1. Most companies will adopt a hybrid or remote-first approach
Many companies had hoped to transition to a hybrid model in 2021, but the emergence of the COVID-19 Delta variant caused most of them to put their office re-opening plans on hold. However, things look more promising for 2022, at least in the U.S. where cases are dropping or staying relatively steady in all but five states.ent your skills.
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1. Most companies will adopt a hybrid or remote-first approach
In addition to offering workers more choice over where they work, in 2022 businesses will also allow their people to have greater control over when they work. In my research with WeWork, both employees and the C-suite noted that flexibility, schedule control, and work-life balance were the top benefits of the hybrid model.
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2. The hybrid model will create a two-tiered workforce
While the hybrid model offers many benefits, it also has its drawbacks. One issue that’s already emerging is that remote workers may not be treated fairly compared to their office counterparts. In 2022, business leaders will need to focus on overcoming this bias if they want the hybrid
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2. The hybrid model will create a two-tiered workforce
model to succeed for their business. A cultural shift will certainly be required, and managers will need to take steps to ensure that all workers are treated equally and feel included. However, our study revealed that best-in-class collaboration technologies can also play a critical role in ensuring a fair workplace for all.
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2. The hybrid model will create a two-tiered workforce
model to succeed for their business. A cultural shift will certainly be required, and managers will need to take steps to ensure that all workers are treated equally and feel included. However, our study revealed that best-in-class collaboration technologies can also play a critical role in ensuring a fair workplace for all.
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3. A strong digital mindset will support ongoing business continuity
Many companies who were unable to find workers during the pandemic turned to automation technologies, and this area will continue to grow as businesses grapple with millions of unfilled jobs. Robots will be widely deployed to clean buildings and handle manufacturing tasks, and AI solutions like chatbots will replace call center workers and other roles.
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4. Organizations will fight to attract & retain talent amidst the “great resignation”
Since April 2021, more than 15 million people have left their jobs in what’s being called the “great resignation. All signs point to the quit rate continuing to accelerate in 2022, and 55% of workplace professionals say they expect employee turnover to increase next year. It’s no surprise, then, that CFOs’ top concern right now is labor availability.
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4. Organizations will fight to attract & retain talent amidst the “great resignation”
So what will employers do to combat the labor shortage in 2022? Some are starting with the basics — companies like Amazon, Costco, and Walmart have increased their salaries in a bid to attract workers. Others are building out their benefits packages and offering perks like stock options or financial wellness incentives. And many businesses are
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4. Organizations will fight to attract & retain talent amidst the “great resignation”
focusing on upskilling or retraining their existing workforce.
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5. Leaders will rely on employee input and feedback more than ever before
One issue that the pandemic uncovered is that the voice of some employee groups has long been ignored. These include essential workers and caregivers, and now we’re seeing that remote workers may also be left behind. A global study from my company and UKG drives this
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5. Leaders will rely on employee input and feedback more than ever before
point home, finding that 86% of employees feel that people at their organization are not heard fairly or equally.Companies that don’t seek out or listen to their employees’ feedback may struggle to retain talent, at a time when workforce retention is key. They’ll also be missing out on ideas and innovation that can
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5. Leaders will rely on employee input and feedback more than ever before
help drive the bottom line because workers won’t speak up if they feel their input isn’t wanted. That’s why in 2022, leaders will go beyond just listening to their people — they’ll translate insights into action with a focus on improving business outcomes and the employee experience.
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6. Workplace benefits will evolve to better meet employee needs
As companies ramp up their efforts around employee voice, one piece of feedback they’re hearing is that their benefits package needs to evolve — and soon. In fact, the pandemic has forever altered the workplace benefits landscape, with most changes centered around the shift to remote working and a renewed focus on employee well-being.
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6. Workplace benefits will evolve to better meet employee needs
In 2022, workers will still expect standard benefits like medical coverage and paid leave. However, they’ll also look for mental health support and other offerings that promote their well-being.
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7. Employee health and safety will continue to be a top concern
Over the past year and half, companies have used different tactics to address employee burnout and mental health concerns. Some offered mental health days, others provided free or subsidized therapy, and companies like JPMorgan Chase and LinkedIn actually required their staff to take time off.
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7. Employee health and safety will continue to be a top concern
However, KPMG finds that 94% of employees are still stressed — and with COVID-19 far from over, companies must continue to prioritize employees’ mental health in 2022.
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8. Organizations and employees will prioritize new skills for the remote workplace
There’s no question that the pandemic has accelerated the need for companies to upskill their current workforce, a matter made even more pressing due to the growing talent shortage. In fact, it’s estimated that 40% of workers will require up to six months of reskilling by 2025. If no action is taken, over the
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8. Organizations and employees will prioritize new skills for the remote workplace
next decade the U.S. will likely experience a shortfall in its workforce of up to 12.5 million people.
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9. Workers will regain control over their careers, and they’ll look to technology for support
What’s novel for 2022 is that people will look to their employers not just for traditional forms of support — they’ll also expect technology-based solutions like AI career advisors. In fact, our survey revealed that 85% of people want technology to help define their future, and 82% say robots can support their career better than
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9. Workers will regain control over their careers, and they’ll look to technology for support
humans. That’s because they believe robots are better at giving unbiased recommendations, answering quick questions, and finding jobs that fit their skills.
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10. Companies will use new tactics to move the needle on ESG issues
Global challenges amplified by COVID-19 have made Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues even more urgent. While tackling these issues is simply the right thing to do, 78% of executives also believe that ESG performance creates organizational value and stronger financial performance. That’s because consumers and
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10. Companies will use new tactics to move the needle on ESG issues
and job-seekers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are paying much more attention to how companies respond to issues like climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion.