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From the emergence of a new C-suite member, to the increasing role of AI in the workplace, here are some of the biggest trends set to transform the world of work.
Empowered by advances in technology, hybrid working has seemingly become commonplace in the world of work now. As hybrid work is here to stay, the role of employers as well as employee expectations are also evolving.
IWG has recently unveiled the top ten global work trends in 2024, exploring how a 'hybrid working mode' would transform the workplace in the future from four perspectives: culture, collaboration, climate, and commercials.
1. The emergence of Chief Hybrid Officers (CHOs)
More companies will appoint CHOs in 2024 to oversee and optimise the hybrid work environment. CHOs will balance the needs of in-office and remote employees, ensuring productivity, and navigating logistical challenges effectively.
Another new role that has also emerged is the ‘Office Synchroniser’, who is responsible for optimising office space and ensuring effective collaboration.
2. A renewed focus on culture
In a hybrid working world, companies must find a balance between empowering employee flexibility and ensuring regular and adequate time for collaboration. This balance needs to ensure that, despite varied work settings, there is a cohesive framework encouraging open communication and a shared commitment to the company's mission.
3. Greater expectations of employers
Innovative benefits packages will become mainstream and will be pivotal in the race for talent in 2024. Benefits such as fertility support, pet care, and time off for caring responsibilities may become commonplace, as employers are forced to take a more holistic look at the needs of their hybrid workforce.
There will also be heightened expectations from employees that businesses provide benefits packages and company policies that support the wellbeing of their workforce. Whether it’s increased parental leave, progressive childcare policies or taking action to address burnout with appropriate mental health support, businesses will need to be more attuned to the evolving needs and demands of their workforce if they want to retain their best people.
4. Companies to play a more prominent role in childcare
As hybrid work continues to gain momentum, increased employer support for families will be a game-changer for parents seeking more balance between their professional and home life.
Businesses will increasingly have a role to play. Recognising the challenge of childcare and providing support more for working parents is essential to maintaining a diverse and skilled workforce.
5. The return of the lunch hour
With an increasing number of workers seeking a healthier work/life balance, the year ahead will witness a resurgence of lunch breaks dedicated to in-person interactions.
The flexibility of hybrid work will help more workers reclaim their lunch hour to grab food with co-workers and clients and rekindle in-person collaboration and relationships, in turn fostering a more positive workplace, creativity, and camaraderie amongst hybrid working team members.
6. Making space for neurodiversity
Accommodating neurodivergent team members will be an important pillar of employer DE&I strategies in the near future. This shift is reflected in the evolving design of office spaces, which now takes into consideration the specific needs of neurodivergent workers including addressing issues such as noise and lighting, acknowledging the impact these factors can have on the wellbeing of these employees. As companies adapt for greater inclusivity, a proactive approach to inclusive design will ensure that workplaces are supportive and comfortable for all employees, improving productivity in the process.
7. Unretirement becomes a reality
Hybrid work has given more flexibility to older generations in particular, allowing them to stay in the workforce – or come back from a previous exit for “un-retirement”. In 2024, this phenomenon will gather pace, with a growing number of experienced professionals from older generations embracing this concept and, for the first time in their careers, exploring the benefits of hybrid working, helping establish more diverse workforces and inter-generational collaboration.
8. Even greener ways of working
Robust hybrid working policies are playing a pivotal role in cutting carbon emissions. Businesses are increasingly looking for buildings with green leases, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and enhance their environmental performance. In 2024, these leases will go beyond energy efficiency, encompassing water conservation, waste reduction, and indoor air quality.
9. Hybrid work as the top employee benefit
Hybrid working is becoming the most sought-after benefit for employees, and already impacting business’s ability to access and keep the best talent. Research of IWG showed that almost three-quarters of workers (72%) would only consider a job that offers the ability to work flexibly, while 71% would be unwilling to accept a position that involved a long commute.
10. Increasing presence of AI
2024 will see a clear shift in the adoption and usage of AI in everyday life, and companies who invest in helping their people understand how AI can be a benefit to hybrid working, will reap the rewards; preparing employees for unforeseen roles and technologies should become a priority for businesses, while helping them understand that using AI effectively can lessen time spent on administrative tasks, leaving more room for thinking and collaborating.
Lead image / 123RF
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