Categories
Blog

Top Trends in World of Work Affecting Employers & Employees

Here are 4 current and emerging trends in the world of work that are affecting employers and employees. These trends were highlighted by OI Global Partners, a leading human resources consulting firm that helps organisations with executive coaching and individuals manage their careers.  Harmonics is a member of OI Global Partners.

For organisations and individuals who want to move forward, it is imperative they are aware of these trends. Additionally, in order to enhance their competitiveness and ability to succeed, they must make the necessary investments in education and training to keep pace – or better still, to stay ahead – of these trends.

  1. Understanding candidates needs

It is no secret that we are working harder and faster these days.  We are so focused on our daily tasks and deliverables that we risk losing sight of our strategic, long-term goals for success and fulfilment.  For example, many organisations are struggling to find the ‘right people’ for the open positions that they need to fill; however, in order to attract and retain the ‘right people,’ they first need to know what the ‘right people’ want from their employer.

  1. Opportunities to Learn

Research data indicate that organisations must offer learning opportunities to attract, retain and cultivate engaged and productive employees. In 2015, Learnkit did a study that gathered together feedback employees revealed about their company’s training and onboarding, and showed that onboarding has a shocking impact on their engagement.

Key findings of the study showed that:

  • 66% of employees say they value learning opportunities over monetary compensation.
  • 63% of employees said they would be more engaged if they had better training.
  • According to Learnkit, better training “equates to happier employees, improved culture, better customer experiences, and an overall positive impact on your bottom line.”
  1. Employees Must Upskill to Remain Employable

For individuals who are currently employed and who want to advance in their career, research data indicate that they need to invest in themselves to ensure they are enhancing their current skills and learning new skills. For example, recent McKinsey research finds that up to 45 percent of the tasks performed by US workers can be automated by currently existing technologies and about 60 percent of occupations could have 30 percent or more of their activities automated. As a result, professionals should ensure they are diversifying their skills to help ensure their long-term employability.

  1. Leadership & Collaborative Skills in Demand

Additionally, professionals should cultivate so-called “soft” skills such as communication, leadership and coaching. Given the rise of startups and the increased emphasis on speed and innovation, professionals must be able to lead and thrive in a less structured and more collaborative work environment.

While subject matter expertise is still important, our clients are telling us that they need more people who can lead and succeed in an ever-evolving and rapidly changing economy. Today, new business opportunities and challenges can emerge very quickly. Therefore, organisations need people who can anticipate and/or respond by engaging the human and financial resources that are necessary to be successful.

The biggest takeaway for individuals and employees is that they have to take responsibility for remaining employable. Every individual (and not only Millennials) must realise the importance of being a lifelong learner if they are to adapt to the new world of work.

For organisations, they must help their workforce prepare for the new world of work through self-directed learning and career planning.

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close