This pandemic has spurred some changes in the job market by pushing the home office culture. In order to stay up to date, both employers and employees need to keep an eye on the latest developments. So what can employees expect with their applications, or what do employers have to offer? We have compiled a list of the trends that have emerged as significant this year – despite the constant changes in the job market.
Diversity in all areas
At present, there is an increasing number of job offers for temporary work, project assistance and one-off contract work. That desire for self-determination in professional life correlates with the emerging gig economy. Specifically, it means that job providers should consider these new models for more jobs. As an employee, asking for alternative employment models is no longer frowned upon.
Working green
Alongside the commitment to social justice, standing up for a minority group that is literally being trampled on is also called: the environment. Employees prefer green companies that address environmental issues and actively work to make the world a better place. That can start with little things like eco-paper, trash separation or reusable coffee cups.
A new balance of power
There were more job openings listed in 2021 than there were job seekers. This unusual situation put workers in a position of power. Especially supposedly hopeless situations such as crises, short-time work and job cuts showed that somehow it always goes on, but also that as a worker you don’t have to put up with everything.
Meanwhile, some 37 percent of workers would also quit without having a new job. The good news is that the demand for fair working conditions and an appropriate salary is definitely justified because, as an employee, you currently have the upper hand.
Home office? Yes, please!
Covid-19’s global home office experiment showed that working from home is possible in a variety of professions. Research conducted by FlexJobs reveals that 58 percent of workers would want to work from home permanently. And 39 percent would like to see a hybrid model where they can comfortably choose between the office and home office.
All clear to all bosses: According to studies, employees work more productively at home. Moreover, with remote working, there is a much broader spectrum of qualified workers to be acquired. Naturally, there will continue to be many who prefer to work in the office. However, the possibility to decide individually where one wants to work has a high priority.
One culture that unites everyone
This is not a patrol against cultural diversity. Quite the opposite: it is about establishing a guiding culture that unites everyone as a company. With the aid of inclusive leadership culture and shared values, you can identify yourself as part of a large group even in the most diverse company and thus make a name for yourself as a good brand in the job market.
More Benefits for Employees
Besides better pay, demands, or rather the provision of additional benefits, are becoming more and more legitimate. So you can demand support in case of illness, mental health awareness and flexible working hours for parents. At the same time, it is increasingly clear that self-care and health awareness greatly influence the quality of the work performed.
All-inclusive at work, too
Growing social awareness of social inequalities has also catapulted these issues into the workplace. Both diversity, equity and inclusion can and must be guaranteed by attractive employers. In addition, just regulations in the company and cultural diversity also positively influence the working atmosphere. Most importantly, deeds speak louder than words, which means that you need to have a hands-on mentality to ensure that everyone is on board.
Aye, AI!
This year, companies will again use artificial Intelligence to automate and simplify processes. Especially in the HR and application area, artificial intelligence should advance the optimization of, for example, the home office and software availability.
These are the trends that motivated you to make a fresh start this year? Currently, they are the best-rated employers. Either way, best of luck to you in your career this year.
