Over the last year, we saw how the war for talent, the rise of millennials in the workplace and the gig economy altered the workforce. The trends below will impact how companies engage with candidates and structure their workforce in the next year.
These trends will impact how companies structure their workforce in the next year.
Check out what’s to come in 2017:
- 1. The workplace welcomes Generation Z: Similar to the generation before them, Gen Z is poised to disrupt the workplace with their unique world view and set of values. For example, even more so than millennials, Gen Z will expect a high level of flexibility in their career. Additionally, as the iGen generation, they are uniquely positioned to leverage digital technology in the workplace.
- 2. More flexibility: Perhaps the most talked-about workplace trend of 2016, enhanced flexibility, will continue well into 2017 and beyond. This is in large part due to the preferences of millennials and the continued rise of the blended workforce.
- 3. A blended workforce: In 2016, we saw an increasing number of free-lance and full-time employees working together on projects. This trend will continue. According to study by Workplace Trends, 45 percent of companies expect to increase their hiring of freelancers by 30 percent or more.
- 4. Replacing annual performance reviews with continuous feedback: This trend is in large part driven by millennials, who favor frequent feedback and open communication with management and their peers. The companies that adjust to these preferences will have a leg up over their competition in terms of talent retention.
- 5. More Casual: Keeping pace with 2016, this next year will continue to be the year of casual dressing. As employers focus on employee well-being, comfort takes the forefront. Millennials are also a large factor in this transition.
- 6. Uncertainty surrounding the Affordable Care Act: With the possibility of repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act on the horizon, organizations will explore new approaches to employee benefits, including hiring more freelance workers, who do not require health benefits.
- 7. Virtual reality to aid recruitment efforts: By offering virtual office tours, job fairs and interviews, organizations are able to access a much larger talent pool. VR will allow companies to not only save substantially on travel costs, but also connect with Gen Z and millennial talent who heavily use technology.
- 8. Organizational restructuring: To accommodate the increase in freelance employees, organizations will move towards a more team-oriented operating structure. With freelance and full-time employees working together more than ever, managers know maximum productivity will only occur if everyone is willing to collaborate and work as one team.
- 9. More creative benefits packages: To counteract the uncertainty of the Affordable Care Act, many employers are searching for ways to lower health insurance premiums. This includes more time off, wellness programs, discounted gym memberships, etc.
- 10. Rise in internal messaging tools: With the increase in flexible work arrangements, internal communication is all the more important. Email and phone do not allow for quick exchanges. Internal messaging platforms solve this problem.
Andrea Belkin is the director of Staffing at Vaco Arizona, the local office of Vaco, a $350 million consulting and strategic solutions firm. She specializes in matching high-caliber professionals with Arizona’s top companies. To learn how Vaco Arizona can help you, please email Belkin at abelkin@vaco.com.
Belkin, Andrea. Mon, 30 Nov 2016. “10 Workplace Trends for 2017.” bizjournals.com. Article and Photo Retrieved from: http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2016/11/30/10-workplace-trends-for-2017.html#i1
