5 Emerging Workplace Trends

As the workplace continues to evolve in 2024, understanding and adapting to emerging trends is crucial for staying competitive. This article examines five key developments that are reshaping the work environment, from enhancing collaboration through self-advocacy to addressing the distinct needs of Gen Z employees.

Workplace Trends

We’ll also explore the growing importance of upskilling in response to AI advancements, how to balance physical and digital workspaces effectively, and the changing metrics for measuring productivity in remote work.

Empower Collaboration Through Self-Advocacy

"The determination and motivation of self-advocacy teams lead to achieving impactful results," states Tanita Allen, the author of We Exist. Promoting self-advocacy in the workplace goes beyond empowering individuals—it involves changing how we work together.

When employees openly discuss their strengths and weaknesses, they foster trust, encourage transparency, and establish a strong basis for effective partnerships. This approach is particularly important for marginalized communities as it helps dismantle systemic barriers. Embracing self-advocacy sets the stage for clear communication, more effective problem-solving, and long-term success.

🧠 PepTalk insight: Encouraging employees to develop transparency in the workplace will lead to long-term success. Dia Bondi offers workshops on ‘how to lead with your authentic voice’.

Engaging Gen Z in the Workplace

In 2022, leaders in the business world were concerned about the rise of "quiet quitting," in which employees disengage from their work without any overt signs, often associated with remote work. By 2024, a new issue came to the forefront with the increasing presence of Generation Z in the workforce: the concept of "resenteeism," which combines "resentment" and "absenteeism." As reported by CNBC, almost half (47%) of Generation Z employees confess to just going through the motions at work, while only 40% feel they are truly excelling, representing a reverse trend compared to older generations.

Tackling 'Resenteeism'

Managers need to adjust their approach to effectively connect with Gen Z. According to CNBC's research, 24% of Gen Z employees desire increased independence, while 25% value closer relationships with coworkers. This is unsurprising considering that they entered the workforce during a global pandemic. The pressing issue is whether their managers, who are used to hybrid work setups, can fulfill these requirements and genuinely engage with Gen Z.

🧠 PepTalk insight: Managers need to offer more independence and nurture meaningful relationships, tackling the increase in 'presenteeism' and adapting to Gen Z's specific requirements for involvement and contentment. Chloe Combi has interviewed over 20,000 young people to help answer the question of how.

Incentivising Upskilling

Given the rapid transformation of industries by AI, how can we make sure that employees remain relevant and motivated? According to the World Economic Forum, technology is expected to significantly alter 1.1 billion jobs in the next ten years. As 42% of companies intend to focus on enhancing skills in AI and big data, the question arises: What can we do to encourage our employees to welcome these changes?

How Can We Prepare Workforces for an AI-Driven Future?

The workforce needs to acquire the skill to collaborate with AI, merging human creativity and critical thinking with automated accuracy. By providing various learning experiences and promoting adaptability among staff, companies can cultivate a workforce that not only survives but also excels in a world that is influenced by AI. This partnership between humans and AI is essential for sustained success and advancement. 

🧠 PepTalk insight: Unlearning and challenging your assumptions is essential to growth. Read more about it in Terence Mauri's blog post: Why Great Leaders Unlearn. Likewise, Dr Stephanie Hare, speaker, author, and technology consultant, can help you navigate the evolving landscape of technology and an AI-driven workforce.

The 3 B’s of a Successful Workplace Strategy

Jonas Thelandersson, Senior Consultant at Veldhoen + Company, promotes a perfect balance between three crucial elements when it comes to creating a thriving workplace: Bricks, Bytes, and Behaviours.

1. Bricks: the physical space where work happens. It’s not just about having an office; it’s about designing a space that aligns with your team’s goals and promotes productivity.
2. Bytes are the digital infrastructure. This technology powers communication, collaboration, and efficiency, allowing teams to work seamlessly, no matter where they are.
3. Behaviours: The cultural and behavioural norms shaping how employees interact and engage with space and technology.

These three elements must work in harmony in today's evolving work environment. Leadership plays a significant role in modelling change, but without aligning the physical space and technology with the proper cultural support, even the best strategies can falter.

🧠 PepTalk insight: Finding harmony in an evolving environment involves focusing on three crucial elements: Bricks, Bytes, and Behaviours. Nic Smith will highlight the well-being areas your organisation needs, coaching leaders to thrive and grow in this ever-evolving environment.

Boosting Accountability and Productivity in Remote Work

Did you know that Microsoft's "follow-the-sun" system has resulted in a 20% reduction in turnover rates? This innovative method, which involves different teams taking over projects across various time zones, not only boosts productivity but also enhances employee satisfaction by promoting a better work-life balance.

With the increasing prevalence of remote work, companies are reconsidering how to gauge productivity and responsibility. Traditional measurements, often based on visible face-to-face interactions, are proving insufficient in this new environment. The discrepancy between how employees and leaders perceive productivity adds another layer of complexity. Organizations are seeking new methods to define and monitor performance in order to stay ahead. Embracing flexible approaches like those pioneered by Microsoft can help bridge the divide, ensuring that remote work is both feasible and fulfilling.

🧠 PepTalk insight: Organisations must embrace dynamic strategies and modern communication methods to bridge the gap between employer and employee. Expert speakers, like Ellen C. Scott, will share their knowledge and expertise to help workforces transition into the modern way of working.

💡 Would you like to explore any of these topics with a keynote speaker? Let us know, and we’ll find the perfect PepTalk expert for your organisation. Email hello@getapeptalk.com. You can also call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US). Remember, it’s always a good time to get a PepTalk!