The importance of workplace culture has come to the forefront of discussion over the last several years, especially in the midst of the Great Resignation.
The war for talent is hot, and in order to stand out from the competition, business leaders need to rewire how they approach workplace culture and the role it plays in retention and recruiting processes.
There are five distinct trends that will define workplace culture in 2022: permanent flexible work arrangements, employee recognition, connections with colleagues, professional development, and technology.
According to a Harvard Business School survey, 81% of employees who have worked remotely throughout the pandemic want a hybrid schedule in the future. Maintaining these arrangements in the future is crucial to culture, as it proves to employees that their employer cares for their wellbeing.
“They want flexibility from their employers to allow them to maintain the new work/home balance and productivity they have come to enjoy,” said Patrick Mullane, executive director at Harvard.
As a result of the increasingly remote and hybrid workforce, recognizing employees for their accomplishments holds more weight than ever before.
While recognition has been found to be one of the driving forces behind engagement levels, a Quantum Workplace report shows that employee recognition fell from 81% at the peak of the pandemic to 72% in May of 2021.
Employee engagement has direct links to the employee experience, and in order to maintain healthy levels of engagement, leaders need to give them opportunities to grow and upskill.
Providing workers with a clear avenue for professional development sends the message that employees can reach their full potential within the organization, rather than remaining stagnant in their position.
