likely work jobs that do not currently exist. As the workplace evolves, we see more companies putting an emphasis on employee wellbeing, mobility and flexible working.
Until the turn of the 21st century, jobs were relatively stagnant and predictable, with nine-to-fives being the norm.
Now, employee wellness is one of the top priorities for many industries. Meditation apps and wellness programs are inspiring and motivating employees to become more productive.
Mobility has also become a big trend in the way companies function. Smartphones and other devices give us the freedom to work at anyplace and anytime.
A survey found that about 50% of about 270,000 participants wish to work abroad to experience new cultures, so it is expected that workplaces will become more accommodating for such remote workers.
Flexible working, while not a new concept, is geared up to become a concrete option across industries. Countries like New Zealand experimented with 4-day work weeks that were proven to be successful. In the trial, employees felt their wellbeing was being prioritized by their employer, increasing job satisfaction.
It is uncertain whether all of these changes will occur in 2019, but there is a definitive attitude shift towards the traditional workplace model.