7 Employee Trends to Be Aware of in 2022

By Jason Richmond, CEO and Chief Culture Officer, Ideal Outcomes Inc.

The most important aspect of any organization is its employees. But companies today are struggling to find and retain the best employees, and the competition is only getting more fierce as the labor market tightens. 

As a result, these trends are more important than ever for employers to know. By being aware of changes in the workforce, you can better accommodate your employees and ensure that your company remains competitive in a tight labor market.

In this blog post, we'll explore some trends to watch out for throughout 2022.

7 Employee Trends You Need to Know
There are several trends that businesses can expect to see throughout 2022, including:

1. Demand for Flexible Working Arrangements
Flexible working arrangements are becoming increasingly popular as more and more employees seek a better work-life balance. This has led to increased demand for flexible work options such as telecommuting and flextime.

There are several benefits associated with flexible working arrangements. For remote employees, flexible working can improve work-life balance, increase job satisfaction, and reduce stress levels. For employers, flexible working can increase employee productivity and decrease absenteeism.

Many businesses are now offering flexible working arrangements in an effort to attract and retain top talent.

2. Growing Interest in Company Culture
Today, many employees are looking for a company that aligns with their personal values. In fact, employees who are unhappy with their organization’s company culture are 24% more likely to leave their job.

Beyond improving employee retention, having a strong, positive company culture can help companies attract new talent. If a company is known for being a great place to work, it will be easier to attract high-quality employees.

3. Focus on Employee Health
Employers are realizing that a healthy workforce is a productive workforce. As a result, they’re recognizing the need to do more to support their employees’ physical and mental health. This could include offering health benefits or access to services that help employees with any health concerns they’re facing. 

By offering benefits and programs that promote employee wellness, employers can create a healthier and more productive workplace. 

4. Desire for Leadership Transparency
Employees today want to know what’s going on within their organization. They want to be kept in the loop about changes, decisions, and the company’s overall direction. This is driving a demand for transparency, and this desire for transparency starts at the top. 

Employees want to see leaders who are open and honest about the state of the company. They also want leaders who are accessible and approachable. By being open and honest with employees, leaders can foster a workplace environment of trust and mutual respect.

5. The Gig Economy
The last few years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of people working gig jobs. The gig economy is here to stay, and it’s only going to see growth in the years to come. 

In fact, if the gig economy continues to grow at its current rate, over half of the workforce in America will be part of it within the next 5 years. There are many reasons for this, but one of the biggest is that gig jobs offer ample flexibility. Workers can choose when they want to work and how much they want to work.

Businesses can tap into this growing workforce by hiring contractors and freelancers for their projects.

6. Desire for Learning and Career Development Opportunities
Since nearly three-quarters of employees believe they have untapped potential and would like to receive further training, employers should prioritize offering career development opportunities in the months and years ahead.

While these development opportunities are beneficial to employees, many employers don't realize that this can also be an opportunity for employees to learn more about their company. For example, by taking part in company-sponsored learning and development programs, employees can better understand the company's goals, values, and culture. This, in turn, can lead to increased employee engagement and productivity.

7. Emphasis on Social Responsibility
With Generation Z making up a significant portion of the workforce, it’s important to note that it's one of the only generations of employees to voice concern about social matters in the workplace.

As employees become more socially conscious, they’re increasingly interested in working for companies committed to social responsibility. They want to work for a company that makes a positive impact on the world through ethical and sustainable practices.

Businesses should prepare to adapt their business practices to prioritize social responsibility. One way is to focus on sustainability initiatives; this could involve reducing your company’s carbon footprint, implementing energy-efficient practices, or using recycled materials. 

Another way to show social responsibility is to give back to the community. This could involve volunteering for local causes, supporting charities, or donating products or services to those in need.

Looking Forward
As we move through 2022, it’s clear that the workplace is changing. And businesses need to change with it. Prioritizing the needs of employees will be crucial for businesses to stay ahead of the curve. By doing so, they'll be better equipped to attract and retain the best talent while creating a workplace that's both productive and enjoyable for all.

If you're looking for ways to improve your workplace, Ideal Outcomes can help. Our culture consulting experts can provide you with guidance and resources to create a thriving workplace. Contact us today to learn more.