2023 Predictions for the Workplace
The year 2023 will bring to light many issues dominating the workplace environment and the struggles employees feel in and out of the office. On the heels of the pandemic, organizations have adopted a new work landscape. With it, employees have taken on a new mindset -- one that prioritizes values and happiness over everything else.
Burnout is "out."
Because work-life lines have become blurred over the past couple of years (74% of individuals report having feelings of burnout), it is impossible for employers to ignore how stress is affecting their business growth. Department heads, managers, and team leads should recognize that assigning more work with tighter deadlines isn't the answer to solving disengagement. Instead, learn more about their employees by asking how they can help alleviate stress in the workplace. For example, reducing the number of touchpoints or encouraging them not to answer their emails after hours.
Switching off is "in."
Having constant access to email is a source of stress and unhappiness for participants of a study in Computers in Human Behavior. We all know that happy employees are more productive employees, and more productivity means a smoother-running company. Limiting email interactions to office hours, or encouraging your employees to sign out of their emails on their phones at the end of the day, will decrease their stress, show that you are a caring leader, and increase their focus at the times it is needed the most.
Simple is better.
How many times have your team members muttered, "That could have been an email," under their breath after another long meeting? 2023 is the year to keep it simple. Focus on meaningful interactions with your employees, and keep correspondences straightforward and valuable. The more time spent on back-and-forth'ing, the less time your employees have to produce.
Well-being is Non-Negotiable.
If your employees are not of sound body and mind, they will not provide the output your company needs to succeed. Well-being, therefore, will be at the forefront of each organization's mind starting in 2023. Mandatory stretch breaks, morning yoga classes, daily Screen-Free Time, mental health counseling, and FitBits for all employees are ways that some companies are prioritizing their employee's well-being, but the most important thing to remember is to remind your team members that you care about how they are feeling, mentally and physically.
HR Holds the Magic Wand.
It's not a secret that The Great Resignation spreads like wildfire across organizations where employees feel like they are just a warm body in an office chair. Workplace frustration often stems from uncaring leaders, and HR and Chief People Officers have a real opportunity to create higher-performing teams by focusing on their people. It's time to go further than yearly surveys that only measure job satisfaction. Rather, expand these questionnaires to gauge employees' energy levels, mental and physical well-being, and needs for meaningful work. With the answers to these questions, HR has the stepping stones it needs to create a Caring Culture for its employees.
Are you looking to make 2023 a celebratory year for your team's morale? Book a Clarity Call to see how my Busy to Better Organizational Wellness program can take your employees from burnt-out to thriving in 3 easy steps.
About the Author
Peggy Sullivan is a women’s leadership speaker, mindset expert, and founder of the nonprofit organization, SheCAN!. She is also the author of the book, “Happiness is Your Responsibility”. Peggy is a strong advocate of utilizing the power of happiness to achieve personal success, professional growth, and increased health and wellness. She has won numerous awards and honors, including the 2019 Woman in Leadership Award from New York State. Peggy has also been featured in Forbes Women, FOX, and BloomTV, and has presented and consulted worldwide for organizations such as Bank of America, Blue Cross BlueShield, Ingram Micro, and WomanUp Conferences. You can connect with Peggy on LinkedIn and Instagram and book a Clarity Call for her Busy to Better Organizational Wellness Program here.