The end of the year can be quite chaotic, but it is also a time for reflection and preparation. Now is the time to think about and optimize your people strategies. We have broken down what we believe will be the three biggest trends for engaging and retaining employees in 2022:
Flexible Work is Here to Stay
Remote and hybrid work are here to stay. When it comes to the ongoing pandemic, there is light at the end of the tunnel as experts say COVID will likely shift to a less severe endemic in 2022. However, the virus will not go away overnight, so flexibility remains important to keep employees safe and healthy. (Not to mention over one third of workers reported feeling worse in the office than at their lowest point during the pandemic.)
Many companies have already embraced flexibility in the workplace and will keep doing so in the new year. If your organization is among those that have adapted, do not forget to keep engaging your remote and hybrid employees! People leaders should leverage an employee recognition tool to keep engagement high and workers feeling appreciated.
Employee Wellbeing is in the Spotlight
Wellbeing and mental health are trending topics in and out of the workplace. Overall wellbeing will continue to be in the spotlight throughout 2022 and beyond. Therefore, employers will need to make it a priority to keep employees engaged and happy. How? We created a shortlist of some tips:
- Ensure workloads are manageable
- Give autonomy and flexibility
- Promote a culture of openness
- Facilitate work breaks and fun activities
Work on building personal peer-to-peer connections as well as between employees and managers. Trust and connection will keep a line of communication open so you know which of the above practices need adjustments!
DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) is Top of Mind
The spike in social movements over the last few years has made DEI top of mind for both leaders and employees. In fact, one survey found that 78% of the workforce want their employers to prioritize DEI. Consider taking these concrete steps at your organization:
- Provide DEI training for all employees
- Offer up educational information and resources
- Host events or activities that celebrate minority groups
- Rethink ways you can hire differently abled individuals
- Survey your employees and listen
Listening to your employees is the best way to gauge the inclusivity of your workplace. Let your employees know their voices are heard and help them feel like they belong!
At the end of the day, employees are in the driver’s seat…their opinions matter! Especially with the very real “Great Resignation” or “Great Reshuffle.” If you prioritize flexibility, wellbeing, and DEI, your organization will not only engage and retain your employees, but also help them grow.