January 13, 2021

7 Workplace Trends for 2021 You Should Know About

The modern workplace is evolving rapidly, and so are the ways companies hire and retain employees. Besides, the work environment is under siege by economic changes, technological developments, automation, globalization, and, not to mention, the COVID-19 pandemic. To survive, leaders must rise to the occasion and follow the latest workplace trends.

In this article, we’ll discuss the modern workplace trends to help you understand the shifting initiatives and deliver insights that will help redefine your work ethos and create a positive and flexible culture.

Let’s get started!

In 2020, industries and markets underwent dynamic and monumental changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key business trends that revolve around tech and buyer behavior include adopting the use of analytics, omnichannel marketing communications, and support. But what about workplace trends?

How are employees, managers, and leaders adapting to the changes? What’s it like walking in the office wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing or working remotely without physically interacting with your co-workers?

The truth is, markets are very volatile, and future workplace trends are shaped by real-time changes in buyer preferences and behavior. As a result, businesses have to make changes to ensure continuity as well as a healthy workplace. Hence, employees remain productive in different conditions.

Here are 7 workplace trends for 2021 you should know about:

1.     Gen Z Entering the Modern Workforce

Over the years, businesses have had numerous era-defining demographic shifts. The business world has transitioned from baby boomers to Gen X to Millenials with minimal fuzz. There’s no denying each of these generations has had its unique approaches to the workplace. Gen Z is the newest entrant in the modern workforce, and this generation is different.

In 2021, this generation will account for nearly 38% of the global workforce, with the oldest member of this group being 24 years old (born 1997). However, managing a Gen Z workforce isn’t easy. You need to embrace modern workplace transformation and provide the technology this group needs to thrive.

2.     Remote Work the New Catchword

The traditional office-centric working was already under serious threat in 2019. In 2020, many businesses were forced to work remotely. As a consequence, the adoption of robust time management, communication software, and employee productivity software tools has become critical for survival. Moreover, there’s also a shift in the perception of employees towards remote working.

Modern employees love the freedom and flexibility that comes with it, and as long as they perform well, we could see this workplace trend last long-term. For example, today’s parents can carry out their parental duties and handle professional roles in the comfort of their homes.

3.     Innate Liking for Flexible Work Schedules

The 9-5 work schedule has long been second nature for the working class. However, with modern employees enjoying remote work anywhere and anytime, this schedule will soon die out. Besides, employees are much busier today than decades ago as the work environment has become global and extremely competitive.

These changes, along with disruptive forces of the technology, point to a shifting landscape as workers have developed an innate liking for a more flexible schedule. And there are many reasons to believe that this change is long overdue. For example, 71% of workers find rigid work schedules hurt their personal life.

4.     The Emphasis of Work-Life Balance

The modern workforce no longer wants to work late nights and long weeks to earn more. They want a better work-life balance and perks that positively impact their wellbeing. More importantly, organizations that promoted overworking in a positive light are slowly changing their ways as top employees refuse to accept that the only way to climb the organizational ladder is by working more.

5.     Investing in Employee Wellbeing

Over the last decade, burnouts and stressed workers have become widespread. These problems have crept into the workplace because employees were more dedicated to their work than their wellbeing. However, recently, employee wellbeing has become a priority for both the employee and the employer.

And today, many companies have used workplace weakness strategies for improvements by adding onsite fitness centers, cafeterias, medical care, recreational activities, etc.

6.     Social Purpose Becoming a Priority

Certain developments have brought shifts in the business world, such as the entry of younger workers, the everchanging social-political climate, and increasing job-hopping, to name a few. The business landscape is becoming increasingly turbulent. Companies are finding it hard to attract or retain top talent because they seek more than just a pretty image.

Modern candidates want companies that show a true desire to uphold their values and prioritize social responsibility. For instance, they want companies that forgo profits to keep their workforce employed during the pandemic or stepped up to support their communities during the lockdown.

7.     Robots and Humans in the Modern Workplace

Nobody liked robots when they first made their way to the workplace. The global workforce presumed that this innovative idea would take their jobs, but that isn’t the case. Instead, the evolution of artificial intelligence and machine learning has enabled employees to coexist with robots and take on more important tasks.

Today, automation is among the leading workplace trends for 2021, and robots can handle mundane tasks, thereby freeing precious time for employees to be more productive. If you think robots are going away any time soon, think again. As innovations keep coming in, nearly one billion users will rely on AI-powered virtual assistants by 2025.

Conclusion

The business world is evolving rapidly every day. Each year, businesses face new ideas and trends that disrupt the way they operate and conduct activities. Nearly every aspect of a business is prone to some changes, and the workplace is no exception.

If you’re looking for more modern workplace trends and business practices, visit Percento Technologies today.


by Bobby J Davidson

We love our company and we love what we do.  Check out the ‘Why Percento‘ page to learn more: Love of Technology and Business!  As the President of Percento Technologies International, I provide day-to-day leadership to the company’s senior management and I am personally involved in the strategy, business development and sales activities of the firm.

The company was founded in 1999 with the purpose of providing a one call source for organizations in need of Enterprise IT Consulting and Management.  We also provide a line of products in the boutique Cloud Server space with a touch of high-end website strategy consulting and design services.   We personalizes the IT Service experience with a team approach, working with clients from diverse sectors of industry, including energy services, financial, legal, entertainment, healthcare, hospitality, retail and general and/or corporate business.  percentotech.com/contact