10 Emerging Workplace Trends You Can Expect in 2017 - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach

10 Emerging Workplace Trends You Can Expect in 2017 - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach Despite going through major struggles in the past several years, the job market is finally showing some signs of improvement, although it still has a long way to go. One of the most apparent changes we have been able to see is the way job seekers are looking for jobs. They prefer to use online platforms such as LinkedIn. But, employers are relying on new methods to attract the best candidates, as well. For instance, in addition to offering competitive salaries, they are also focused on creating a better job experience for potential employees. Let’s take a look at 10 trends you can expect to see in the workplace. Improved Recruitment and Employee Experience While companies have always focused on creating the best possible experience for their customers, in order to get them to continue buying their product, they have also begun treating their potential employees in a similar manner. Candidates can share their experience via platforms like Glassdoor, which can reflect poorly on companies and make their selection of candidates even smaller. But, they are also treating their employees better in terms of benefits and rewards, in order to improve their engagement in the workplace and their loyalty to the company. Blended Workforce Is Here to Stay Companies are turning to freelancers more and more, and hiring them for projects in addition to their full-time employees, creating a blended workforce that allows them to cut costs, such as healthcare and benefits, and remain profitable. The number of hours workers spend at the office is no longer relevant, as can be seen here. One additional benefit for the companies is access to global talent pool. Continuous instead of Annual Employee Evaluation Members of today’s workforce prefer to receive immediate or fairly regular feedback on their work, which is more in tune with their way of life and instant gratification culture. This is why large companies have begun to implement different methods for weekly or even daily employee evaluation, which increases employee satisfaction, since they don’t have to wait an entire year before learning their strength and flaws, and boosts productivity. MIllenials Managing Generation Z 2017 will also see Generation Z find employment, where they will most likely be managed by millenials, which will undoubtedly cause some conflicts, as is always the case in places where generational gap exists. Generation Z will be able to see if their education has prepared them for the real world, and the millenials will try to adjust to their roles as leaders, while both will inevitably challenge the traditional ideas of what an office should be. Virtual and Augmented Reality in the Workplace While technology involving virtual and augmented reality has been used for entertainment purposes so far, it is slowly, but surely finding its way into the workplace. For instance, companies can use virtual and augmented reality software and hardware to improve the training process of their employees. Thanks to realistic simulations, employees can prepare themselves for real-life situations, and even take tours of their offices. Shorter Employee Contracts and Intensified Hunt for Talent Because modern technology has allowed people to access one global job market, employers will find it increasingly difficult to retain their workforce. Even those that have long-term contracts are on the constant lookout for better jobs. Companies will have to pay more attention to their company culture and various benefits in order to persuade their workers to stay. Team Work instead of Performance Regardless of the organizational structure inside the company, most of them are turning toward forming teams that can perform well, instead of just focusing on hiring the best individuals. This trend is rising even in those companies which have blended workforce. Also, this sort of organization is welcomed by the millenials and Generation Z, since they have grown used to working inside a team, whether it’s through sports or video games. Focus on Employee Health and Wellness Another factor which is at he top of the list as far employee demands are concerned are wellness programs which allow the employees to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This is why you will find companies providing benefits such as gyms, yoga classes, massages, or even chefs. While it may seem like an extra cost, it actually boosts employee satisfaction and productivity, while reducing their stress levels, and saves money when it comes to healthcare. More Employee Perks Today’s employees are not just looking at the side of their paycheck, but also healthcare benefits or flexible work schedule, which is slowly becoming a priority for most workers. Some companies are even trying to attract employees by allowing them to pay off their student loans and debts, while others offer comforts such as food credit, free coffee, or drinks. Casual Dress Code inside the Office It is a given that remote workers will wear what they want around the house while they are working, but even those that are coming into the office every day are seeking out those companies which allow them to arrive for work dresses casually. Even managers are ditching their suits and ties in favor of the more informal attire, such as jeans and shirts, or even shorts. Author bio: Kate Simpson is a professional writer and editor. She works for assignment writing service where she is a senior content creator for various projects and also manages an editing team.