What You Need to Know About Workplace Trends in 2022

Let's chat about what's shaking up the workplace as we dive into 2022. We're peering into the crystal ball to get a glimpse of the year ahead, and maybe even a bit of 2023. Spoiler alert: the buzz is all about hybrid work. Think of it as a mash-up of working from your living room, popping into a co-working space, and occasionally making an appearance at the office. Sounds cool, right? But let's keep it real—the work-from-home life isn't always a bed of roses.

Turns out, folks working from home might actually be clocking in more hours than their office-dwelling buddies. On the flip side, there's an uptick in digital nomad gigs offering flexibility that's through the roof. If you're pondering a career move in 2022, it's time to get savvy about the perks to ask for, the tech and culture shifts on the horizon, and how to play your skills to land an awesome offer.

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Navigating Workplace Culture in 2022

Expect workplace culture to take some dynamic turns in 2022. Yep, even more changes are coming. We're talking about a surge in hybrid workplaces, a push for better work-life balance perks, and a whole new vibe in company cultures.

The Rise of Hybrid Workplaces

Echoing what experts like Deloitte (and honestly, pretty much any talent pro you chat with) are saying, hybrid work is not just a phase—it's the future. And here's the kicker: many folks are not exactly jumping at the chance to go back to the old cubicle life. Companies are also starting to see the light, realizing that there's something pretty sweet about the work-from-home setup.

Work-Life Balance Takes Center Stage

It's clear as day that work-life balance is becoming a big deal. Employees are craving more time for life outside the four walls of the office. Remember the days when companies tried to woo you with fancy taco bars and nap rooms? Well, now they need to think outside the box to attract talent without chaining them to a desk. The hybrid model could be a game-changer for dodging burnout, but it's crucial for employers to not pile on more work just because your home is your new office.

What About Company Culture?

With a huge pivot towards work-life balance, there's some anxiety over losing that special sauce that makes a company's culture. Back in 2021, Mckinsey & Company had a sit-down with talent whizzes Bryan Hancock, Bill Schaninger, and Brooke Weddle, discussing the future of hybrid workplaces and company culture in our post-pandemic world. Turns out, less face time in the office could mean a dip in company culture—a point both corporations and job seekers should ponder in 2022. How much does a prospective employer value company culture, and can a job there satisfy your quest for purpose?

The Skill Set Scene in 2022

One of the hottest trends for 2022 is the spotlight on your personal brand, emphasizing not just the hard skills but the soft ones too. Critical thinking, empathy, innovation, authenticity—these are the gold stars employers are looking for. It's not enough to just be good at what you do; showing you can play nice and push boundaries without a corporate retreat is the new benchmark.

Industries on the Move in 2022

With the pandemic turning every industry on its head, it's no shocker that the landscape of work in 2022 is looking pretty different. But, some sectors are poised for even bigger growth spurts.

Life Science Technologies

No crystal ball needed: biotech, pharmaceuticals, and environmental sciences are poised to dominate tech and business trends in 2022. The pandemic has turned us all into health-conscious citizens, fueling a surge in smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other health gadgets since 2020. This trend isn't slowing down – expect consumers to remain enthusiastic about these tools, driving innovation in the life sciences. Plus, the rise of AI and data-driven startups in health (think all those health app ads you see) means anyone with expertise in this field will be highly sought-after in 2022.

Web/Software Development

The digital revolution continues! While not everything is moving completely online in 2022, expect a surge in hybrid business models, with both physical and virtual components.

Remember 2020's shutdowns in restaurants, entertainment, and travel? 2021 saw a cautious return to normalcy, but the Omicron variant's arrival in late 2021 has many businesses rethinking full in-person operations.

The solution? Hybrid! Many restaurants, retailers, and even salons are adopting this approach to mitigate risk from future shutdowns. By scaling back physical hours and potentially raising prices, these businesses can offer employees better work-life balance and potentially higher wages.

This online shift also fuels the demand for tech talent. With countless businesses moving online, there will be more software and iOS engineer jobs than ever. Both DIY website builders ("Wix" and "Squarespace" type services) and full-service web design and app development firms are likely to see a significant increase in hiring needs this year.

AI/Big Data

AI and Big Data are buzzwords that have been making their way into our vocabulary for nearly a decade now. And we can only assume that there’s no way they’ll lose steam now.

Tech Trends to Watch

As we navigate this brave new world, be ready for shifts in how we work, especially with the hybrid model becoming the norm.

• Communication Software: Expect to see new tools that make chatting with your hybrid and remote teams smoother than ever.

• AI and Machine Learning: These technologies are set to take on more roles, especially in areas like IT and HR.

• Employee Monitoring: With the new work-life balance, companies will get creative with productivity tracking. Just something to keep in mind when job hunting in 2022.

So, what 2022 workplace trends are you jazzed (or jittery) about? Has the hybrid model given you a taste of freedom? Let's navigate these changes together and make the most out of our new work lives.