The biggest trends in the job market in 2022

The biggest trends in the job market in 2022

Learn more

Next page

1. Remote working makes itself at home

The global pandemic saw tens of millions of people subjected to enforced lockdowns, which meant that many people had to adapt to working at home – and lots of people found that they liked it.  A survey conducted by FlexJobs found that 58% of people wanted to work at home permanently after the pandemic, and that 39% wanted 

Next page

1. Remote working makes itself at home

a hybrid environment. Studies have also found that remote workers are more productive than in-office staff, and that remote working opportunities mean that companies can hire from a more diverse pool of talent.

Next page

2. More diverse kinds of work

Remote work won’t just be on the rise in 2022 – different kinds of work will continue to be a key trend in the job market. We’re seeing more positions for contract work, project work, and one-off commissions, and more people are finding that self-employment is a better option for them than conventional employment. The gig economy is a big deal now, 

Next page

2. More diverse kinds of work

 too, and that’s not set to change either.

Next page

3. Candidates who know their worth

The job market in 2021 saw more open positions than there were candidates, which means that job applicants were in a position of power.  In 2022, expect to see more job listings as companies try to expand and build back from the pandemic – but still assume that candidates hold all of the cards

Next page

3. Candidates who know their worth

More job applicants now realize their worth in the job market, and that trend will continue in 2022 –look at the Great Resignation if you need evidence that people are less willing than ever to put up with poor working conditions.

Next page

4. Employees expecting better benefits

In 2022, don’t just expect to see companies offering better pay, either.  Assume that they’ll provide a broader range of benefits, too, and realize that your company will have to keep up to compete. Staff in 2022 and beyond will expect more extensive medical coverage, including improved 

Next page

4. Employees expecting better benefits

ed mental health support, and employees will also demand an improved approach to parental leave and remote-working flexibility.

Next page

5. Diversity and inclusion with measurable improvements

The last few years have seen huge growth in awareness around social justice issues, and any company that wants to succeed with customers and staff in 2022 will place a more significant emphasis than ever on its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. There’s no doubt that this is the right thing to do, from a moral and factual standpoint. It

Next page

5. Diversity and inclusion with measurable improvements

makes sense from a business perspective, too: a younger and more aware workforce now emphasizes these initiatives when searching for jobs.  An equitable and inclusive workplace will attract and retain a happier and more diverse workforce, and that’s a win in every aspect of the business.

Next page

6. Automation and AI

The ever-increasing influence of technology, big moves to remote working, and added pressure on smaller workforces mean that more companies will look towards automation in 2022. And, to meet that need, firms will turn towards organizations that provide automated services. There’s already plenty of evidence of this in human 

Next page

7. A great environmental focus

People won’t just be thinking more about social justice issues 2022 and beyond – they’ll be even more concerned with environmental issues, too, thanks to the rising specter of climate change. Companies will have to respond to this if they want to keep customers, attract staff, and remain successful. Most people will prefer to support 

Next page

7. A great environmental focus

businesses that take their environmental responsibilities seriously. This doesn’t just mean that companies need to pay lip service to environmental issues. Firms will have to deliver concrete action and measurable, accountable progress in this regard in 2022 and beyond, because staff and customers will expect nothing less.

Next page

8. Brand building

Companies that want to attract and retain staff in 2022 need to offer good pay, extensive benefits, clear diversity initiatives, and positive environmental impacts, but that’s not all. Candidates now look for companies that match their morals and values, so it’s essential for businesses to emphasize their mission and 

Next page

8. Brand building

culture in job adverts. A key trend in 2022 will be a bigger concentration on company culture in job adverts and beyond.  After all, it’s a candidate’s market, and more staff members want a place to work that’s satisfying and reflective of their values.

Next page

9. The four-day work week

The increasing popularity of remote work and better awareness of wellness issues means that there's a growing trend towards shorter work weeks and more flexibility when it comes to work hours and locations. Indeed, the four-day work week is becoming increasingly popular. And, while plenty of people love the idea of having 

Next page

9. The four-day work week

a three-day weekend as part of their routine, trials and studies do show that moving to a four-day week can often prove beneficial for both staff and companies. There's no doubt that a four-day working week will not work for every person and it's just not possible in some industries and businesses. But it's certainly a beneficial option for lots of 

Next page

9. The four-day work week

industries, and there's no doubt that it'll become a bigger deal throughout 2022.

More

Read

10 New Job Fields for Women in 2022

10 Steps to a Resume That Will Get You Hired

10 Important Career Tips for Women

See More