With 2020 nearly at an end, there have been a few predictions for the 2021 workplace. Coronavirus has taught many small businesses and employees to prepare for uncertainty. Whilst the borders are now open again within Australia, that could change overnight.
Many offices are once again operating as usual within Perth. However, the unpredictable nature of coronavirus means that everyone needs to have a backup plan in 2021.
Here are the Predictions for the 2021 workplace.
1. Virtual Recruiting may be here to stay
According to LinkedIn predictions, 81% of talent professionals agree virtual recruiting will continue post-COVID and 70% say it will become the new standard. These are definitive statistics, so it’s safe to say employees looking for work in 2021 should prepare for some significant screen time.
Interviewing on screen can be much different to an in-person conversation for both participants. It’s important that employees looking for work learn how to engage the interviewer through a device.
2. Hybrid workplaces may become the norm
Whilst many offices in Perth are operating normally again, some employees have found their roles permanently shift offsite. A hybrid workforce of onsite and remote employees may become the standard in 2021. This may mean employees looking for work in 2021 should prepare for a hybrid hiring process.
3. Employees may have access to overseas roles
Employees that previously couldn’t move overseas due to high living costs may find themselves applying for overseas work to conduct remotely in 2021. Businesses all over the world have had to readjust to cope with employees working remotely, which has in turn opened them up to sourcing new skillsets across the globe.
4. Employee wellbeing is being considered a strategy in 2021
It’s safe to say that many people suffered from “burn-out” in 2020. The stress and unpredictability of what lay ahead, combined with an increase in work load for some wasn’t great for mental wellbeing. Businesses quickly began to realise that stressed employees didn’t equate high levels of productivity. It’s been predicted (if not already in the works) that businesses are reassessing employee wellbeing and how they can help reduce stress in 2021. This doesn’t necessarily mean massages for everyone at the office! Helping to educate employees and improve their skillsets to grow their role within the business was deemed a part of the wellbeing strategy. This dedication to employees, helps to foster a greater sense of team and belonging. Happiness = productivity.
5. Conferences and meetings will be a hybrid of online and in person in 2021
Finally, gone are the days of travelling for an overnight conference. 2020 accelerated our adoption of virtual learning and that won’t stop in 2021. Great news for people unable to travel or that have families! You can expect some conferences and training to be done via online portals.