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The past two decades have seen a lot of change – in society as a whole and in the workplace specifically. While not all change is positive, the ones outlined in this article certainly are, and we believe that they deserve celebrating.
Being Inclusive Is Expected and Enjoyed
The biggest, and best, transformation in our opinion is that inclusivity is not only expected these days but also enjoyed. Diversity in the workplace is key to the success of a business, and it helps employees grow on a personal level as they get to be exposed to new ideas they wouldn’t have otherwise considered. Our advancements in this matter have come so far that it’s now easy to establish an inclusive employment program, and we seem to be on the up and up.
Sustainability Is Front and Center
Ranking a close second in our picks for the most positive workplace trends of the 2000s is that sustainability is now a major focus for most businesses. As the saying goes, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” This can be applied to all sustainable practices. We only have one planet, so it’s great to see everyone doing their part to keep it in the best condition possible.
Flexible Work Environments Are the Norm
Another great workplace trend that has emerged over the past two decades is the implementation of flexible work environments. Working parents have a better safety net with which to balance employment and their responsibilities to their children. Employees, in general, have better work/life balance, and serviced offices are helping employers save money on rent. With a flexible approach to the workday, it is possible to create professional environments in which everyone wins.
The Digital Revolution Kicked in
With the uptake of technology, we’ve also seen the digital revolution kick into top gear. This is great because it facilitates new collaborative capabilities, allowing tasks to be completed more efficiently than ever before.
The knowledge gap of some employees can pose an issue, as can security breaches like third-party attacks. However, such issues can be avoided with measures like training staff, providing adequate IT support, and ensuring supply chain transparency. So, we believe the benefits far outweigh the costs. After all, switching to a digital setup can help boost sustainability efforts, making it an even more positive transformation.
Companies Are Focused on Creating a Positive Vibe
Finally, in addition to the flexible working arrangements mentioned earlier, employers are focusing on creating a positive vibe for employees while they’re in the office. This can help prevent burnout and make work a more enjoyable experience while boosting employee morale and feelings of well-being. This, in turn, means that employers benefit from the increased productivity and positive sentiment within their workforce. These factors generally translate to higher profits and lower staff turnover, so once again, everyone wins.
Improving the office vibe is one of the easiest trends to adopt if your business is lagging behind a bit. Getting started can be as simple as integrating plants and an aromatherapy diffuser or two into the environment. Both greenery and the fresh scents of certain essential oils have both been proven to be fantastic mood boosters.
Those are our top five workplace trends of the past two decades. If we missed a trend you think is important, let us know in the comments. Or, if your favorite is on the list, feel free to let us know which one it is.
You may also like: The Key Elements of a Diversity Workplace Plan
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