The future means change. We’ve all experienced major shifts in most aspects of life, such as fashion, music, home design, etc. A great example of change is how comfortably we use video chat features which didn’t exist 15 years ago or even the leap to cryptocurrencies. We’re undergoing colossal shifts in how we work and how our workplaces look and feel.
The largest trend we’re seeing across many industries is a focus on flexibility. A 2021 report from Future Forum showed that 93% of employees value a flexible schedule, and 76% are looking for a flexible approach to where they work. This focus on flexibility is why many industries are switching to a hybrid model where employees can be partly remote based on their needs and desires.
Currently, 56% of employees are considering a job change.
The future workplace will include three key aspects. Make sure you have what it takes to shine in 2023. Develop this model if you want to hire and retain talent.
Instead of a standard 8-hour work day, employees will be driven more by meeting goals, targets, and deadlines. As long as these parameters are met, employees don’t need to be clocked in for 8 hours if they can get their work done in 4. Businesses need to accommodate this by considering payment for completed services vs. an hourly rate. Paying people simply for showing up for 8 hours will not motivate them to innovate or work smarter, nor will paying them for only 4 hours if they completed the work faster.
Skills needed to succeed:
These skills help individuals to meet deadlines rather than cramming at the last minute.
A note on procrastination - it’s often a negative outcome of perfectionism and anxiety related to performance. Learning to overcome perfection-driven procrastination is the trick to retaining a good work/life balance on a deadline rather than an hourly compensation model. If you need help overcoming perfectionism, I have a post for you!
One of the most significant changes expected in the future of the workforce is where we work. Over the past few years, there’s been a shift to a remote model that’s here to stay. Research shows that flexibility in choosing to work remotely improves employees' happiness and quality of life. Businesses that don’t allow for the option of fully remote or partially remote work will find it harder to hire and retain staff.
Skills needed to succeed:
These skills are important for both employers and employees. It’s not always possible for a business to offer a 100% remote position. Employees and employers must work together to find a method that works for them. Part of successful remote work is being trustworthy and good at communication. If your employer can’t connect with you during the hours you’ve agreed to be available, you may notice they’re less inclined to offer remote opportunities. Similarly, many employers will need to create systems so employees can feel like they’re being respected and trusted instead of being virtually micromanaged.
If you’re looking for ways to stay connected and engaged with your team and develop crucial remote work boundaries, I have a post for you!
Businesses must celebrate diversity within a team and provide opportunities for all team members to share their ideas and opinions. To survive as a business in 2023, you must be diverse and inclusive to be healthy. Companies that promote diversity will see more innovative solutions and ideas if they focus on building a strong team identity and do away with a hierarchical communication and management structure. A lateral approach to communication and hierarchy is crucial to success. Directions and orders cannot only come from the top down. All team members will expect to be heard and their opinions considered.
Skills needed to succeed:
Respectful communication, patience, and acceptance are key skills in the future. The workplace of 2023 has no room for the manager who talks down to their team members. Patience and understanding are crucial skills as we transition to this lateral structure. Feedback will flow in all directions, not just down from the top. Be sure to offer grace as your team adjusts and invite every team member to have a seat at the boardroom table.
Wondering about how to promote diversity in your workplace in 2023? I have a blog post that can help.
Still curious about innovative approaches for growing into a competitive workplace in the future? Wondering what skills the modern professional needs to find work-life balance? I work as a speaker and facilitator with numerous industries and businesses. Taking a neuroscience and psychological approach to professional development can help elevate your team and provide value to the individuals within your organization. Get in touch today to see how I can help you offer more to your company.
NEW
While it’s a common realization that the world has become a connected global village, it’s also a fact that we are seeing increasing divisions based on ideology, culture, class, race, religion, family values, and politics. With each passing day, differing attitudes, cultural values, perceived social norms, and political ideologies are pulling people further apart. This increased polarization is also making people feel isolated, demoralized, or angry since dialogue often ends up in arguments, hostility, and further division rather than listening, connection, problem-solving and social cohesion.
NEW
It would not be news to say that excessive use of technology is negatively affecting children of all ages. Screen time not only affects children’s mental health, but can also negatively impact parent-child relationships, attention span, self-esteem, self-identity, academic performance, physical fitness, and social development. According to a survey, around 70% of parents these days struggle with excessive tech use at their homes. Be it smartphones, tablets, or laptops, parents are finding it hard to manage the screen time of children. The issue does not end here; managing tech use is also a key concern at schools as devices continue to be an integral part of learning. This makes us eager to learn and understand the idea of tech withdrawal—behaviours and emotions children exhibit when technology use is diminished or removed. In this blog, let’s learn about tech withdrawal, what it is and what parents and teachers can do to manage it effectively.
NEW
While smartphones prove to be a powerful educational, safety, communication, and organizational tool within schools, it also raises concerns about distraction, academic integrity, cyberbullying, and social isolation among students. This is why, schools all around the world are deliberating different policies to tackle the negative consequences of cell phones for the youth of all ages. This blog outlines different cellphone policies implemented by various countries across the globe, the rationale behind it, as well as the results of these unique policies.
