Global audio and video brand EPOS, in partnership with Foresight Factory, has published ‘The Workplace of the Future’ report to explore the current and emerging trends shaping the future of work, as well as the technology solutions that can help businesses to navigate a long-term hybrid strategy for a productive workforce.
Key findings include:
- Employees are prioritising their well-being: (53%) of respondents say they are more likely to prioritise their well-being compared with life before the pandemic. As a result, workers increasingly expect their employers to form part of their health ecosystems with 38% of employees calling for their employers to support staff by allowing them time off for mental health needs. A further 30% of employees say they want to see businesses dedicating hours for employees to use for mental/physical well-being pursuits.
- Avoiding burnout and pursuing happiness are top drivers: Employee burnout is a persistent issue and 36% of global workers say they have suffered burnout in the last 12 months from ‘working too hard’, a feeling that is greatest among Gen Z (40%) and Millennials (42%). Less than half of workers are happy with their current work and life balance (43%), and almost one-third (30%) say they intend to change careers to improve their overall happiness.
- Access to a physical office is vital: Half of employees say they miss spending time with colleagues in person now they can work remotely. This trend is highest among Gen Z and Millennials (80%) who are keen to use physical office spaces to learn, grow, and establish themselves in their workplace community.
- Employees will leave if they’re not learning: 60% of employees of all ages are keen to continue learning, and 44% say they want to progress and upskill within their current job. If they can’t learn and grow within a role, they will leave to achieve their career goals.
- Sub-par tech solutions can lead to cognitive overload: Employers also need to be intentional about equipping employees with solutions that reduce the risk of cognitive fatigue.
Jeppe Dalberg-Larsen, President at EPOS said: “Business leaders who are invested in the future of their company and the future of their employees need to think intentionally about their hybrid strategies. There is no one size fits all approach. Though we have, in recent years, seen how technology has revolutionised modern work it is no substitute for leadership and culture. Leaders today face a new set of challenges and must put their people at the heart of creating a workplace community that keeps employees engaged in the long-term.”
