Future of Work: Key Workplace Trends For 2024

What is the future of work as we step into the new year and beyond? In this article we take a brief look at the key employee experience trends in 2024.

Hybrid Model Isn’t Going Anywhere

Hybrid working spaces are here to stay. According to Gartner research, people who work remotely will form around 32% of the workforce by 2024. Also, Gen Z, the latest group to enter the workforce – are clear about their needs, too. According to a study by Mazars, as much as 73% want to be able to organise their working hours as they like.

Believe it, while employees want to work remotely, employers want them to return to the office. In this game of tug of war between employees and employers, the HR managers will have to establish a middle path to keep both parties happy. As a result, hybrid work models will continue to evolve, with companies refining policies and technology to optimise the balance between remote and in-office work.

Advancement in AI

Continued advancements in AI will disrupt workplaces as machines become more and more intelligent and can take over tasks performed by employees. Job re-design and re-skilling is key for organisations to help their employees become relevant in the workplace.

The primary focus for organisations should be on balancing their need for efficiency and business success with employee well-being. The reality is that while AI enables employees and many organizations to scale and thrive, the chief concern amongst the workforce is their roles being replaced, or their experience being controlled.

Mentorship Program for Skill Development

As on date, mentoring is top priority for organizations. Gone are the times when employees were hired basis their education background. Now, employers are looking for workforce that can multi-task and is also willing to try their hands in new roles and responsibilities.

To ensure the talent pool is well utilised, companies will have to invest in mentoring and coaching programmes. These initiatives should focus on supporting career development and skill-building, enhancing employee engagement by providing guidance and support. The added advantage, mentorship programmes foster a sense of community and support among employees, leading to higher job satisfaction and reduced turnover rates.

Shift towards Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

Organizations will increasingly prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to achieve high employee engagement because employees prefer diverse and inclusive workplaces.

HR managers are already working towards creating a safe work environment where every employee feels valued, heard, and empowered, leading to a sense of belonging and purpose. This inclusion culture results in innovation, encourages collaboration, and harnesses the unique strengths of each individual. 

Invest More in Upskilling and Reskilling Employees 

With the increased use of automation and AI, the generic skill set required for different jobs is changing quickly. That is why companies need to start investing in reskilling and upskilling programs to prepare employees for the future and to ensure long-term engagement. Continuous learning and upskilling will be integral to retaining and engaging employees as they seek opportunities for growth.

Organisations need to implement learning management systems (LMS) and other tools to deliver and track training efficiently, and also use AI-driven platforms for personalized learning experiences.

Its time companies focus on creating a culture of continuous learning where employees are encouraged to learn new skills and try their learnings in different job roles. Companies should also work towards their reward mechanism and recognise employees for their efforts to curb attrition.

The bottom line is there is no one-size-fits-all approach to work anymore. Employers need to be more nuanced and flexible – in all senses of the word – to how employees work best. There is a need for constant innovations to keep employees engaged whilst ensuing work-life balance to keep the employees motivated.