3 Workplace Trend Predictions for 2023

2022 was another whirlwind year for businesses. From high turnover to high-burnout rates, there was a certain level of unpredictability facing every employer. And 2023 isn’t faring much better. Quite quitting is still on the rise, there is a fierce level of competition when it comes to talent acquisition and many employees expect more from their employer than ever before. In order to attract and retain staff, organisations are going to have to step up their game. Understanding the upcoming workplace trend predictions may help employers stay ahead of the curve.

1. Workplace trend: More industries demand flexibility in the workplace

Since 2020, there has been a significant shift in how companies operate. Especially office-based businesses. The previous model of being in the office Monday to Friday, between the hours of 9 to 5 is a thing of the past for most of these companies. The pandemic required many of these companies to reassess their operations. So remote working and flexible scheduling became the new normal. And as it works so well, many companies are happy to allow their employees to continue this way. Obviously, there were industries that could not adapt to a remote or flexible working environment. Such as the service-based industry. Or the manufacturing industry. However, Gartner is predicting that 2023 is the year we start to see this change. As more and more of these workers are demanding flexibility when it comes to what they work on, who they work with, and the amount they work.

2. Workplace trend: 2023 will see more support be given to Managers

The past few years have been tough for management. As they are dealing with the expectations of employees and the pressure to succeed from senior leadership. In order to thrive, employees nowadays require purpose, flexibility, career progression and an inclusive and motivating workplace culture. While senior leadership require managers to meet targets and deadlines. Balancing these requirements can be a hard needle to thread. Thankfully managers should expect a reprieve in 2023. As one workplace trend prediction is that many organisations will redefine a manager’s priorities, and redesign the role if necessary. Additionally, many companies will provide extra support and training for managers, if needed.

3. Final trend: Employee Development Programmes will address the gap in soft skills

And the final 2023 workplace trend prediction is that many companies will implement Employee Development Programmes in order to address the significant gap in many employees’ soft skills. Soft skills such as communication have taken a hit in recent years due to the pandemic. As schooling and working from home became the norm, many people forgot (or never even learned) how to effectively communicate. Gartner predicts that many companies will initiate EDP in order to address this gap in their employees’ skills.