5 Workplace Trends in 2022 and the Necessity of Hybrid Work

The global pandemic has led organizations around the world to focus on digitizing internal processes in order to continue their work properly. As a result, 2021 can be easily classified as the year of reinvention. Subsequently, teleworking was widely adopted, making companies interested in modern approaches to employment relationships.

Put in another way, if 2021 was a period of recovery and resilience from the business environment, 2022 will be the year of growth and innovation. Hence, professionals are ready to start the New Year on a positive note, keeping in mind, of course, the latest changes in human capital.

Therefore, in the following article, you will find some of the essential trends in the workplace for 2022:

1. Hybrid work

As organizations moved back to on premise operations in 2021, not all employees were thrilled with the idea of returning to the conventional work mode. On the contrary, several companies have reported an increase in overall productivity for remote workers. On top of that, remote work allowed professionals to maintain a better work-life balance.

These certainties have led to the emergence of a new concept in which work teams include both remote employees and ones working internally. Hybrid work represents a flexible approach to modern work that offers workers many benefits, including employee satisfaction, more opportunities for continuous learning, improved collaboration and work relationships, better outcomes for employees’ mental health, low financial costs etc.

2. Gen-Z is entering the labour market 

Young people from Gen-Z (born between 1997 and 2012) are ready to enter the corporate world, but they have a unique approach in terms of work. In principle, they aren’t willing to work with traditional tools that involve manufacturing to complete a professional task. At the same time, this generation has acquired a native competency in technology and digitalization.

Therefore, companies need to change their perspective when it comes to integrating the above-mentioned category into the team. Creative, idealistic, and yet independent, the Gen-Z employees are unwilling to confine themselves to the standard work schedule (9 to 5) being much more attracted to the flexible work culture.

3. Centralized communication

The emergence of the hybrid work model has increased the need for centralized communication within an organization. Practically a mix between remote employees and those working on-site, it is crucial to make sure everyone is in accord at all times.

On the bright side, companies have a wide range of technological tools to use in such situations. Collaborative platforms such as Skype, Zoom, Google Meet, Slack, or Microsoft Teams allow employees to communicate in real-time. From group chats and video calls to sharing important documents, these apps help you to maintain a clear line of communication at a business level.

4. Focus on skills development

Skills are essential because they play a fundamental role in overcoming certain challenges in the workplace. Roles, on the other hand, refer to how each employee relates to a particular organizational structure or general hierarchy. 

Focusing on skills, companies believe that these elements are the key to boosting innovation and success within corporations.

On the other hand, from the employees’ perspective, skill development (rather than simply performing a role) ensures them a better start for future career opportunities. This shift in focus from roles to skills will most likely be a major trend for both organizations and workers in 2022.

5. The employee mental health

The pandemic has been a rough time for most people, regardless of the industry they belong to. Moreover, there have even been situations in which experienced and dedicated employees have lost their jobs, as companies have reported low turnover amid the economic crisis.

These circumstances significantly affected the employee’s mental well-being. In this setting, organizations have focused on providing a stimulating and encouraging work environment through various initiatives. Recognizing good work, promoting a healthier lifestyle, and providing regular feedback can positively influence employee engagement.