5 Workplace Trends To Expect in 2022

The future of the workplace is still in flux. What we do know is that in 2022, there will be more than two billion people connected to the internet globally, and about 40% of these individuals are expected to use a smartphone for work tasks. 

This evolution in technology has given rise to trends like remote work, freelancing, and gig economies, which have drastically changed how people work and what they expect from their employers.

What we're witnessing today with remote work and flexible schedules will only grow stronger as millennials take on more executive roles in organizations.

The business world has changed dramatically over the past few decades, and that trend will continue to change how we work and live.

Workplace Trends To Expect in 2022

So, what workplace trends can we expect to see in 2022? Below are some of them:

1. The Rise of a Hybrid Workplace

Today's workers are used to having access to corporate resources from anywhere at any time using their digital devices. Employees appreciate selecting a workspace environment that suits their mood, needs, and even the type of work they are doing.

The corporate environment has evolved from hierarchical to flatter environments with less assigned seating. This gives employees more flexibility in choosing where to work based on various factors such as noise level, temperature, aesthetic appeal, and access to amenities. As a result, corporate workers are no longer tied to a specific desk in a specific location.

The hybrid workplace is also being driven by the need for companies to be more agile and responsive to changes in the market. By 2022, corporate travel managers will have increased the number of team trips to promote collaboration between employees located in different locations. These types of trips are also seen to help employees build relationships with each other.

The hybrid workplace is the future of work. Companies that don't adapt will find themselves at a disadvantage. Workers will continue to demand more flexibility, and corporate culture will continue to move away from the traditional office space. The 9-5 job days are coming to an end, and corporate travel managers will be at the forefront of this shift.

2. Gen-Z’s Dominating the Corporate World

Gen-Z’s are dominating the world of business.

When most people hear or think about Gen-Z, they often think, “That is so young to be in the working industry!” But soon, you will see why Gen-Zers can really take over the corporate world.

Gen-Zers have been raised in a world where technology is omnipresent. They are comfortable using technology from a young age, and they have been exposed to more technology than previous generations.

This is because Gen-Zers have only ever known life with modern technology such as laptops, smartphones, and the internet. 

This will make it easier for them to tap into emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI). This could be highly beneficial for companies to learn how to use these technologies to enhance business processes.

In addition, Gen-Zers grew up through the recent pandemic and have seen the effects of unemployment and financial instability.

They also witnessed their parents being laid off and/or struggling to find new jobs, so they are more risk-averse when it comes to their careers. 

This means that companies will need to be more careful about presenting risks to Gen-Z employees. They will also need to offer security, such as benefits and job security, to attract and retain Gen-Z talent.

3. Central Communication

Nowadays, many companies have a mixture of remote and in-office employees. This can present a challenge for communication, as different employees may be used to different modes of communication. Centralised communication can help to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

There are a few different ways to centralize communication. One way is to use a messaging app or chat program that is accessible to all employees.

This allows everyone to easily communicate with each other, regardless of location. Another option is to use a centralised email system. This can help communicate important information to all employees at once.

This type of communication can also help to improve team cohesion. When everyone is using the same methods of communication, it helps to build unity. It also helps to reduce confusion, as everyone is using the same type of comm platforms.

Even if a company uses a mixture of in-office and remote employees, it can still benefit from centralised communication. One advantage of this is that it saves companies money by reducing costs on travel expenses. In addition, improved communication reduces turnover rates among employees who work remotely.

Everyone has a preferred method of communicating with others. Centralised communication provides options, so all employees are satisfied with the way information is being communicated.

This can be helpful for both remote and in-office employees who prefer different modes of receiving information from their colleagues. In addition, centralising communication ensures that all relevant parties receive important information at once, improving productivity throughout the company.

4. More Focus on Work-Life Balance

It has been well documented that a happy and healthy workforce is a productive one. Achieving a work-life balance is key to maintaining employee satisfaction and engagement in the workplace. Unfortunately, this is often easier said than done. It can be difficult to find the equilibrium we need with ever-growing demands from our jobs and ever-shrinking personal time.

There are many ways for employees to achieve work-life balance. They can take advantage of flextime policies or working from home options or even schedule regular breaks throughout the day. 

However, the best way to find balance for many people is to simply take a step back from their job altogether. This might mean taking a vacation or simply spending some time away from work in the evenings or on weekends.

For corporate employees, finding a work-life balance can be even more difficult. Business travel is often required, which can take away from time spent at home with family or relaxing. And because corporate culture is often so focused on work, it can be difficult to break away from the office mentality even when you are not at work.

One way to help corporate employees find a better work-life balance is to encourage them to embrace a hybrid culture. This involves mixing the corporate and personal worlds as much as possible. 

For example, team travel can help create a sense of togetherness and camaraderie outside of the office setting. Employees can also stay connected with their colleagues by using corporate messaging apps or social media. This will help them feel more connected to their work even when they are not physically at the office.

5. Emphasis on Mental Health of Employees

Mental health has been gaining more and more attention in today’s society. The focus on mental health has led to a greater understanding of mental health issues and a reduction in the stigma that is often associated with them.

The emphasis on mental health is also reflected in the workplace, where employers increasingly recognize the importance of it.

In 2022, the focus on mental health will continue to be strong. There are several reasons for this:

1. There is now a better understanding of the importance of mental health.
2. There is now a greater recognition of the various ways that mental health can be affected by work.
3. There is now a greater recognition of the various ways that employers can support employee mental health.

Mental health has a significant impact on employee productivity and wellbeing. In fact, mental illness is now the leading cause of disability in the workplace. This is why it is so important for employers to recognize the importance of mental health and to take steps to it.

There are many ways that employers can support employee mental health. One way is to provide employees with access to mental health services.

Another way is to create a workplace culture that supports mental health. Employers can also provide employees with education and training on mental health issues.

Let’s wrap it up

In the corporate world, it's no secret that there is a lot of change on the horizon. A new generation of employees has started their careers, and they have changed the corporate culture with a blend of virtual and physical collaboration. 

With such a focus on creating work environments that promote happiness, creativity, and productivity, we can expect to see the movement continue over the next decade. More workplaces will become community hubs where ideas spark and innovation is encouraged.

And the best collaboration happens when teams are face to face and can easily bounce ideas off each other.