Set aside Coffee Badging, 2024 might already have a new buzzword: Flexetariat.Â
The concept of the flexetariat is further explored in Hobsbawm’s book “The Nowhere Office: Reinventing Work and the Workplace of the Future,” which suggests a change in the labor market — whereCoined by Julia Hobsbawm, a workplace author and Bloomberg Work Shift columnist, the term refers to the new class of workers for whom flexibility is absolutely paramount. This group of workers, which includes gig workers and digital nomads, is expected to expand significantly in 2024 and beyond. These workers increasingly value flexibility over traditional work environments. Â
As flexibility becomes a key driver in employee demands, traditional work environments are being challenged. The gig economy, in particular, has seen substantial growth around the world this past year — leading the EU to consider legislation that would reclassify 5.5 million gig workers, granting them employee benefits. Companies in Europe that rely on gig workers are are responding to these demands, tooare responding to these demands, too. Â
It’s reported by Fortune that 62% of U.S. companies now offer work location flexibility — up from 51% at the start of the year. As workers continue to seek greater control over their work-life balance, and as companies adapt to these changing preferences, the traditional workplace is expected to see new ideas for both in-office design and work environment policies. These trends will not only offer economic opportunities globally but also reshape how work is structured and how companies engage with their employees.Â
