Workplace of 2023: Are You Playing Chess or Stuck in Monopoly

Discover the game-changing workplace shift happening in 2023 and why you need to be on board.

Forget Monopoly, in the workplace of 2023, it’s time to start playing chess. After countless conversations with top workplace enablers, it’s become clear that strategic thinking is the key to winning over employees and driving business growth. From investing in employee reskilling to creating a culture of innovation, the game is on – and only those who master the art of chess will come out on top. Organizations must be strategic, agile, and forward-thinking to win this game. They must anticipate changes, adapt to new technologies, and prioritize the employee experience. Here are some key trends and strategies that will shape the workplace of 2023.

Investing in employee reskilling

According to a report by the World Economic Forum, 42% of core skills required to perform existing jobs are expected to change by 2022. This means that many workers will need to learn new skills or adapt existing ones to stay relevant in the future of work. Organizations must invest in employee reskilling and upskilling programs to address this challenge.

60% of workers believe their current skills will be obsolete in the next 3-5 years.

By investing in employee reskilling, organizations can not only future-proof their workforce but also improve employee engagement and retention. According to a study by LinkedIn, employees who spend more time learning are 47% less likely to leave their companies.

Leveraging technology and innovation

The workplace of 2023 will be characterized by rapid technological change and disruption. Organizations must be prepared to adopt new technologies and innovations, such as artificial intelligence, automation, and blockchain, to stay competitive.

75% of organizations are investing in or planning to invest in artificial intelligence.

But technology alone is not enough. Organizations must also foster a culture of innovation, where employees are encouraged to experiment, take risks, and learn from failure. According to a study by the Boston Consulting Group, companies that foster a culture of innovation are 3.5 times more likely to outperform their peers.

Prioritizing employee experience

In the future of work, employees will be more empowered and demanding than ever before. They will expect a workplace that offers flexibility, purpose, and meaning. To attract and retain top talent, organizations must prioritize employee experience, by creating a culture of trust, respect, and inclusion.

Companies with highly engaged employees outperform their peers by 147% in earnings per share.

This requires a shift from a traditional, hierarchical, command-and-control model of management to a more collaborative, decentralized, and empathetic approach. According to a study by Deloitte, organizations that prioritize employee experience are 4 times more likely to have higher employee satisfaction rates.

Emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion

Finally, the workplace of 2023 is also characterized by a growing emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). According to a report by McKinsey & Company, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 15% more likely to have above-average financial returns, while those in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to do so.

More than half of employees have witnessed or experienced discrimination at work.

To win at the game of workplace chess in 2023, organizations must prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating a culture of belonging, respect, and empathy. This requires a commitment to recruiting, retaining, and promoting a diverse workforce, and to creating policies and practices that promote equity and fairness. According to a study by Gartner, companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion are 2.3 times more likely to be innovative and 1.7 times more likely to be leaders in their market.

Hybrid work environments

This trend towards hybrid work environments has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many companies to adopt remote work policies rapidly. However, even as the pandemic recedes, it’s clear that hybrid work is here to stay.

82% of employees expect some form of remote work to continue even after the pandemic has ended.

One of the biggest trends in the workplace of 2023 is the shift towards hybrid work environments. Organizations that embrace hybrid work environments will be better positioned to attract and retain top talent. However, to succeed in this environment, employers must ensure that their employees have access to the necessary tools and resources to be productive, no matter where they work.

Innovative workplace design

In addition to being adaptable and flexible, innovative workplace design also emphasizes employee comfort and well-being. For example, some companies are incorporating biophilic design elements, such as plants and natural light, to create a more calming and pleasant work environment. Others are implementing technology solutions like air filtration systems and touchless controls to improve health and safety in the workplace.

78% of employees say that the design of their workplace affects their decision to stay with a company.

The design of the workplace can also impact employee productivity and creativity. For example, a well-designed workspace can foster collaboration and idea-sharing while also providing employees with the necessary tools and resources to be productive. This is particularly important in hybrid work environments, where employees may be working from different locations and need access to the same resources and tools.

In conclusion, the workplace of 2023 will require organizations to be strategic, agile, and forward-thinking in order to win the game of workplace chess. Investing in employee reskilling, leveraging technology and innovation, prioritizing employee experience, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, embracing hybrid work environments, and innovative workplace design are some of the key trends and strategies that will shape the future of work. At Veris, we are constantly engaging with workplace enablers to stay ahead of these trends and ensure that our clients are well-prepared for the workplace of tomorrow. By staying on top of these trends and embracing change, organizations can position themselves for success in the rapidly-evolving world of work.