Five Areas For Businesses To Focus On In 2022

After nearly two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, many aspects of the modern day workplace continue to change. For example, a newfound emphasis on the importance of work flexibility, productivity, and engagement have opened the doors for workers and businesses alike to adopt new perspectives on work and the well-being of everyone involved. Now, as we near the end of 2021, strides continue to be made toward a more inclusive work environment with these new perspectives in mind. For tips on focusing on these aspects and more, keep reading for five areas businesses should be keeping an eye on in 2022. 

The “Great Resignation”

During the pandemic, many individuals picked up new passions and new hobbies, which for many, resulted in new jobs. In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, 66% of people that have been unemployed, furloughed, or laid off as a result of the pandemic say they have seriously considered changing their occupation or field of work. In comparison, The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 4.4 million people had left their jobs in September of 2021, meaning people aren’t just considering leaving their jobs anymore-- they are following through with it. 

While there’s no end in sight for the “Great Resignation” just yet, it’s time for businesses to implement plans for not only retaining current employees, but also attracting prospective ones as this trend continues into 2022. For example, new opportunities such as career development courses, updated training practices, encouraged mentor/mentee relationships, and a reevaluation of salaries and benefits for current and prospective employees can all make a difference in retaining and attracting employees.

DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)

As younger Millennials and Gen Zers enter the workforce, many have stated they have no interest in working for companies that do not have a clear commitment to DEI. That’s why in 2022, it’s crucial that businesses continue to move toward a more equal workplace for everyone -- regardless of age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. Not only to attract new talent, but to ensure that every employee feels valued and welcomed in their place of work.

However, it’s not enough that companies just make promises toward improving DEI. Instead, there needs to be real plans set in place and the progress made toward this diverse environment must be measured. For example, company surveys and focus groups can be conducted in order to track employee satisfaction with DEI, with a focus on the voices of underrepresented groups. 

Hybrid and remote work

A sudden increase in remote work during the pandemic and slow transitions into hybrid work months later have made companies and employees alike realize what work can be done from home. Remote and hybrid work have become the norm and current trends suggest they’ll both be here to stay, even when the pandemic subsides.  

This means as we near 2022, it’s time for companies to see remote and hybrid work as permanent solutions, not just temporary situations. That’s why it’s important that companies become more open to the idea of flexible remote and hybrid options for their employees by letting employees choose where they work. In turn, companies will begin to see more engaged workplaces where productivity, innovation, and retention are just a few of the positive outcomes.

Employee well-being and mental health

The need for more flexible work options wasn’t the only conversation the pandemic introduced in the workplace. Cases of employee burn-out also began to rise, putting an emphasis on the need for mental health initiatives. As a result, it became clear that when employees aren't able to prioritize their mental health, other aspects of their lives begin to be affected, including their work. On the other hand, with access to adequate mental health initiatives, employees are less likely to experience burn-out. This means it’s important for companies to begin taking care of their employees, not just from a business perspective, but for the genuine well-being of their employees. 

In order to truly make a difference in the lives of employees, this upcoming year, it’s time to recognize what employees really want to see from their organizations. Sure, after-work hangouts and free lunches can help boost morale, but companies need to start making real efforts toward bettering the lives of their employees. For example, companies like Nike, Bumble, and LinkedIn all made strides toward combating burn-out by supplying their employees with paid time off for a whole week in 2021 and plan to continue this tradition in the foreseeable future. Looking to these companies as examples, it’s time that others reevaluate options for time-off, sick leave, maternity and paternity leave, and other initiatives with employee well-being as the main focus.

The gig economy

While the increased desires for flexible work options and better work-life balances have inspired many organizations to adopt new remote or hybrid options, some employees have taken matters into their own hands by jumping into the gig economy -- meaning they’re working as independent contractors temporarily though contract agreements, rather than as employees of a company. While the amount of contract or freelance workers was steadily increasing before the pandemic even hit, researchers predict that this trend will continue and by 2023 half of Americans will be independent workers. 

With a prediction like this, it's apparent that organizations need to make changes in order to fit in with current market trends by working with the gig economy, rather than against it. Simply put, when companies open positions to freelancers and contractors, it opens the applicant pool to highly skilled professionals on an as needed basis without the commitment of making a permanent new hire. As a result, companies save money while workers are able to make their own schedules and choose how and when they work – a win-win for everyone involved.

Whether you're looking to fill a remote, on-site, or hybrid position, our staff of recruitment experts and client managers are here to connect you with the best employees through temporary contract services, contract to hire placements, direct hires, and more. Contact Nexus today for a personalized candidate search plan.