The Biggest Workplace Trends for 2016

Much thought and analysis goes into devising the prevailing trends that will lead the way people work and co-exist in the office environment. Every year, an extensive study into the major workplace trends indicates a certain wind of change in the corporate structure and established norms of working. The growth of digitalization, mobile data access and work over life balance is some of the key elements, which in recent years have steadily escalated the changes in today’s workplace. So, what are we to expect in 2016?

Millennials rule

According to a study conducted by Brighton School of Business and Management, in 2016, 3.6 million ‘Baby Boomers’ (1946-1964) will retire, opening the door for career growth for the Millennials. They will instantly grasp the opportunity and more than 1 in 4 Millennials will become managers in 2016. In contrast to the annual performance reviews and endless pages of printed manuals, Millennials will demand virtual learning and tutorials as well as expecting impromptu feedback by their manager on regular basis.

Move a little Millennial, Generation Z is entering the Workplace

Highly technological, Generation Z will have their first college graduates, entering the workforce in 2016. With piled up student loans to refinance  and worn-out by the recession, this generation is feisty to get an entry in the corporate world, with every third one willing to become a manager in the next 5 years. Yes, your next manager might as well be 25 years old.

A collaborative office environment – a MUST

An interesting statistic is that by 2020 the average space per employee will drop to 150sq ft – a major downsize from the 400 sq.ft. in 1985. More and more companies are adopting the flexible means of working, offering employees a touch down space as well as the digital tools to stay connected to the workflow and the team when working remotely. When in the office, employees cherish the lounge areas and flexible desks, offering the needed set up for a collaborative work environment.

Flexibility, and there is no way around it

Employees are bunt out. Reachable at every minute of the day, the mobile revolution made workers accessible after hours, on weekends and on holidays. Being ‘connected’ 24/7 makes for no excuse for unread email and no action on urgent tasks. And lets face it, everything is urgent! This is why, in 2016 employees will absolutely stand by their flexibility, with the majority of them willing to instantly switch jobs for a better flexibility programme. Part of this is allowing employees to work from coworking spaces, decreasing commuting time as well as offering an inspiring workplace environment and opportunity to connect to like-minded professionals.

“Ubering” your employees

With the rise of the shared economy and the growing trend of professionals choosing freelance jobs, companies are now turning this trend into their advantage by hiring on-demand in order to keep down the cost and increase the variety of talent. A well-known statistic is that by 2020, 40% of the American workforce will be freelancers. Let’s not forget we are talking about 150 mil people, just in the USA. Professionals would like to gain control of their own time and work-life balance and enjoy every perk of working on different projects from different locations.
Infographic produced from Brighton School of Business and Management