Workplace Trends to Know for 2022
The beginning of the year is often met with reflections on the past and predictions for the future. Workplaces experienced dramatic changes in 2021; along with these, there are some trends are on the horizon for the new year.
Here are a few of the most significant workplace trends for 2022:
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation – It is predicted that AI will be used even more, especially when it comes to repetitive tasks, allowing workers to focus on other areas that require creativity, imagination, high-level strategy or emotional intelligence. AI will not necessarily be replacing workers but will be giving them the opportunity to spend their time and energy on more important tasks.
- Increased focus on skills over roles – There is now a shift happening in which organizations are focusing on an employee’s skills rather than restricting their capabilities due to their job. By allowing employees to use all of their abilities regardless of job title, organizations can be more innovative and successful.
- Hybrid work – Organizations have realized employees thrive in hybrid work models because it allows them to be more flexible and have a better work-life balance. Many organizations are even going so far as to downsize their permanent office buildings to accommodate the fact that some employees are remote full-time or part-time, so less space is needed.
- Smarter staffing – Organizations are putting a new priority on staffing for resilience, even if it means having employees with overlapping skill sets. This was previously thought to be inefficient, but organizations find it helps employees maintain physical and mental well-being and provides more seamless transitions in which employees take time off or pursue new job opportunities.
Overall, workplaces are transitioning to become more flexible and adaptable to help improve worker satisfaction and increase business success. For more information about workplace trends, contact The Hull Group today.
Best Practices for Conducting Virtual Interviews
Now that many organizations have transitioned into more remote employment options, it’s important to make sure the hiring process has appropriately been adapted. Hiring for remote positions means that the job pool opens up exponentially, but it also means communicating with candidates over the phone or video chats. It’s important to give a good first impression of the company through professional and organized interactions.
Consider the following tips for conducting virtual video interviews:
- Dress professionally. Even if the interviewer is working from home or another remote location, they should be dressed for the part to create a businesslike atmosphere. This may also help candidates feel more confident in the organization’s legitimacy and set the tone for the interview.
- Eliminate distractions. When conducting an interview, it’s important to be fully attentive. Turn off email, chat and phone notifications, close any computer windows that aren’t relevant to the interview and put other devices away. Also, ensure that the lighting, framing and sound quality make for a good viewing experience.
- Provide extra time for answers. Video calls can have less than perfect connections, which can mean lags. To adapt to these situations, give interviewees enough time to consider the question and provide a well-thought-out response.
- Discuss the organization. In-person interviews often take place at the organization’s physical location, which gives candidates a look at the culture. Virtual interviews take that visual aid away, making it important to discuss company culture and values during the interview. Give them an idea of what it will be like to work for the organization.
Hiring remote employees is a great opportunity to improve and adapt as an organization. For more information on workplace changes, contact The Hull Group today.
