While most of us can agree that 2020 was a year of unforeseeable and unprecedented challenges for businesses, it was also a time where we were pushed to do things differently and see things differently.  As we enter the New Year, it’s a good time to reflect on 3 workplace trends we’d like to see continue into the New Year.  

1. Humanization of Employees – The humanitarian crisis of the pandemic pushed organizations to see their employees as people, not simply workers.  From shutdown to reopening, it quickly became apparent that the business of work would have to be molded around the complexities of an individual worker’s home life, familial responsibilities and health (both physical & emotional).   This mindfulness has had a positive effect on the employee experience and on the resurgence and success of many organizations. 

2. Workplace Flexibility – The pandemic has transformed flexibility at work from a desirable perk into a powerful people practice, one that is now come to be expected by employees.  While all jobs may not be able to be flexible on where they work (e.g. remote working), all jobs have demonstrated that it is possible to have some sort of flexibility in some way—such as when employees work, what they do, how the work is done or who does the work. 

3. Diversity Matters – The killing of George Floyd ignited worldwide protests and social unrest, and prompted countless corporations to openly explore how issues around race and inequities should be addressed.  The work is only just beginning, let’s hope the business community is in it for the long-haul. 

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