5 trends that will influence the evolution of work

The workforce is currently undergoing immense change. The recent and emerging trends we’re seeing will shape how we work going forward.

“The office of 2024 is not just a physical space but a cloud-based system, which melds the physical and digital realms to support a workforce that is agile, mobile, and dynamic. To stay ahead of the game, businesses should develop protocols to accommodate rapidly changing requirements and make sure that they have the right systems in place to keep everything running smoothly,” said OfficeMaps general manager Chris Porter.

According to Mr Porter, there are five key trends that will define the trajectory of the future workforce:

1. Hybrid work

Hybrid work is here to stay. That’s what many are saying. Whether you’re for or against hybrid working, it is beneficial to prepare for it to stay around for the foreseeable future, as that could be what we experience.

“In 2024, hybrid work arrangements are well entrenched as standard practice, driven by employee preference and technological advancement. The ability to ‘work from anywhere’ is in such high demand that employees are resisting calls to return to the office and are willing to forgo as much as 20 per cent of their paycheck for the privilege of working from home,” commented Mr Porter.

“Employers have renewed their focus on creating a seamless integration between home offices and traditional office spaces by providing employees with additional tech upgrades, technical support, as well as clear structures and systems for hybrid work.”

One way employers can help to facilitate hybrid working among their workforce is by introducing “hybrid working kits”.

“Within the overall trend of hybrid work is the emergence of hybrid work kits as a way to make the transition between home offices and work offices more seamless. Hybrid work kits include essential tech such as laptops, tablets, and roaming internet, communication staples like webcams, microphones, and headphones, as well as other workstation staples like ergonomic laptop stands,” Mr Porter outlined.

“Ensuring workers are properly equipped and comfortable wherever they may be working enhances productivity and employee wellbeing. As of 2023, research shows 44 per cent of Australian workers are working from home or working in a hybrid arrangement and 62 per cent expect their employers to pay for their WFH set-up.”

2. Cyber security considerations in hybrid work

The changes brought about by the rise of hybrid working have also changed how we handle cyber security. With employees working from various locations and without the cyber protection a traditional office can offer, it’s much easier for breaches to occur.

“The entrenchment of remote work has made cyber security more of a consideration. Companies are taking steps to invest in security protocols and infrastructure to protect data, maintain privacy, and safeguard productivity. This includes cloud storage, robust encryption methods, and cyber security hygiene training for employees,” said Mr Porter.

“Employers also need to ensure key business applications remain accessible on all devices, including mobile devices, while keeping cyber security considerations front of mind. Keeping mobile software updated, choosing secure passwords, regularly backing up devices and data and only downloading apps from trusted suppliers is a good basic starting point.”

3. Sustainability and wellness

Mr Porter believes that sustainability and wellbeing are the top considerations for younger workers, and employers should recognise this if they’re to attract these employees.

“In 2024, the focus on sustainability and employee wellness will intensify as more Gen Z workers make their debut into the workforce. Gen Z workers tend to look for supportive and inclusive work environments, and they’re willing to job hop until they find a workplace that suits them,” he explained.

“Adobe’s Future of Time study found that 70 per cent of Gen Z employees would switch jobs for access to better tools that help them work more productively. In 2024, offices must cater to all employees by granting access to wellness areas, mental health support, and ergonomic design to address both mental and physical wellbeing.”

Similarly, sustainability should be recognised if employers are to keep younger staff happy and engaged: “Workplaces that promote sustainability through renewable energy, waste reduction, and green building standards will stand head and shoulders above the competition in terms of attracting the best and brightest young talent,” said Mr Porter.

4. Collaborative and flexible office design

Hybrid working has paved way for new ways to work. This has been witnessed with the various share spaces that seem to constantly pop up. This will continue in the future, said Mr Porter.

He commented: “While the office remains an important hub for collaboration, the essence of its design has evolved. Offices in 2024 are more flexible and modular and equipped to adapt to various activities and team sizes. There’s a shift towards creating spaces that can be quickly reconfigured for different purposes, such as for working on collaborative projects or creating space for quiet, focused work. The use of smart and adaptable furniture and technology is key to enabling this flexibility.”

“Collaborative and flexible office designs additionally benefit from incorporating apps that help employees locate each other, book workstations near each other, and stay in touch whether they’re working from home or out of the office … Flexible office spaces that encourage employees from different teams or departments to freely interact will grow in popularity as employers seek to foster a sense of community and offer networking opportunities within the organisation.”

5. Resilience planning in facilities management

Resilience has become a powerful trait in the modern workforce. COVID-19, talent shortages, and a rising cost of living have compounded the stress we feel at work. Employers who plan for future challenges can help to keep their workplaces running effectively in the face of adversity.

“The existing level of uncertainty in the current work environment has led facilities managers to incorporate some form of resilience planning so that facilities are better positioned to withstand and quickly recover from disruptions such as natural disasters, health crises or other types of emergencies. Starting with an overall strategy for mitigating potentially disruptive events, managers work to develop specific tactics to maintain the functionality of the workplace,” Mr Porter said.

“Lessons can be applied from the pandemic to enable offices to operate at maximum capacity no matter what – this often involves making sure alternative workspaces like the home office are available to employees and equipping workers with the right tools and software to collaborate remotely. A good understanding of the teams and roles within organisations as well as the business’ critical functions are essential to crafting an effective resilience plan.”