Many work watchers say the crystal ball has never been clearer. The future of work is already here. Can’t see it? Here are 7 already-familiar trends that will define the world of work in 2023.
The pandemic has changed the world. But those changes cut a little deeper than everyone thinks. Just as historians say World War 1 closed the door on one epoch and opened the window to another, so COVID brought the world of work as we knew it to an end and helped usher in a new age of digital transformation.
Signposting this new world are terms such as remote working, working from home (WFH), digital nomads, Zoom meetings, RATS, VAX and social distancing etc.
Welcome to the new global language of work.
Welcome also to 7 workforce trends that will define 2023….
#1: Remote might not be the future of work, but it could become the new capital vs labour battleground
Employees love working from home (WFH). At least for now. It offers them so many benefits and advantages. But employers are not so enthusiastic. For example, according to an October 2022 Resume Builders survey, around nine in 10 companies will require employees to work from an office in 2023.
Governments too are pushing for a return to in-office workdays as a means of revitalising deserted CBD’s.
Workers are certain to push back, making it a new capital vs labour battleground. Though many observers predict that the issue may resolve itself as the global economy returns to its natural cycle. If unemployment rises and there’s talk in your company of staff cutbacks and redundancies then the last thing you’ll want to be doing is ‘working from home’.
#2: A virtual, hybrid and in-person work-mix will quickly become the new normal for employees; employers will need to focus on engagement
Several years after the Covid-19 pandemic ushered in a new era of remote work, many companies (and their employees) have now settled into hybrid or fully remote work arrangements. With all full-time workers, it’s estimated that around 15% are fully remote, 30% are in a hybrid arrangement, and the remaining 55% are fully on-site. Notably, among workers who are able to work remotely, the hybrid model dominates. People still seek connection.
Going into 2023, we’re likely to see many companies take more advantage of the abundance of technologies that have entered the market specifically to support remote and hybrid workforces. Everything from virtual offices tools and solutions designed to optimise hybrid offices to platforms designed to help employees socialise and develop stronger relationships between themselves and their workplace.
#3: There will be a renewed focus on a healthy workplace and a healthy work life balance
The pandemic triggered renewed emphasis on health and well-being. As a result, employee wellness will continue to be an important part of the future of work.
That wellness focus will also include how much flexibility a job offers. Companies that don’t have flexible work schedules or wellness programs risk losing out on top talent.
#4: Gender equality will become a front-line issue for business, especially in Asia where women’s advancement has lagged the rest of the developed world.
Globally, gender diversity has become a hallmark of a company’s Employer Brand. It’s seen as desirable – or even essential – if you want to claim the mantle of a modern, progressive business. Overall though, the situation for working women in S.E. Asia remains relatively poor. Lockdowns, remote working and online learning have increased gender gaps in employment and education, while stale patriarchal mindsets have put a disproportionate burden on women when it comes to caregiving, even though they are expected to deliver high performance at work.
In business hotspot Singapore for example, the gender pay gap has not changed much over the past 20 years, despite women making up 64.2 per cent of the labour force in 2021.
Our gender equality prediction for most countries throughout the Asia Pacific region in 2023 is ‘watch this space!’
#5: Social purpose & corporates for a cause will become a key part of every company’s brand
The global talent shortage, in combination with the entry of younger workers into a turbulent and uncertain workforce, has meant that companies that put corporate social responsibility into action stand out in the highly competitive arena. They become the type of company that young, well-educated and idealistic people want to work for.
To successfully attract, hire, and retain a young workforce, companies will increasingly make social purpose a priority in 2023. If only as a means of attracting new talent.
#6: Upskilling, training and personal development will become increasingly important
LinkedIn’s ‘2022 Global Trends Report’ reveals that upskilling and opportunities to grow at their current company are two of the top priorities for today’s workers, just behind compensation, work-life balance and flexibility.
In 2023. people will be expecting more support from their employers. This of course represents a compelling opportunity for businesses to retain their current workforce and attract new talent by offering better learning & development programmes.
The opportunity to learn new skills at a job is so important to employees that 83% of workers place improving their skills as their number one priority next year, according to a recent survey from Amazon and Workplace Intelligence.
The same study found that 74% of employees are willing to leave their current job due to a lack of skill-building and career-mobility options.
#7: Robots, automation and A.I. will become integral to a modern workplace
We have all witnessed how automation is quickly becoming an integral part of our working day. That trend will continue apace in 2023.
In most cases these technologies are designed to support workers and eliminate some of their repetitive tasks – not replace their jobs entirely. Another tech trend we will start seeing more of in 2023 is the increased automation of operational and transactional tasks, especially in an environment where companies are looking to cut costs, especially labour costs.
Like more information about the 2023 workforce trends that could impact you? Or are you simply looking for more staff? CXC are global workplace and workforce management specialists with offices and/or activities in over 50 countries, so don’t hesitate to contact us today. It could be the smartest move you’ll make this year.
