The future of work in 2022 is expected to be a place where businesses iron out their flexible work policies, employees settle into their new work arrangements, and hustle culture will cease to exist.
One of the biggest changes to expect are hybrid work arrangements being solidified in the workplace, particularly for knowledge workers. However, this will require thorough planning so both the company and employees can benefit properly.
“Overall, be intentional about how you set up your hybrid environment so you’re not only benefitting from the output and productivity of your teams but you’re also continuing to develop a flexible culture that will help to retain your talent in the next year,” said James Berry, director of the MBA program at University College London.
Due to the growth of hybrid working, business leaders will need to specifically address proximity bias and ensure those working from home are engaged and recognized for their contributions.
Improving virtual meetings can help with this. Instead of long Zoom meetings, companies will need to set guidelines to make these meetings more productive, reduce the amount of people talking over each other, and keep them more concise.
For instance, emphasizing the use of text responses during virtual meetings allows the speaker to continue their train of thought without interruption, while encouraging people to participate. Additionally, narrowing meeting times will help workers stay focused on the task at hand, thus making them more productive.
The Great Resignation will also continue to play a role in hiring, recruitment, and workplace retention.
“Workplaces of the future will address talent shortages by focusing on diversity, equitable practices, and purpose,” said Tara Ataya, chief people and diversity officer at Hootsuite. “They will drive better benefits and encourage talent mobility to drive retention.”
