Workplace trends are once again shifting and employers are implementing new benefits in 2023 to better address the workforce of the future. As we finally regain some normalcy in the wake of the pandemic–where, how and when employees work are top of mind for employees and employers alike. Here are workplace trends in 2023–and resources to help HR leaders stay ahead of the curve.
1. The transition back to the office and the future of remote work.
Employers across all industries are implementing return to the office policies in 2023, but don’t expect that to look the same as pre-pandemic times. Employees have adjusted to remote work–and for many, returning to the office will pose new challenges such as: re-acclimating to commutes, finding new care arrangements (for children, older loved ones, pets), and perceived loss of flexibility. In a recent employee survey, half of employees say they want a hybrid work arrangement, nearly 20% prefer fully remote work, and nearly three-quarters expect the flexibility to work from home at least some of the time.
Clearly, flexibility is going to be the key to success when it comes to returning to work. Many employers have already successfully implemented hybrid work schedules that allow employees to split their time between home and the office. Others are implementing phased return to work schedules that give employees time to plan and prepare for the return, and still others are allowing some employees to remain fully remote.
As you look to the future in your organization, survey employees to gauge their readiness and needs. Once you have a plan in place, be sure to clearly communicate return to work policies and expectations. Use the handy employee survey template and return to work checklist linked in the resource section to get started.
2. Increased focus on technology and accessibility
In recent years, we saw a rapid rise in the use of video conferencing, document sharing, messaging apps, and other technology to help remote employees stay connected and work efficiently. As we look to the future of the workforce, employers will continue to rely on technology to ensure accessibility for remote, hybrid and on-site workforces–and to help employers operate more efficiently with fewer overhead resources. Machine learning, artificial intelligence, and other new technologies such as chatbots and AI programs are just some of the ways employers will be using technology to improve outcomes within their workforce. Be sure to stay up on the latest technology to help your organization achieve maximum results.
3. Caregiving benefits will be critically important
As many employers implement return to work policies, helping employees find reliable care for their families will be more important than ever. 73% of employees have caregiving responsibilities–and without access to reliable and affordable care, they are likely to miss work or quit their jobs altogether. And that means costly productivity and turnover losses for employers.
Make sure you’re providing benefits for your working parents, senior caregivers (and everyone in between) so they can get to work knowing they have reliable care in place for their families. In a recent Care survey, 59% of employees said they want family care benefits, and 70% said they are more likely to stay at a company where they receive those benefits. Learn the importance of implementing family care benefits in your organization, including benefits that are scalable and equitable for all employees at all stages of life.
4. Focus on financial wellness and education
Finding care is difficult enough, but finding affordable care is even harder for working parents and caregivers. In Care’s recent cost of care survey, 51% of parents say they spend more than 20% of their household income on child care, and 72% of parents report spending 10% or more. This is up from 70% from pre-pandemic days.
This also comes at a time when inflation is peaking and the country is facing economic headwinds. Employers and employees alike are trying to cut costs. Yet in today’s uncertain times, employers cannot afford to cut back on benefits–rather, today’s savvy employers understand that even a small investment in family care benefits can have great rewards including increased productivity, recruitment and retention. For example, family care benefits can help alleviate financial burden on families by offering subsidized care options (for children, seniors and pets), and discount programs that save employees money on child care tuition, tutoring and everyday essentials. Finally, more companies will be offering financial wellness programs and education, such as free or discounted consultations with financial counselors, financial hardship loans, and webinars to help teach employees about short- and long-term savings and asset management.
Resources to help you incorporate future workplace trends in your organization.
Stay up-to-date on industry insights and data all year with these helpful resources:
- Use our Guide to Employee Benefit Surveys to learn what benefits your employees value and need most.
- Download our Return to the Office Checklist for best practices in creating a flexible, safe, and accessible workplace for employee
- Learn about benefits designed to support your diverse workforce with Care’s 2023 Product Guide
- Thinking of going to bid for family care benefits? Download this Ultimate Guide to Evaluating Family Care Benefits, for industry-leading RFP best practices and a standardized RFP template that can be customized to your needs.
- Subscribe to the Care for Business blog for the latest news and stories about work, life and care.
- Listen to the Why Care podcast to discover ways to address today’s child care crisis.
