With a pandemic that chaotically rearranged our priorities, many of us adapted to new life routines that required us to be in our homes. Specifically in the world of work, companies suddenly accommodated an abundance of hybrid and remote employees.
Although these adjustments toward our new normal weren’t easy to make, it’s clear that we can learn from them–at least, the team at Microsoft thinks that’s the case, which is why the company researched emerging work trends and published the Work Trend Index 2022 to share their findings.
Check out a rundown of three key takeaways from the team’s report.
According to the Microsoft report, most employees (53%) are more likely to prioritize their wellness over their job–especially parents and women–than before the pandemic. This shift is in line with the desire for more flexibility in the workplace, a preference that is notably high among younger employees.
In a study for the Work Trend Index, Microsoft researchers found that employees are working longer hours and risking digital overload. Since February 2020, the team discovered a massive 252% increase in weekly meeting time for employees and that the number of weekly meetings rose by 153%.
The report highlighted that 58% of hybrid employees say they have thriving relationships with their immediate colleagues. For remote employees who feel the same way, this number dropped to 50%. Moreover, newer employees–those hired in the last two years–need greater support in building workplace relationships.
The workplace is ever-evolving, and we know that hybrid and remote work have changed the way we do business.
How are these work trends similar to or different from your recent experiences in the workplace? Share your perspective with us below.