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As we say goodbye to 2017, what will we say hello to in the 2018 workforce? Forbes suggests these 10 workplace trends will be something to watch for in 2018. Here are a few. For the complete list, go to: workplace trends.
Easing the financial burden
Millennials are buried under a mass of student loan debt unlike any previous generation. The joy of landing their career jobs is diminished by the strain of trying to pay back mountains of loans. That can lead to more depression, burnout, and stress in the workplace. Look for more companies to help employees pay back their loans and expect less stigma and more assistance geared toward mental health. According to a study by Deloitte, more than 84% of employees “have experienced physical, psychological, or behavioral symptoms of poor mental health.” Look for better access to counseling and mental health services overall.
More training and upskilling
The number of unfilled job openings in America in 2016 was 6.2 million, an increase of nearly 600,000 openings since 2015. According to a study by the National Federation of Independent Business, the lack of qualified workers meant “45% of small businesses were unable to find qualified candidates to fill job openings and 60% of all employers have job openings that stay vacant for twelve weeks or longer.” That, in turn, resulted in $800,000 of lost productivity and advertising fees each year. Expect companies to invest more in training their current employee base to fill those gaps and keep pace with the diminished life of learned skills.
Baby boomers are here to stay
Don’t expect the “65 and out” adage to apply to today’s workforce. More than half of the aging (baby boomer) workforce said they have no plans to say goodbye at retirement age. With a U.S. senior population that’s expected to double to 86 million by 2050, companies will see major cost increases in retirement benefits, healthcare, and equal opportunity. The younger workforce will struggle for the leadership positions that baby boomers are hesitant to relinquish.
What trends are you seeing in today’s workforce?
