Breaking Free Of A 9-To-5 Culture: TOP 5 Trends From The World Of Work

#1. Breaking free of a 9-to-5 culture.

The future of work is changing – and in many cases, it’s shifting to a more asynchronous way of working, with benefits for both employees and organizations, according to the Harvard Business Review. The traditional 9-to-5 is dead, our own research shows, and it’s time for companies to consider how they can make the switch to a new way of working.

How can you facilitate that switch? Start at the top, focus on outcomes, challenge existing norms and assumptions, make clear agreements, and keep an eye on inclusion, to start. Read more here at the Harvard Business Review.  

#2. Americans are finally checking out this summer – or trying their best.

Unplugging from the office remains a challenge for many American employees, especially in light of the pandemic. According to the Wall Street Journal, more and more employees are determine to unplug and head off on holiday after more than a year of working through the pandemic. Employees may not be taking full-on vacations, but they are working towards something they have rarely achieved before: checking out. In some cases, employers are helping by shutting down offices for a week. Read more at the WSJ.

#3. Can better tech make video meetings less excruciating?

Having a natural conversation over video meetings can be a big challenge – especially because so many platforms only allow one speaker at a time. With noise suppression technology, it can be difficult to have conversations flow naturally. "This is not always as conducive to learning and training of younger members who aren't as confident to speak-up," says Abby Gilbert, principal researcher at IFOW.

New companies are cropping up, trying to use Artificial Intelligence to improve the overall video meeting experience. The new company Headroom, for example, monitors people’s faces and body language; if you raise your hand on the call, the program will detect it – and respond. Other companies are offering tools to help workers plan agendas, take notes during video meetings, and more. Read more at the BBC.  

#4. Employers have a single took in the war for talent: stop requiring degrees.

Companies looking to compete for better talent have one big tactic at their disposal: stop requiring degrees for open positions. Prior to the pandemic, companies like Apple, Google, and Bank of America all announced they would no longer require degrees for certain jobs. It’s an announcement that turned heads at the time. But now, as the pandemic stretches on, employers continue to use degrees as a way to screen candidates. Just because a candidate doesn’t have a degree, doesn’t mean they are any less qualified for certain jobs. Read more at Forbes.

#5. Transforming the Great Resignation into the Great Hire.

Leaders are retooling their organizations and adopting new strategies in light of what many are calling “The Great Resignation,” hoping to attract and retain top talent. Talent shortages are expected in many countries across the globe, from European nations to Australia. How are companies working to position themselves as a desirable place to be? Promoting flexibility, transforming pay and benefits, aligning wellbeing with resiliency and work, and reinforcing their company culture and values. Read more at Forbes.