In 2023, workers and their companies will continue discovering the new normal and how to integrate pandemic-learned behaviors and activities into a post-pandemic world. Below are six workforce trends that your company should be aware of to set workforce and talent goals.
1. Hybrid work environments will continue to be favored
Recent surveys have shown that the newfound sense of flexibility is preferable to employees and that a majority did not want to return to pre-pandemic, office-based work. In response, many companies are offering employees hybrid options that satisfy their desire for remote work, while balancing the benefits of being in-person and collaborating in the office. Workplaces that are not flexible are a dealbreaker for many employees.
2. Benefits will play a more significant role
Most job seekers suggest benefits are essential when looking for a job, second only to salary. With the continued talent crunch in the labor market, many organizations will begin to implement more comprehensive and attractive benefits packages to attract and retain top talent. Non-traditional benefits such as financial wellness programs, pet insurance, an emergency savings fund, mortgage assistance or even being paid in cryptocurrency, won’t be uncommon benefits in the year ahead.
3. Renewed focus on mental health
Companies have recognized that many are experiencing pervasive mental health challenges due to societal, economic, and political turbulence. In 2023, the best organizations will endorse proactive rest to help employees maintain their emotional resilience and performance. This may include recommend PTO before high-demand working periods, no-meeting Fridays, allotted wellness time, and employees being encouraged to take adequate PTO.
4. Upskilling and developing soft skills will take center stage
The pandemic negatively impacted the development of soft skills, such as negotiating, networking, speaking confidently in front of others, and developing social stamina and attentiveness. Amid a tight labor market, offering employees and job candidates the opportunity to develop and learn new skills will allow employers to remain competitive in the market. Upskilling opportunities for the workforce will become a prominent retention strategy, demonstrating an organization’s desire to drive employee growth and development.
5. Quiet hiring will be a new trend
Quiet hiring is when an organization acquires new skills without hiring new full-time employees. Sometimes, it means hiring short-term contractors. Other times, it means encouraging current employees to temporarily move into new roles within the organization. The idea is to prioritize the most crucial business functions at a given time, which could mean temporarily mixing up the roles of current employees. Alternate approaches will be leveraging alum networks and gig workers and flexibly bringing in talent only as needed. It could also be upskilling opportunities for existing employees while meeting evolving organizational needs.
6. Pursuit of nontraditional candidates
It’s more urgent than ever to rethink outdated assumptions about qualifications. Organizations can no longer meet talent needs through traditional sourcing methods and candidate pools. To fill critical roles in 2023, organizations will need to become more comfortable assessing candidates solely on their ability to perform in the role rather than their credentials and prior experience. Hiring managers will have to be less concerned with industry experience and technical skills than they once were.
Conclusion
Organizations face historical challenges with a competitive talent landscape, an exhausted workforce, and pressure to control costs. In 2023, executives must get savvy to snag in-demand talent, focus on employee mental health and be transparent about the salary and benefits. At the same time, hiring should be focused on what specific skills employees bring to the table rather than their previous roles. In 2023, more companies are likely to look to alternative credential programs like short courses or certificates when hiring and to increase their spending on in-house upskilling efforts. In short, employee benefits, upskilling, flexibility, and well-being will be the most significant workplace trends for 2023.
