Workplace trends are no longer what they used to be. For the older generation, a workplace resembled a rigid four-walled structure where rules were foremost, absolute obedience was considered as loyalty and the manager was a master-like figure. With passing times, the image has greatly changed.
Today, a workplace is where innovation matters the most, dialogues are utmost for effectiveness and there’s fluid communication between you and your superiors. In fact, the advent of technology has led to the extension of the workplace. Now, your employee could either be sitting next to you or working in a different continent with an off-shore team.
The future of a workplace lies in collaboration, adoption of technology and providing flexibility. In today’s workplace, employees come first. In this article, we will introduce you to the 4 key aspects of workplace trends that are causing a transformation in many, if not all, companies.
Workplace Collaboration
Modern workplaces are an amalgamation of different teams that come together to solve a common problem or achieve a common goal. Therefore, effective collaboration is essential for productivity and growth.
In the coming years, collaboration will be the key factor that will set apart a successful organization from the others. There’s no denying that collaborations fosters innovation and efficiency. In fact, reports suggest that organizations that encourage collaborative working are 5 times more likely to be high performing.
However, modern workplaces are a mix of people and technology. The challenge for the HR and managers in the future will be to sync these two aspects in a symphony so that they become mutually beneficial.
The presence of multiple factors makes collaboration a tricky affair in 2020. So, without further ado, let us discuss how an organization can achieve workplace collaboration in the future.
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Embrace Technology: This is the era of distributed teams where half of the workforce is either remote, working-from-home or freelancing. In this case, communication and collaboration become a challenge. Thus, the only way to achieve collaboration is by embracing tools that utilize technology to keep in touch with your entire team. For example, various task management tools that can help you keep track of your team’s work. In fact, simple everyday tools like Skype video meetings, Google Docs and even, WhatsApp can help the entire team in staying connected and share information.
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Social Media For The Win: Studies reveal that 30% of Gen-Xers and millennials use IM daily for office-related communication. Needless to mention, today’s generation thrives on social media. And, social media is no longer limited to casual activities. Tools like Workplace by Facebook have given a new lease of life to workplace communication. A prudent manager would utilize this communication channel to improve collaboration and forge long-lasting relationships. Communication and collaboration have always been integral to organizational development. However, blurred international boundaries and technology have given it a new dimension. The key is to let these new facets become your strength in achieving workplace collaboration.
Workplace Mobility
The future workforce will consist of the youngest millennials and Gen-Zers. This group of employees have grown up in a highly individualistic environment where productivity is never restrained.
The new age of the workforce will consider mobility as one of the key factors for job satisfaction. For them, mobility includes the freedom to work from anywhere, at any time and from any device.
However, implementing full mobility within and outside the workplace is a task that requires a full-throttle strategy and technological support. Yet, it is the need of the hour and paves way for complete digital transformation and greater flexibility. Here’s how you can implement mobility in your workplace -
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Say Hello to Cloud Computing: No organisation is complete without using cloud technology in 2020. Cloud computing helps in deploying organisational software and applications on the web rather than hardware systems. Adoption of cloud computing system decreases the load on IT departments and help employees work from anywhere with all the required resources. The fact that the global cloud computing market will exceed $330 billion by 2020 is a testimony of its efficiency and relevance.
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Encourage Every Flavour of Mobility: Haven’t you noticed that the number of bean bags and high tables has increased in many workplaces? Yes, it is a part of their mobility strategy. Many employees treat their workplace like an extension of their personal lives, therefore preferring to work from anywhere within the organisation that stimulates their mind and keeps their body healthy. As a manager or an HR practitioner, you can facilitate greater mobility by letting go of fixed seating arrangements. You can start by giving your employees to book their seat in advance or choose a seat on a first-come-first-serve basis. Focus should be on the task and not where it is done.
Workplace Flexibility
The future of the workforce is flexible. In 2020, the employees are more aware of their well-being and hindrances to their productivity. As long as they get their job done, they don’t see the point of confining themselves within four walls of an office or a time-bound presence.
Today, the workforce consists of more remote workers than ever. In fact, studies suggest that 50% of the entire UK workforce will be working remotely by 2020. Moreover, the availability of remote work makes the organization more attractive to employees by nearly 10%.
Thus, providing flexibility will be the most important workplace trend in the times to come. Here’s how you can provide your employees with greater flexibility.
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Provide the Remote Work Option: As obvious as it can get, remote work solves most of the problems related to work-life balance. In fact, they even help in saving time by cutting down on travel time. You could start by giving an option to choose remote work for a 1 or 2 days during the week.
- Flexible Schedules: We need to stop stressing on reporting time in 2020. A progressive organization would always give its employees a scope to report to the organization flexibly as long as it doesn’t affect their performance.
Digital Era and the Workplace
Technology has become the core of overall organisational functions. One cannot imagine a professional without digital aid and this is only going to increase in future. With global teams and tech-savvy workforce, a workplace will remain stagnated without a complete adoption of digital technology. Here’s how you can help prepare your workplace for the digital era.
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Invest in Technology: From performance assessment to communication, digital technology can assist every aspect of workplace management. Thus, it is important to invest in such tools.
- Train your Trainers: Whilst the younger workforce might be friendly with technology, you must train the experienced employees in adopting digital technology better.
Wrapping Up
The future workplace is global and its trends are about fostering better communication and dialogue. It believes in transparency, efficiency and prefers productivity over presence. It utilises technology to promote its ideals and collaborate globally.
Workplace and its trends reflect the state of a society and its prevalent culture. Thus, the future of workplace trends is digital, collaborative, mobile and flexible.
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