DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Workplace trends here to stay Cast your mind back three years ago – pre-pandemic – and you may recall the workplace looked distinctly different to that of 2023 . Hybrid or remote working was for the few , not the many , and movements such as Black Lives Matter were catapulting racial equity to the top of many businesses ’ priority lists .
These trends have had an unprecedented impact on gender equality in the workplace , allowing women to juggle their careers with family life and caretaking responsibilities . Marginalised women have also been able to step up , take centre stage and be heard .
And luckily for us , these trends are here to stay .
“ Remote and flexible work arrangements are only set to increase in the future of work ,” Kate says . “ With advances in technology and the increasing need for companies to be more agile and responsive to changing market conditions , I see remote working shifting to ‘ work from anywhere , anytime ’, with changing organisational policies , starting with for expert and project-based roles and ultimately leading up to 40 % of an organisations workforce . The workplace will shift from a place where traditional work is done to a meeting place to connect , collaborate and build deeper relationships with colleagues .
“ With the rise of technology and remote working , employees are now able to work from anywhere , which can blur the
“ Remote and flexible work arrangements are only set to increase in the future of work ”
KATE BARKER CHIEF FUTURE OF WORK LEADER & GLOBAL CONSULTING ADVISOR
lines between work and personal life . As a result , employers are likely to become more aware of the importance of worklife balance , and offer more flexible work arrangements to attract and retain top talent . It will be a market differentiator and important if companies want to stay competitive .”
Companies will also continue to place more value on employees who are able to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the table . Kate explains : “ This could involve things like valuing diversity in hiring practices , encouraging employees to be themselves at work and fostering an environment of open communication and collaboration . As a result , employees may feel more empowered to bring their authentic selves to work , which can lead to greater job satisfaction and better performance .”
What does the future of work look like ? Although we ’ ll have to wait for almost a century-and-a-half to experience a truly equitable workplace , progress is slowly but surely heading in the right direction .
Trends such as hybrid working models , technological advancements and encouraging women to take leadership and board positions will undoubtedly continue to shake up the workplace , enabling us to make leaps and bounds toward equality .
Businesses will also continue to push for DEI strategies in the workplace while striving to create more inclusive and
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