It’s hard to believe we are two years into this global pandemic. And it looks like the workplace trends during the height of the pandemic will continue to impact us in the future.
In many ways, the workplace might never be the same again. The “new normal” will simply become… normal.
Let’s look at some workplace trends that shaped 2021 and what to expect for 2022.
2021 Workplace Trends
A lot changed in 2020-2021. The way we work, interact, socialize, shop—some of it will forever be different. Here are some of the top workplace trends from 2021.
1. Remote Work
This is the big one. The pandemic forced so many people to pivot to online and remote work. What was once seen as a temporary measure is now the norm for many workplaces and professionals.
Some industries have returned to in-person work, while others continue 100% WFH or a hybrid office-home model. This is often favored by employees who like the flexibility and time-saving nature of WFH.
However, the social and interpersonal factor is often lost with virtual work.
2. Demand for Work-Life Balance
With WFH came more free time. Professionals were finally able to attend to personal matters during the day or also swap commuting for side projects and hobbies.
Work-life balance is a workplace trend that is here to stay—employees have come to value their personal time more than ever and want to prioritize realistic work-life balance goals.
3. The Great Resignation
A lot of people left their jobs in 2021. The mass exodus of employees from their jobs was so impressive, it got its own name: The Great Resignation. This phenomenon is happening for a few reasons:
- The WFH movement
- Out-of-touch leaders
- Exhaustion and burnout
This leads to massive workplace shifts:
- Labor shortages,
- Career swaps
- High turnover
It will continue to impact the workplace well into 2022 and beyond.
4. More Choice for Professionals
The rise in remote work opened up a literal world of opportunities for professionals by removing geographical barriers when it comes to how they can earn a living.
And, in turn, this has inspired many people to reevaluate what they want to do for work and the kinds of companies they want to work for.
These events made a lot of people stop and consider:
- What is important to them as an individual?
- What is important to them as an employee—i.e. “Do I want to work somewhere that doesn’t align with my own values?”
And, as a result, there’s been an increase in a people-first mentality in the workforce.
What to Expect in 2022
While we hope to put the pandemic behind us in 2022, it’s impossible to predict what will happen. These workplace trends, and others, will impact 2022 in a big way. Companies, small businesses, and entrepreneurs will need to prepare to deal with them. Here’s what you need to expect in 2022:
1. Flexibility is Key
With remote work and employees enjoying their newfound freedom, flexibility is key. Businesses will need to adapt and work on a solution that works for both them and their staff.
Leaders can:
- Provide options for employees to WFH or in-office, whichever they prefer
- Utilize flexible workplaces to bridge the gap between WFH and the need for in-person engagement
- Invest in technology to make remote work easier and more effective
For solopreneurs and small business owners working from home, they can look into finding new and exciting workspaces for their businesses and communities to immerse themselves in.
And for corporate satellite offices of small teams, there’s also the option to rent a small, one-to-three person private office and share it between all employees. Often, teams work out a weekly or monthly schedule where they rotate the use of the office and then collaborate with the entire team in a meeting room or flex space when they need it. And since private offices at coworking spaces generally allow for access to all communal areas, other team members can drop in and find a desk when they need it, even if it’s not their scheduled in-office time.
These kinds of flexible arrangements are often the most cost-effective options since it doesn’t require you to get locked into a long-term lease for a large-scale space. It also gives you the ability to scale your space size up or down depending on the needs of your business.
2. Work-Life Balance is Expected
Everyone’s had a rough few years. Many people feel burnt out and others are just looking for a sense of normalcy. In any case, professionals of all kinds are looking to prioritize their work-life balance and wellbeing.
This includes:
- Focusing on physical and mental health
- Finding more time for hobbies and personal interests
- Being surrounded by like-minded professionals
- Investing in higher education and upskill training
That’s one of the things we’ve found our members enjoy most about being at The Post: the ability to take part in social and wellness events and to be surrounded by those who are in the same boat as they are.
3. Increased Employee Benefits
There’s no way around it—The Great Resignation and subsequent labor shortages in some industries are going to make it very hard to hire and retain talent. Even for small business owners, it’s wise to take a look at the benefits they offer their employees to ensure they are competitive and attractive.
Some examples are:
- Increased and more flexible sick time
- Flex days for personal matters
- Mental health coverage
- Bonuses, perks, and raises
We’re excited for what’s to come in 2022 and, despite all these changes, we know that good things are ahead and we’re ready for it.
If you’re a Tucson-based small business or solopreneur looking for a flexible workspace where you can scale your operations, book a tour of The Post today.