(Washington Insider Magazine) -Remote work is projected to increase and become a more permanent feature by 2022, according to industry analysts, in what some labour experts are calling “the largest change in American working and living conditions since World War II.”
The most recent employment report, released on Friday, shows a still-volatile labour market, with payrolls increasing by only 199,000 in December, down from 249,000 in November and falling short of estimates of 422,000. It was a sputtering end to a year in which millions of employees left their jobs voluntarily each month.
So, what’s in front for 2022, as businesses and employees wait for a firm return-to-work date and must once again juggle their schedules? Remote employment is already leading the way as the only secure bet in the face of more unforeseen disruptions. Workers have more power than they had in the past, thanks to rising earnings, a record number of job opportunities, and “the Great Resignation,” according to various indicators.
Employees are holding more cards than usual, according to an NBC News piece. They have a two-year history of working from home without a loss in productivity – in fact, many of them report an improvement. Workers seek remote solutions so they can avoid commuting, perform at their best at work and at home, have much more child care flexibility, and alleviate persistent concerns about Covid infection. It’s a wake-up call for employers.
According to data analyzed by Ladders, the number of active permanent remote roles quadrupled from 9% to 18% by the end of 2021. According to the study, that percentage might rise to 25% by 2022.
According to the Conference Board, an independent research organization, companies will have to become more relevant in 2022 to attract and retain employees, setting aside 3.9 percent for salary hikes this year.
Corporate landlords are putting money into facilities in the hopes of luring workers back off their couches. Among the services available are laundry service pickup, exercise classes, new retail places, and on-site child care. More outdoor seating and meeting places are being added to luxury offices with Covid-aware design elements.
Employers and managers must, above all, provide a credible reason for employees to return, according to human resource experts. Employees should know that they will have deliberate chances and needs to interact and collaborate, rather than just showing up for roll call conferences or being positioned at a desk so that their performance can be physically monitored.