4 Top Workplace Trends in 2024

Globally, unemployment is at a record low. So why are more than a quarter of employees ready to leave their current jobs?

That’s what the results of a recent survey by Boston Consulting Group have left companies wondering. If employees’ answers are anything to go by, company culture plays a major role, something culture and leadership expert Dr. Nahla Khaddage Bou-Diab has been championing. If employers want to retain talent, boost loyalty, and ensure the longevity of their organisations, they’ll need to keep an eye on these trends set to take over the workplace in 2024.

Since the pandemic, employees have been unwilling to fully forego the option of being able to work from home. It allows them to save on transport costs, provides a space of focus when needed, and enables them to enjoy a better work/life balance. While most employers are on board, they still want to encourage workers to return to the office more often than not.

To do this, they need to make the office an environment where employees genuinely want to spend time, says the leadership expert. This means creating a safe space where employees can express ideas, ask questions, innovate, and create without fear of being overlooked or undermined. Open communication is key and it’s up to management to set the tone for the entire organisation.

Plenty of organisations are grappling with the question of whether to scrap their DEI&B initiatives. For many, the answer is to instead ensure they align with the goals of the business. Diversity and inclusion are big factors for the new wave of employees entering the workforce. It’s up to businesses to make sure that their programs encourage diversity in a way that adds value to the business, rather than being there as something they can point to proudly without doing any real legwork.

Finding employees with the right skills and experience is tough in any industry. If employers want skilled workers operating their businesses, they need to invest in upskilling talent they already have. Investing in your employees is a good thing. It shows them that you value them and are thinking about their future within the company. This, in turn, inspires loyalty from staff. They’re less likely to hop between organisations if they see that you want to ensure they continue to add value to the company. Longevity is the name of the game, and it takes both sides to make this happen.

Work is a major part of everyone’s life. We spend 9 hours a day doing our job, so it makes sense that it contributes significantly to our happiness and well-being. Mental health and well-being should, therefore, be a priority for every organisation. Ensuring your staff is happy and healthy, and has the necessary tools and programs to help them cope with any difficulties they may experience, is important.

Supporting employees can be prioritised by having teams dedicated to developing and implementing programs, reporting on their successes and areas for improvement, and creating awareness among employees about the resources available to them.

Employers must adapt to the changing needs of the workforce, a necessity underscored by Boston Consulting Group’s research. If they want to attract top talent, they need to invest in the things that will make them stay.