As the professional world evolves, so do the work trends. With technology and innovation rapidly changing the way we live and work and remote work or hybrid work arrangements increasing, it is essential to stay aware of what’s happening in the job and labor market. What do jobs look like now and into the future? Here are three work trends that you must know: hybrid and remote work (work from home), artificial intelligence and automation, and increased freelance work.
In this blog post, we’ll explore up-and-coming trends you need to know about, from automation taking over traditional roles to an increase in freelance jobs. It’s important to be ready for a journey into what professions could look like in five years.
3 Amazing Workplace Trends!
#1. Hybrid and Remote Work
The hybrid and remote or work-from-home trend allows employees to pursue a more fluid schedule (e.g., splitting their time between working from home and in-person work). In the past few years, hybrid and remote working have become even more popular as more and more organizations offer more flexible working arrangements.
The Trends
A shocking 75% of workers worldwide now recognize that remote work is here to stay. The advantages of their lifestyle (such as saving on commuting time) are much more substantial than any drawbacks like difficulty connecting with co-workers.
As the number of remote-first companies continues to surge, many organizations are adopting a remote or hybrid work model. On an immense level, this combination of working from home and in the office has caused us to rethink what exactly constitutes office space.
Benefits
- Higher Employee Productivity: According to research, the employment of flexible work schedules and practices leads to enhanced worker satisfaction and increased productivity
- Reduced Overhead Costs: Companies can drastically reduce overhead costs, with most employees working remotely.
- Improved Work-Life Balance: Remote work gives individuals more time to spend on activities outside of work that are important for their mental well-being and mental health
Drawbacks
- Decreased Employee Engagement: Hybrid employees often face issues with collaboration and teamwork.
- Security Concerns: With remote work, data breaches increase due to employees accessing the company’s systems from different locations.
To tackle this ever-evolving landscape, companies must review and update their remote and hybrid working practices to ensure a suitable balance between corporate needs and those of employees. Many jobs, such as project managers, have now become remote.
Also read: Highest-Paying Project Manager Jobs
#2. Artificial Intelligence & Automation
With technological advancements, automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are quickly taking over traditional roles. AI is a form of machine learning that enables computers to learn from data and then use what they’ve learned to make decisions.
The Trends
Instead of sentient robots coming to take your job, AI is starting to create and even help you evolve your career. First of all, modern workplaces across the globe have been using AI to help them scale up comfortably and efficiently. AI has created numerous opportunities in tech. These can include web development and even UX design. More than that, companies are also using AI to help employees develop their careers.
Benefits
- Reduced Workload: Automation can automate mundane tasks that typically require human labor, freeing up the team of business leaders for more important tasks.
- Improved Accuracy & Efficiency: With automated processes in place, businesses can expect increased accuracy and efficiency across the board, as machines do not make human errors or emotionally influence decision-making.
Drawbacks
- Potential for Job Losses: As AI takes over certain roles, job losses are expected.
- Security Risks: AI can be susceptible to malicious actors, meaning businesses need robust security measures to protect their systems. AI and automation are making waves across the job market, so you must stay up-to-date with these technologies and consider how they may impact your business and the roles you offer.
#3. The Increase in Freelance Work
Freelancing is providing services for a fee without being employed full-time by an employer. Freelancers are typically independent contractors engaged to work on specific projects and tasks in exchange for payment according to their technical and soft skills. Many freelancers follow the work-from-home trend. If hiring a freelance worker, ensure they understand your company culture!
The Trends
For many professionals, freelance work or work-from-home trends have become increasingly attractive. According to a report from Upwork and Freelancers Union, as much as 65% of global businesses have teams that include freelance or gig workers. With so many freelancer platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Workana, you can connect with talented professionals worldwide who can help you achieve your project goals.
Benefits
- Flexible Work Hours: With freelancing, individuals can pick and choose the jobs they want when they want.
- High Work-Life Balance: Freelancers tend to have a higher work-life balance due to their flexible schedule and ability to pursue projects that align with their interests.
Drawbacks
- Unpredictable Work Flow: It can be challenging for freelancers to predict when or how much work will come in, making it hard to manage cash flow.
- Lack of Work Security: With freelance work, there is no guarantee of job security or how employees maintain it, as each job may only last for a short period. Freelancers might not assure corporate or social responsibility.
Freelance work is rising, and employers must consider how this could affect their workforce strategy to ensure sufficient talent is available.
You should keep up with future work trends to stay ahead of the curve. Work trends include an increased reliance on automation, AI, and freelance work. Employers should consider the benefits and drawbacks of each trend to ensure a suitable balance between corporate needs and those of their employees.
About PMWorld 360 Magazine
PMWorld 360 Magazine has been around since 2018. It’s been voted the top project management ezine to follow each year since 2019. We’ve recently launched our new Job Board, and while it’s relatively new, it’s already becoming one of the best niche job boards online. It’s the perfect place to post jobs for project managers, leaders, technology professionals, and other aligned roles. Here’s why.
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- We offer a premium niche-focused job posting service so your roles aren’t buried in a sea of non-relevant postings.
- Our website is easy to use, and job seekers can easily search for jobs by keyword, location, or category.
- We recently launched and are quickly becoming one of the best places to post jobs online for specific niche roles.
- We help employers and recruiting agencies to promote roles on social media.
- We offer valuable resources that are directly related to our hiring niches.
- We provide excellent customer service and are always happy to help with your job postings.
- Our audience is your directly aligned audience.
When you’re looking to recruit top talent, remember to post on online boards that cater to your niche. With PMWorld 360 Magazine’s job board, employers and recruiting firms can create an account on our job search engine and start posting jobs and attracting top talent today! You’ll be sure to find the perfect candidate in no time.
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PMWorld 360 Magazine partnered with the Institute of Project Management (IPM) to help employees grow and advance through certification in project management! Check out their courses and certifications.
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