As we settle into 2015 and back into work (kinda hurts doesn’t it?), many of us will be thinking about what the year ahead holds in store for us career-wise – a promotion? New job? Or, is it finally time to launch that business idea?
Regardless of our individual paths, it is clear that Australian workplaces and the way we work are changing. Expert 360, an online platform matching professional freelancers with short-term business projects, has predicted the top ten workplace trends of 2015. From the rise of the Millennials, to yoga pants as accepted work attire (really?), here’s what we can expect from 2015:
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1. Continuous job searching
Remember how our parents stayed with the same company for 30 years? Well those days are over. Employees are constantly on the look out for the next job. Networking is the new norm and the ever-present FOMO (fear of missing out) keeps everyone engaged. Smart businesses are starting to pick up on this and are nurturing this desire to excel.
2. More Millennials stepping up as boss
The young ones generally get a bad rap at work – judged as lazy, over-educated know-it-alls who want something for nothing. But beneath this façade is a generation of young individuals who crave the opportunity to take on leadership positions. A recent study revealed 72% of Millennials (also known as Gen Y) would like to be their own boss and the rise of young guns such as Mark Zuckerberg shows that there is a place for young people to lead.
3. Casual wear
Women on the street are wearing LuluLemon and Lorna Jane with no intention of going to the gym. Yoga pants are now acceptable work attire. Causal Fridays extend across the working week and ties on men are an aberration. Pioneered by Google, this trend speaks to a need to express individuality at work, which can lead to increased productivity and innovation.
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4. Internships
By 2020, 40% of the total working population will be Millennials and internships are crucial in giving them that first taste of the working world. Emerging trends in internships have seen the rise of virtual internships within the financial and consulting industries. Recent legislation in Australia and abroad reflects the importance of internships as a legitimate form of employment.
5. Working remotely
Rapidly evolving technology and more flexible working arrangements means that the bricks and mortar of workplaces are not required for employees to do their jobs properly. Employees can now work from home, or be in a completely different city, and still achieve the same results.
6. Fast talent turnaround
Remember the days when you scoured the Saturday paper for job ads and sent your CV to the company by post? It feels like an eternity ago. Now, companies want to connect with the right candidate and hire faster than ever before. It won’t be long until the Tinder for recruitment disrupts the market.
7. Work is deeply personal
We have long sought the perfect ‘work-life balance’. However, work is now deeply personal, so instead of trying to balance two separate spheres of our lives we will be seeking ‘work-life integration’, where we want to see the value of what we do.
8. Cultural fit – hiring for cultural reasons
Cultural fit and character are now key considerations when assessing potential candidates, with many employers adopting the ‘hire character, train skill’ approach. Our multigenerational workforce, with Millennials and baby boomers working alongside each other, means ensuring there is an alignment on the values and vision of the company is critical in bridging the age gap. Your management style might need to change depending on who you deal with.
9. Talent development key to retention
With corporate loyalty a thing of the past, one way employers are trying to hold onto staff is through talent development programs. Once reserved for those at the top of the pyramid, we are seeing career development programs and skill workshops at every level of the corporate hierarchy.
10. The rise of the freelancer
30% of Australians are now undertaking some form of flexible freelance work. If we follow US trends, by 2020, this number is expected to rise by 50%. Technology has been one of the main drivers behind this trend, making it easy for businesses to connect to talent on demand.
Have you seen any of these changes in your workplace? What are your predictions for 2015? Leave your comments below.
Featured photo credit: Pixabay
maria simonelli
Great piece and on the ball too! Ive noticed these trends already with clients especially the desire to work remotely and independently as a freelancer