As much of the world grappled with the pandemic-induced hangover, the workforce was driven by the need for changes in the new era, while leaders hesitantly relinquished their controlling power.
Buzzwords, transparency and hybrid work — these were the trends that defined the workplace in 2022. In 2023, will they persist? Fizzle out? Or simply evolve?
The popularity of the term The Great Resignation sent a rippling effect across the lexicon of workplace phenomenon. From there, other phrases — The Great Reshuffle, The Great Breakup and quiet quitting — began to emerge as a means to describe one overarching theme: workers were unsatisfied.
Whether it refers to the obstacles that are anticipated in the new year, such as the incoming economic downturn, similar phrases are likely to emerge in the new year.
Another major trend that has emerged on a legislative scale has been the concept of pay transparency. This year, New York City and other states passed laws that required job postings to provide a clear description of their pay ranges.
It’s a welcome change for a workforce that values authenticity, as these laws help eliminate potential biases during the hiring process and make way for more diverse workplaces. While it is likely to take trial and error for these policies to become impactful, 2023 is expected to see more states adopt similar laws.
Hybrid work struggled to find its footing in 2022, with some of the world’s largest companies still trying to navigate this arrangement.
Many factors are in play here, including who gets a say in the amount of time spent working in the office. In this scenario, employers have clearly shown a preference for as much in-office time as possible.
“The yo-yoing back and forth breeds uncertainty, and people don’t like that there are just so many unknowns,” said Denise Rousseau, professor of organizational behavior and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University, US.
The new year will likely be insightful for hybrid work, with both employees and employers having a better understanding of what actually makes sense for productivity and overall business operations.
