How 2023 Will Cement New Trends in How We Work

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the way we work.

Companies across the globe were forced to adopt remote work policies to comply with government lockdown restrictions, which resulted in a massive shift in work culture.

What may have felt like complete workplace chaos during the first few months, statistics surprisingly showed that the push to remote work benefited almost everyone involved.

A study by SHRM found that 89% of employees reported that their company’s culture had actually improved during the pandemic, which has led to the widespread acceptance of remote work as a viable alternative to traditional office work.1

But the changes in workplace culture didn’t stop at just remote work.

Flexible work arrangements, increased use of technology, virtual and augmented reality, employee well-being, mental health support, and greater emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion are just a few notable changes.

As we push further into 2023, we can expect to see several workplace trends from the pandemic become cemented into the new American 9 to 5.

Let’s explore what pandemic workplace trends you can expect to see become cemented in 2023.

Flexible work arrangements
With the success of remote work in the last three years, 82% of leaders are entertaining making it a permanent option for their employees in 2023. Another study by PwC revealed that 55% of employees would prefer to work remotely at least three days a week even after the pandemic.2 Remote work offers employees greater flexibility and the opportunity to work from anywhere, while also allowing companies to save on overhead costs associated with maintaining physical office spaces.

Hybrid work models are also gaining popularity, offering the best of both worlds for employers and employees. This model allows employees to work both remotely and in the office or at a flex space like Venture X, offering greater flexibility while maintaining face-to-face collaboration and communication. Hybrid work models help companies save on office space while offering employees the opportunity to have a more balanced work-life schedule.

The increased focus on work-life balance is another trend that is expected to continue in 2023. With remote work becoming more prevalent, employees are able to achieve a better work-life balance, which has become a top priority for many. Companies are recognizing the importance of employee well-being and the impact it has on productivity, engagement, and job satisfaction. As such, they are offering more flexible schedules and taking steps to reduce burnout and stress among their employees.

Increased use of technology
Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are revolutionizing the way we work. With AI and automation tools like ChatGPT and Jasper.ai, companies can automate routine tasks and processes, freeing up employees to focus on more strategic assignments. As more AI and automation platforms continue to hit the market, it’s expected that their impact on the workplace will only continue to grow in 2023.

Furthermore, after Meta dropped the Metaverse 2021, virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) have become more common in the workplace, offering unique opportunities for collaboration and communication. VR and AR can be used to create virtual workspaces where employees can work together remotely as if they were in the same physical space, improving collaboration and communication between remote teams. Additionally, VR and AR can be used for training and development, allowing employees to learn and practice new skills in a virtual environment.

With the increased use of technology in the workplace, cybersecurity concerns are becoming more prominent. In fact, The FBI reported a 400% increase in cyber crime complaints since the beginning of the pandemic in the US. Companies must take steps to protect their data and systems, such as implementing strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, and providing cybersecurity training to their employees.3 As cyber threats become more sophisticated, companies are implementing new and improved cybersecurity practices and technologies to protect their data and systems in 2023.

Focus on employee well-being
A survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 40% of US adults reported struggling with mental health during the pandemic.4 Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for mental health support, and companies are taking steps to provide resources for their employees. This can include access to counseling services, employee assistance programs, and mental health resources. By prioritizing mental health support, companies can help their employees manage stress and improve their overall well-being.

Companies are also emphasizing the importance of work-life balance. By providing employees with more flexibility and offering options such as flexible schedules, companies can help employees achieve a better work-life balance. This can reduce burnout and stress among employees, leading to higher job satisfaction and retention rates.

Shifts in workplace culture
A survey by McKinsey & Company found that 76% of executives believe that the focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion has increased in their organizations due to the events of 2020.5 Companies are recognizing the benefits of a diverse workforce, including greater innovation, creativity, and better decision-making which will continue in 2023.

The future of work in 2023 is likely to be characterized by a range of new trends, including flexible work arrangements, increased use of technology, focus on employee well-being, and shifts in workplace culture. Companies that embrace these trends and adapt to the changing workplace environment will be better positioned to succeed in the future of work.

Sources
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). SHRM 2022 Global Culture Report. Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/trends-and-forecasting/research-and-surveys/Documents/SHRM%202022%20Global%20Culture%20Report.pdf, published March 2022
PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers). “Covid-19 US remote work survey.” PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/consulting/business-transformation/library/covid-19-us-remote-work-survey.html, conducted in December 2020
Report: Most Companies Are Going Through the Motions of DE&I.” Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/behavioral-competencies/global-and-cultural-effectiveness/pages/report-most-companies-are-going-through-the-motions-of-dei.aspx, published June 8, 2021
Northwestern Medicine. “The Impacts of Staying Home.” Northwestern Medicine, https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/covid-19/emotional-health-covid-19/the-impacts-of-staying-home#:~:text=Mental%20Health%20and%20COVID%2D19,mental%20health%20or%20substance%20abuse, published on April 10, 2020
Report: Most Companies Are Going Through the Motions of DE&I.” Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/behavioral-competencies/global-and-cultural-effectiveness/pages/report-most-companies-are-going-through-the-motions-of-dei.aspx, published June 8, 2021