With rumbling whispers about the five-day office week returning and gaining momentum, what will the future hold for hybrid working in 2024?
Distance learning provider, DLC Training, reveals UK Google searches for ‘hybrid roles’ are up 216% as more and more people continue to champion flexible working and look for a fresh start ahead of the new year.
While businesses have taken a varied approach to flexible working, the topic is becoming a hot potato in the employment market. Learning and development expert, Neil Finegan, shares his outlook on what the landscape of flexible working looks like for 2024.
Hybrid Working in 2024
Prior to the pandemic, distance working and distance learning were seen as a luxury. Since then, businesses have proven that these flexible systems can mutually benefit both the company and the workers without disruption to productivity. In fact, in many industries, we know it has increased output.
There is much discussion about whether or not hybrid working is here to stay. However, the data shows that employees who are worried this option will be taken away are already turning to Google searching for roles that are advertised as hybrid and showing interest in companies who are happy to use such labels.
Those who do choose to revoke the option or add barriers to hybrid working will see their talent pools diminish and will be vulnerable to losing valuable team members. Whereas those who get louder about their offer for hybrid working will see the most success in the next year, as they capture people left unhappy by businesses who have revoked the option.
Employment Trends in 2024
Impact of Cost of Living Crisis
Unfortunately, the cost of living crisis will continue to have a knock-on effect in 2024. It will be important for businesses to review their pay and reward systems to help alleviate any strains their workforce may experience.
Increase in Learning and Development Opportunities
The job market is going to continue to get more competitive so employers will be seeking ways in addition to financial incentives to keep employees engaged and happy. I’d expect to see an influx of learning and development opportunities across a range of industries as they invest in more courses and training.
Artificial Intelligence
We’ve already seen AI impacting the recruitment process. So, 2024 will be the year businesses stop fearing this technology and, instead, lean into it to fill gaps and streamline productivity. In industries such as supply chain and logistics, there are so many benefits for employees to embrace AI to make for a simpler working life without fear of losing jobs to it.
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.