5 Work Trends Shaping 2022
While we're only a few months into 2022, workplace culture is already changing drastically. Although many of the trends are a result of the global events of 2020 and 2021, we can already see new changes coming through the pipeline for 2022. Here are the current updates to workplace culture and environment in 2022.
More hybrid and remote work opportunities
In 2021, there was a time when COVID-19 cases began to decrease. In addition, more Americans were getting vaccinated. The new vaccines had many employers expecting employees to return to work full-time in the office. However, companies are now looking to adopt the hybrid or remote-first approach for their workers (LinkedIn).
Continuation of the “Great Resignation”
The “Great Resignation” began in early 2021, with millions of Americans quitting their jobs. However, as reported by The Atlantic, the quitting rates will only climb throughout 2022. Some companies, such as Amazon and Target, are attempting to remedy the issue by increasing their hourly pay rates.
Increased focus on employee well-being
With the turmoil of COVID-19 and rapid related changes in our work and lives, many people are highly stressed as they attempt to take care of themselves and their loved ones during uncertain times. As a result, many employers are now amping up their benefits package by adding mental health services, extended paid family leave, childcare support, and more. An improved benefits package is another possible method of employers reducing employee turnover rates.
Dr. Marcia F. Robinson, CEO & Founder of The HBCU Career Center, made the following tweet regarding employee wellness in a #MercerChats tweet:
“Listen, ask questions, check if you heard correctly and listen again. Support workers with what they need to thrive. Remember that it’s not one size that fits everyone. Tailoring employee experiences means being better listeners. #MercerChats #EmployeeWellness”
#MercerChats is a Twitter chat hosted by Mercer, a global management organization.
Increased sedentary behaviors
With the increase of remote work, many Americans aren’t as active as they once were. Physical activities such as commuting to work or just walking around the office are nonexistent when working remotely. Instead, many workers spend 8-9 hours of their day sitting in their desk chairs and eating snacks throughout their shift. According to the Harvard Business Review, many employers are now adopting physical wellness programs to reduce these sedentary behaviors.
Vaccine mandates and COVID testing
In the Fall of 2021 with the uptick in Omicron cases, many companies began requiring employees or potential new hires to be fully vaccinated. Although some companies have rescinded this mandate or restricted the mandate to certain groups of workers in high risk roles, companies and workers are relying on COVID-19 testing policies to keep employees safe.