6 workplace trends to watch out for in 2023
It wasn’t long ago when your neighbor would think that you must be out of a job if they knew you were often at home on weekdays. These days, if your neighbor still thinks like that, you’ll be curious about where they have been. New workplace trends have emerged over the past few years, and companies (and employees) that fail to keep up with the times are destined to be gradually left behind.
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In this Pacific Prime Dubai article, we examine six workplace trends to watch out for in 2023 that will have far-reaching implications for work itself over the coming decade.
Trends that will shape the future of work
Some of the trends below may be more welcome than others. But because they are soon to become reality, we may as well get ready for them.
1. Hybrid work schedules will be widely adopted
Nowadays, employee well-being and work-life balance often take center stage when people evaluate job offers and decide which one to take, and flexibility in work arrangements has become the new darling of many job seekers. In addition to saving time and expenses by reducing commuting needs, working from home (WFH) on given days of the week allows employees to take better care of their children and elderly, among other benefits.
Naturally, hybrid work presents its own set of challenges, including unchecked working hours and the increased risk of violation of company rules for handling confidential materials. Where possible, employers should adapt their procedures to mitigate the downside. For example, access to confidential materials can be limited to office computers, so employees have to be physically in the office to use these materials.
Further reading:
- 8 ways to help improve your employees’ work-life balance
- How to impact turnover by focusing on employee wellbeing
2. Artificial intelligence (AI) will play a more prominent role
Computers and programs are simply better than humans in some ways: they are more dependable and more stable emotionally (because of the utter absence of emotions). Plus, they never get tired, demand a pay raise, or resign. That’s why we can expect AI will play an ever-increasing role in the workplace as computer scientists keep perfecting it.
What AI cannot do, and can never do, is to exhibit creativity and critical thinking abilities – those are the reserves of humans. So it’s not too early to decide on and acquire an AI-proof skill, particularly when AI makes no secret it is interested in your lunch.
3. Middle management will shrink
Speaking of AI…has it ever occurred to you that many of the tasks typically performed by today’s middle managers (preparing financial and managerial accounting reports, administering day-to-day routines, monitoring performance, etc.) can be performed equally well or even better by AI-controlled processes? For middle managers, fear itself is no longer the only thing they have to fear.
Top managers, by contrast, will be scarcely affected, as their main duty is to come up with and execute sound strategies for their company – exactly the kind of work that inherently depends on creativity, as well as planning and critical thinking abilities.
4. Employee data gathering will intensify
Employee data is an integral part of “big data” – the gold mine of the 21st century. And as evidence of the usefulness of big data in predicting human behavior keeps piling up, so will the interest in its gathering.
If you are uneasy about all this, you’re not alone. Workplace surveillance can create serious personal privacy concerns. Employers need to strike a fine balance between selecting the right technologies, setting clear boundaries, and communicating effectively with employees.
5. Experience will matter less than adaptability and digital proficiency
In a world that is changing so fast, suddenly experience is not half the reliable guide it used to be since the future will look nothing like the past.
Don’t get us wrong, experience still matters. However, for the lessons from the past to stay relevant, we have to learn how to adapt them to our ever-changing environment. That’s why, for example, people who are well-versed in TV advertising should use every opportunity to get exposed to new media and social media marketing. Although TV advertising is here to stay, the days when it would take the lion’s share of industry revenue are gone for good.
6. Gen Z’s concerns will be taken more and more seriously
Employees belonging to Gen Z are entering the workforce in large numbers, and a good understanding of the Gen Z mindset, together with a sharing of their concerns and deep convictions, is necessary in today’s “war for talent”.
Two issues stand out in particular – sustainability and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion). To attract and retain talent, companies from now on must demonstrate their commitment to protecting the environment, promoting fairness and equity in the workplace, and fulfilling their corporate social responsibilities.
Further reading:
Get in touch with Pacific Prime Dubai today!
If you are thinking about designing or revamping your employee benefits packages and group health insurance plans to further enhance your company’s competitiveness in the market for talent, Pacific Prime Dubai is here to help!
With more than 20 years of experience under our belt, we can surely apply our expertise and experience in all matters related to employee benefits and insurance to provide unbiased advice that only a leading global insurance brokerage can. And because we work with all the major insurers, your business will be presented with the best options that also fit your budget, which you can then secure at no extra cost!
For an insightful and detailed analysis on where the human resources sector is headed, download our Global Employee Benefits Trends Report 2022 for FREE today! By identifying the important trends shaping the employee benefits landscape and offering practical tips, this report aims to empower business leaders and HR professionals to make informed decisions.
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Since joining Pacific Prime, Martin has become even more aware of the gap between the true value of insurance products and most people’s appreciation of it, and developed a passion for demystifying and simplifying matters, so that more people get the protection they need at a cost they can easily afford.
In his free time, Martin attends concerts of various genres, and plays the violin with piano accompaniment he pre-recorded himself or played live by his niece.
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