5 workplace trends to keep up in 2022

The world of work has been radically changed by the pandemic, and it looks like the post-pandemic workforce is set to look a lot different to how things were pre-pandemic.

Employees are more likely than ever to want to work from home, and the past two years have given people a lot of time to reflect on where their personal and professional interests lie – meaning that meaningful change is on the horizon.

If you’re looking to keep on top of the trends that will dominate the workplace in 2022, then read on!

Why is it important to understand workplace trends?

Understanding workplace trends means you’re able to be proactive, rather than reactive. With many employees reconsidering the career path they were on before the pandemic, workplaces need to prepare for a period of significant change for many workers, which has been called ‘The Great Resignation’ by many.

It’s anticipated that two in five Australians will be looking for a new job in the next 12 months, so your workforce at the start of 2022 may look significantly different to how it takes shape heading into the end of 2022.

Understanding the following trends means you can make strategic decisions that will help you capitalise on the effects of these changes in workplace culture, rather than being taken by surprise when they play out in 2022 and beyond.

What are some workplace trends to watch out for in 2022?

Working from home is here to stay.

The pandemic caused a seismic shift in the way people work, and it looks like it’s set to be permanent. Working full-time in the office looks like it’ll be a thing of the past for many workers, as they’ve found they enjoyed spending less time commuting, and not having to deal with the costs of travel to and from work. Workplaces need to ensure that they’re set up for both on-premise and remote work so that a hybrid work schedule doesn’t affect people’s productivity.

AI is set to become more popular.

As artificial technology continues to evolve, it’s evident that it will play an increased role in industries of all shapes and sizes. Rapid technology advancements mean that workplaces everywhere will benefit from the use of AI – and understanding how to best implement it will help set businesses up for success.

Defined roles will give way to skill sets.

Flexibility in the workplace is becoming more important than ever, and employees that can slot into a range of roles will find themselves in high demand. Businesses that encourage collaboration between different departments will be able to get ahead of their competition, rather than trying to have their employees remain in clearly defined roles. 

Employers will increasingly find themselves looking to utilise the entirety of their workforce’s skill sets instead of relying on their employees to operate within traditional boundaries.

An increased focus on mental health and employee wellbeing.

A study by the Global Wellness Institute found that businesses with wellbeing programs reported 21% higher productivity and 22% higher profitability when compared to their counterparts. Ensuring that your employees have access to mental health services when needed, as well as services that can improve their wellbeing, will help your employees feel more valued in the workplace – no matter whether they’re working from the office, at home or both!

The employer-employee relationship will shift.

In 2022 and beyond, employers are set to rely on the insight and skill sets of employees more than ever before. Collaborating with employees to solve complex workplace problems will mean they feel more invested in the business’s success, and with FastTrack360 reporting that 71% of executives say employee engagement is critical to their business’s success, getting employee buy-in will be a big focus for leadership teams heading into 2022.

How to demonstrate these skills to employers

If you’re an employee that’s looking to set themselves up for success in 2022, then demonstrating your ability to work remotely will go a long way to making yourself a valuable employee. 

The hybrid work model looks like it’ll be implemented in the majority of workplaces, which requires a high level of trust from all members of the workforce. While leadership teams will regularly check in with employees, workers will need to be more self-motivated than ever.

Being able to work across a range of teams will also prove to be very desirable to employees, as defined roles become less important to a workplace’s success. Cross-training and developing diverse skill sets will ensure that you’re a valuable asset to any workplace, and allow you to transition between workplaces, careers and even industries – especially if you’re looking to be part of ‘The Great Resignation’ and start fresh in 2022!

If you’re looking to change careers in 2022, or looking to upskill, then Upskilled can help

Upskilled provides a range of nationally recognised qualifications in a range of industries, so you can take the first steps towards your next career.

You can find out more about the courses that Upskilled provides here, or alternatively, reach out to Upskilled’s education consultants on 1300 009 924 to prepare yourself for success as the world waits to see how the new world of work unfolds!