Top trends affecting workplace in 2024 and beyond

It’s safe to say the way we work is evolving quicker than ever before, with the post-Covid and technology revolution impacting how employees like to work and where.

Knowing the current workplace trends can help employers stay ahead of the game and keep their employees motivated, dedicated, and productive. Here we look at 5 of the top trends that are affecting the workplace in 2024, and beyond.

1. Remote work revolution Will life at work ever be the same as it was pre-Covid? We don’t think so and neither do the statistics. According to a recent survey by Upwork, this year an estimated 36.2 million Americans will work remotely, which equates to 22% of the US workforce. This shift towards working from home has really reshaped the workplace landscape and will continue to do so for years to come. Employees enjoy the flexibility it offers, but it also boosts morale, productivity, and company culture. Employees are also looking for more flexibility in terms of hours, as well as location, with a survey by Flexjobs finding that 80% of employees consider flexibility in working hours a top factor when evaluating job opportunities.

2. Focus on employee mental health Burnout rates are at an all-time high worldwide and when employees face mental health challenges and need time away from work, this can cost an organization greatly. As awareness of mental health issues in the workplace grows, companies are putting in place more initiatives to prioritise employee wellbeing. From programmes that focus on mindfulness and meditation to initiatives teaching emotional awareness or counselling sessions.

3. Rise of the gig economy and freelancing Another trend largely created by the changes brought along by Covid, more candidates are looking for flexible work solutions and so are turning to freelancing or part-time projects. This offers a great option to companies, as they can tap into a large talent pool without worrying about the long-term financial impact of hiring someone. In fact, companies are even revaluating their talent strategies to leverage the power of the gig economy and see how it can positively impact their organization’s HR goals.

4. Automation and AI integration This wouldn’t be a list of trends without mentioning AI and automation! These are transforming job sectors across all industries, and it’s estimated that by 2025 AI will boost global GDP by up to $15.7 trillion. And by 2030, it's estimated that up to 375 million workers worldwide will need to transition to new roles due to automation. However, there will still be many jobs that need human-centric skills. To keep up with this trend companies could look at helping employees upskill their talents or learn more about how they can incorporate AI into their job roles – without making their human skills redundant!

5. Focus on sustainability More and more consumers are looking into the backgrounds and ethics of a company they choose – something that is only likely to increase as Gen Z grows up. The number one priority for companies looking to be more sustainable is to look at their impact on the environment – mainly focusing on climate change and carbon footprints. Recent research by Nielsen indicates that 71% of consumers prefer to buy from companies that align with their values, including sustainability. Whether it's focusing on environmentally friendly practices or enhancing how they market their brand to socially conscious consumers, companies that do not play ball will be left behind.

To stay ahead of the game, look at how your company can focus on some of these points. Keeping up to date with the latest workplace trends will help position your organization as an industry leader and an attractive place to work.