In order to attract top talent and retain valuable employees, employers are having to keep up with current trends and adapt their workplaces accordingly. But what do candidates want?
CV-Library has been surveying UK workers on a monthly basis throughout 2017. Their surveys, covering a range of topics from workplace wellbeing to how we’re looking for jobs, has given them a valuable insight into what candidates are looking for from the workplace.
They’ve pulled together their findings to predict the biggest workplace trends of 2018. Watch the video below to discover what their eight predictions are.
1. More fluidity in the job market
CV-Library’s research found that three quarters (74.3%) of the nation’s workers believe that job-hopping has become more acceptable over the years, and 2018 will likely see more workers opting for freelance and contract positions.
2. Higher importance on workplace perks
Two thirds (62.1%) of professionals consider workplace perks to be a key factor when looking for a new job. With many companies looking for ways to stand out from their competitors, this will continue to be a priority in 2018.
3. More progress on closing the gender pay gap
Unfortunately, we’re still living in a society where women are paid less than men and last year a staggering 87.9% of women said that they’ve been paid less because of their gender. With this being a hot topic in the press, there will be more pressure on organisations to ensure fair and equal pay in their workplaces.
4. Rise in companies offering returnships
Over three quarters (79%) of the nation’s workers admitting they would be more inclined to join a company that offered a returnship programme. Returnships are higher-level internships which act as a bridge back to senior roles for experienced professionals who have taken an extended career break. The trend of organisations offering returnships is set to grow even further in 2018.
5. More flexibility for workers
With CV-Library data revealing that two-thirds of the nation’s workers are losing up to 16 days commuting a year, we expect more companies to offer flexible and working from home opportunities to their staff.
6. A focus on a strong work/life balance
The average UK worker (36.7%) puts in over 13 extra working days a year, with two thirds (64%) admitting that they often work more than their contracted hours. Businesses are seeking ways to ease this pressure and alleviate stress.
7. Strong leadership will drive employee morale
82.2% of Brits have had a bad leader at work, with 41.3% stating that this has made them feel de-motivated. Organisations should focus on creating a robust senior management team, which can drive growth and happiness.
Discover 10 things great bosses should be doing every day here >
8. Companies take diversity more seriously
With 70.8% of UK workers revealing that discrimination around age is common in their workplace, there will be more of a focus on celebrating all kinds of diversity including both age and gender.
Bringing it all together
We’ll leave the final word to Founder and Managing Director of CV-Library, Lee Biggins:
“Many organisations will seek to improve their attraction, recruitment and retention methods in 2018, and we hope that businesses across the UK take the time to consider how they can accommodate these trends in their organisations.”
