Latest 2022 Employee Trends You Don’t Want to Miss

In a world where trends change in the blink of an eye, remaining in the loop while juggling your daily responsibilities can be difficult. Like social media, the latest employee trends are evolving by the day based on an array of factors: the global economy, the after-effects of a global pandemic, and for some, even astrology! 

With the incoming generation, the workforce’s leadership needs to be prepared for a demanding population. Millennials and Gen Z’ers are here, making bold statements and looking for nothing short of DEI, big-picture career goals, and dairy-free alternatives in the break room. 

Most trends have reshaped the workplace, making it hard to revert to what was once considered “normal.” Others have created a sense of stability in an otherwise volatile environment. Nevertheless, as the labor market is fraught with ripple effects from the Great Resignation, organizations must keep a pulse on employee fulfillment and overall sentiment. 

Trends are trending for a reason — keeping up will be your best strategy. As a result, you’ll build better manager-employee relationships, increase productivity, and create a healthier work environment. 

As we begin to close out 2022, here’s a list of the year’s top employee engagement trends that made the most buzz and will (maybe) continue into 2023.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

While it may feel strange to associate DEI as a ‘trend’ rather than a standard, the globe’s workforce didn’t start implementing any of these initiatives until the late 1960s. Even today, decades later, finding a company that wholeheartedly embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion takes some searching. 

As Americans reflect on the social, political, racial, and religious injustices they’ve experienced in the workplace, the higher-ups are scrambling to correct themselves. Whether via company training, implementing new programs, changing the culture, or diversifying the hiring process, DEI initiatives will make your team feel a sense of belonging and value, keeping them more engaged. 

Engaging your employees more effectively boosts productivity and revenue. A Wall Street Journal study found that DEI-driven work environments are more profitable and return more value to their shareholders. Their research shows that the most diverse companies had an average annual stock return of 10% over five years, vs. 4% for the least-diverse companies. 

Read more on DEI in the workplace here.

Global Fairness & Equity

A Harvard Business Review analyzed S&P 500 earning calls and found that the frequency with which CEOs discuss issues of equity, fairness, and inclusion has increased by a whopping 658% since 2018. 

Senior executives should be prepared to explain how their company partakes in worldwide concerns, whether it’s regarding climate change, poverty, racial violence, or access to the COVID-19 vaccine. Employees want to know what the company stands for globally and locally. 

Technology Reigns

As the digital nomads of society, it should be no surprise that one of the most popular employee trends is using the latest technology. The influence of the world’s most modern tools and software is impossible to ignore and will undoubtedly enhance productivity, engagement, and revenue.

• Cloud Technology — Cloud computing is a non-negotiable asset, sparking the most fire in the HR management department. As remote work is at an all-time high, companies need to leverage these tools. Allow your employees to better invest their time by automating tasks like performance management, surveys, benefits platforms, and data organization. 
• AI & ML — Both analog and digital machine learning have been innovated to replace manual and repetitive labor with automation. The use of AI can convert complex data into digestible information, thus increasing productivity in the workplace. 

Health & Wellness 

As the global pandemic makes its mark on society, the emphasis on mental and physical health has never been more prominent. Health directly correlates with overall performance, satisfaction, and productivity; therefore, your company should prioritize a culture of wellness.  

You can demonstrate the importance of a healthy work environment by offering your employees and members some of the following top-tier physical and mental wellness benefits: 

• Calmerry* — This subscription best matches you to a licensed therapist for virtual sessions that best fit your schedule.
• ClassPass* — Find the best in-studio classes, wellness experiences, on-demand workouts, or salon appointments under one app. 

• Soothe* — For those extra stressful days, relax from the comfort of your own home with Soothe’s excellent massage therapists and facialists. 

• Trifecta Nutrition* — When preparing well-balanced meals is a hassle, Trifecta has you covered with delicious and nutritious meal plans delivered to your doorsteps. 
• Mindbody — Provides users with at-home fitness classes like yoga, HIIT, barre, kickboxing, and much more. 

*EXEC Members receive discounted memberships and preferred pricing. 

Wrapping Up 

Millennials already compromise a significant section of the workplace and if you thought retaining millennials was a challenge, prepare for the influx of Gen Z. While companies have evolved and are adapting to the needs of these newer generations, creating a culture that is inclusive, safe, and full of opportunities is vital. 

Read more on the top benefits millennials seek from their future employers.