2021 Emerging Workplace Trends

In this episode, Patti delves into the top three emerging trends she is seeing in the workplace. In the first episode of this two-part series, she discusses Reimagining HR departments, a focus on holistic well-being, and why companies need to start preparing for Gen Z in the workplace.

On Reimagining HR Departments

Studies on Lack of Trust:

• https://hrdailyadvisor.blr.com/2020/04/06/serious-lack-of-trust-in-hr-continues-into-the-coronavirus-outbreak/
• https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/gartner-top-3-priorities-for-hr-leaders-in-2021/

Call to Action:

• Rework policies
• Go further than policies and write manifestos, bills of rights, guarantees
• Focus on language that is employee-centric rather than profit-centric

On Focusing on Holistic Well-Being 

Studies Referenced on Well-being:

• https://www.forbes.com/sites/colleenreilly/2020/07/07/the-rise-of-the-chief-wellbeing-officer/?sh=25135de81fce
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/colleenreilly/2020/10/06/chief-well-being-officer-takes-a-collective-approach-to-solve-burnout/?sh=67c480942f98

Call to Action:

• If you’re a large company, consider appointing someone who is in charge of well-being. 
• Provide financial wellness education
• Promote EAPs
• Have a speaker talk about mental health issues, burnout, etc.
• Host a lunch (or series of lunches) and learn about any of these topics

On Preparing for Gen-Z in the Workplace

What does VUCA mean?
A phrase often used by (or to describe the experience of) Gen Z is VUCA:

• V = Volatility: the nature and dynamics of change, and the nature and speed of change forces and change catalysts.
• U = Uncertainty: the lack of predictability, the prospects for surprise, and the sense of awareness and understanding of issues and events.
• C = Complexity: the multiplex of forces, the confounding of issues, no cause-and-effect chain, and confusion that surrounds the organization.
• A = Ambiguity: the haziness of reality, the potential for misreads, and the mixed meanings of conditions; cause-and-effect confusion.

References on Gen-Z:

• http://persuasionpoint.com/gen-z-law-firms-pt3/
• https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/consumer-business/articles/understanding-generation-z-in-the-workplace.html

Call to Action:

• Introspection: don’t assume what you know about Millenials applies to Gen-Z
• Act: Gen-Z and young Millenials expect companies they work with to be partners contributing to a just society

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