Workplace trends: predictions for 2020

Hello to the 2020s. It feels somewhat fresher entering the new year when we’re also entering a new decade with it. We can already feel that the next 10 years are going to be good. As we sign out of one decade and sign into another, we thought we’d share with you our predictions for workplace trends in 2020 and beyond.

Let’s start by noting that more of Generation Z will be entering the workforce over the coming years. It’s predicted that in 2020, Gen Z will make up 36% of the global workforce. So, it goes without saying that many workplace trends are going to be focused on creating a modern workplace that is appealing to this generation.

Remote working will be introduced more

Remote working may seem “so last decade” because it has been spoken about so much, but thanks to advances in technology and the demand to appeal to the next influx of workforce it’s just about to get exciting, it is easier than ever to embrace remote working. Studies have predicted that in 2020, 50% of the UK workforce will work remotely. Remote working is becoming popular for a number of reasons, including:

  • Work schedule flexibility
  • Spend more time with family
  • Allows for travel
  • Working from home As businesses transform into these modern workplaces and cater for the interests of Gen Z, more companies will introduce remote working into their flexible working policies. Some are saying that these types of strategies will be key to ensuring you attract the best talent.

Learning and development will be more important

In 2020, we predict that there is going to be a bigger focus on upskilling existing employees. A higher number of businesses are beginning to see the benefits of investing in further learning and development for current employees over employing new staff members for certain skills. The benefits organisations are seeing are higher performing teams, and therefore a more efficient workforce, and a higher retention of staff. A study has shown that 64% of organisations already have a reskilling programme for employees that proves to be a better system than employing new talent.

The use of technology will rise

Companies are doing whatever they can to make business processes easier and more efficient. As part of this, the use of technology to simplify ordinary business processes is going to continue to rise. Some of the processes businesses are working towards making more efficient include:

  • Administrative processes
  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • To-do lists/schedule planning As mentioned earlier, advances in technology have made remote working easier; therefore with more businesses introducing remote working, they will also increase their use of technology to help to manage this.

The importance of employee wellbeing will be higher

As we enter the new decade, the health and wellbeing of employees is going to be more important than ever. A study has shown that 37% report an increase in stress-related absence. In 2020, companies are going to place a higher focus on reducing stress at work to improve their employees’ health and wellbeing. We will see the introduction of workplaces being designed to promote wellbeing e.g. more natural light and relaxed break out areas. Some of the bigger employers are even introducing fitness centres to their offices. Some companies will also introduce health insurance investment plans for their employees.

So as you can see, none of our predictions for this year’s workplace trends are groundbreakingly new but it really feels like now is the time that a wider audience will embrace them. One, because there is more of a necessity to ensure you can maintain to attract and retain the right talent; but also the market has the right tools and platforms accessible to allow you to implement them.

Your business may already have embraced some of the workplace trends above, or they may just not be in your forecast for 2020 at all. If, however, remote working and technology are on your radar this year, why not consider Sign In App? Browse our website and get in touch on 0333 016 3551 to find out more.