As the workforce continues to evolve, so does the way we look at employment. While it’s unlikely that we’ll see the end of traditional jobs anytime soon, we can anticipate a major shift in how people work and where they work. The changing nature of work will impact organizations in a variety of ways. From attracting new talent to retaining existing employees, organizations that adapt to the shifting landscape will be better positioned for long-term success.
This trend isn’t just limited to millennials—the entire workforce is shifting toward more flexible, remote-friendly careers. And while this may seem like an obvious change, it has huge implications for employers who are used to operating within a traditional structure. The reality is that the workforce as a whole is becoming more mobile and flexible. According to a study done by Gallup, “Approximately 56% of full-time employees in the U.S. — more than 70 million workers — say their job can be done working remotely from home.”
If you’re currently struggling with how your organization should adapt to this changing landscape, here are some tips:
Hiring Remote Employees
Consider hiring remote employees, even if your organization is based in one location. While this may seem like an obvious solution for organizations that need to expand their workforce, it’s still a relatively new concept for many organizations. But hiring remote employees is becoming increasingly common—in fact, there are now more than 2 million people working from home full-time in the United States alone. Update your job descriptions to include remote work. If you have a large number of open positions and are looking for people to fill them, consider adding “remote work” as an option in your job descriptions (or even requiring it). This will help ensure that you attract the best employees—those who can be productive, whether they’re sitting at home or in the office with their colleagues.
Types of Jobs
Explore different types of jobs, even if you’re not currently hiring. It’s important to keep an eye on what jobs are in demand because your organization may need to hire new employees in the future. For example, many organizations have started to offer work-from-home positions for customer service representatives or salespeople who can answer calls and emails without having to be on-site all day.
Flexible Hours
Offer more flexible hours, especially if you’re hiring remote employees. If you need to fill a position but can’t find the right person in your local area, consider offering job candidates more flexible hours or working arrangements. Some organizations have found great success with this approach since it can make the job more attractive to people who aren’t able to work a traditional 9-to-5 schedule. Some organizations might also be able to offer remote positions without having any physical office space at all, which can help save money on overhead costs like rent and utilities.
Reflection
A lot of people are talking about the future of work and how it’s going to change. But how do you prepare your organization for that? I think the first step is to be aware of what the landscape is like right now. There are a lot of different factors that affect hiring trends, and all of them can affect your organization. For example, if you’re hiring people who will be working remotely, there are some considerations you need to make regarding their ability to collaborate with others in real time. If you’re hiring someone who will be working at home or from a remote location, then you might want to consider what kind of equipment they’ll need. You can’t just expect someone to have a computer—you need to provide them with one! I would also recommend allowing for more flexibility in schedules and telecommuting opportunities as much as possible so that employees can balance their personal lives with their professional ones without feeling like they have to choose between one or another (or both). This kind of openness will ensure that everyone stays happy and motivated, while also keeping them engaged with their job.