5 trends defining hybrid work in 2023 and beyond
Three years into the pandemic, businesses are dealing with a multitude of crises and are trying to remain productive and profitable. Hybrid work practices remain complex and both business leaders and employees are grappling to understand how to adjust business practices to meet the needs of employees.
‘The Workplace of the Future' report published by the EPOS, global audio and video brand, in partnership with Foresight Factory, has found the current and emerging trends shaping the future of work, as well as the technology solutions that can help businesses to navigate a long-term hybrid strategy for a productive workforce. Here are the key findings of the report:
Employees are prioritising their well-being: Workers everywhere are taking agency of their well-being, both physical and mental, and over half of the workers around the world (53%) say they are more likely to prioritise their well-being compared with life before the pandemic.
As a result, workers increasingly expect their employers to form part of their health ecosystems with 38% of employees calling for their employers to support staff by allowing them time off for mental health needs. A further 30% of employees say they want to see businesses dedicating hours for employees to use for mental/physical well-being pursuits.
Avoiding burnout and pursuing happiness are top drivers: Employee burnout is a persistent issue and 36% of global workers say they have suffered burnout in the last 12 months from ‘working too hard’, a feeling that is greatest among Gen Z (40%) followed by Millennials (42%).
Less than half of workers are happy with their current work and life balance (43%), and almost a third (30%) say they intend to change careers to improve their overall happiness.
Access to a physical office is vital: To avoid feeling being isolated, around 80% of Gen Z and Millennials are keen to use physical office spaces. They want to learn, grow, and establish themselves in their workplace community.
Employees will leave if they’re not learning: The findings of the report reveal that 60% of employees of all ages are keen to continue learning, and 44% say they want to progress and upskill within their current job. If they can’t learn and grow within a role, they will prefer to leave their current job to achieve their career goals.
Sub-par tech solutions can lead to cognitive overload: Employers also need to be intentional about equipping employees with solutions that reduce the risk of cognitive fatigue.
Jeppe Dalberg-Larsen, President at EPOS says, “The world of work has never been as complex as it is today. Business leaders who invest in their company's and employees' future need to think intentionally about their hybrid strategies. There is no one size fits all approach. Though we have, in recent years, see how technology has revolutionised modern work it is no substitute for leadership and culture. Leaders today face a new set of challenges and must put their people at the heart of creating a workplace community that keeps employees engaged in the long-term.”
Marta Vilella, Client Partner at Foresight Factory says, “Each business requires a unique and tailored plan that considers all aspects of business operations, people, and culture. Business leaders need to tune into the issues, challenges, and interests that most concern their employees and make any necessary changes in order to thrive as a team.”