Every person on the globe has been affected by the pandemic in one way or another. From remote work and learning to business closures and layoffs to rescheduling major life events — every corner of our lives has been touched and, in some cases, turned upside down. If there is one thing, we have all learned through these trying times, it has been the persistent need to adapt, innovate, rework, and retool. Below I have laid out some of the major challenges companies will need to address in today’s dynamic workplace, so they are prepared for the future.
Mind Squad’s Strategic HR Predictions
- Due to the increase in remote work, employers will be faced with increased numbers of employees drinking on the job — think White Claw at 2pm. 🍺
- Cannabis use is skyrocketing well in advance of legalization. Everything from cannabis infused drinks & meals to micro-dosing will be inevitable for the modern workplace. 🌱
- We have a workplace mental health crisis that is been exacerbated by a pandemic. Employers need to make every effort to support employees by providing sufficient time off, offering stress reduction techniques, and most importantly, open lines of communication to discuss issues. 🧘🏽♀️
- From a societal perspective, we need to work on draconian wage and hour laws that lack flexibility for employees. ⏰
- More attention should be placed on state tax laws to accommodate nomadic work, so no employee or employer needs to be a CPA to figure out their taxes. 👨🏼💻
- Performance reviews and goal setting should be more two-way with consideration given to the employee’s individual goals and objectives for development. This will increase buy-in, improve retention rates and produce happier employees. 📊
- Businesses looking to hire talent that are unable to provide remote work options will need to invest further in their workplaces, including implementing health and safety standards, creating aesthetically pleasing environments, increasing compensation and benefits, and furthering automation. 💰
- Minority and women run entrepreneurial efforts are building at a very rapid pace, and women are leaving the workforce in droves. This will impact hiring a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employers need to consider better access to health care and on-site daycare, or these populations will work on their own. 🙍🏼♀️🙍🏾♀️🙍🏽♂️