Is your business prepared to predict the unpredictable? On top of the raft of employment changes on the horizon this year, we’re certain there will be plenty of other workplace surprises to come in this year, let’s look at what’s likely to be on the horizon and how your business can stay ahead of the curve.

1. Significant numbers of employees expect to be given flexible work conditions and the tools to support working remotely for those roles that can be done.

Did you know that 90 per cent of the workforce based in the Asia-Pacific region prefers to work flexibly? Other than citing a better work-life balance, employees are also mentioning greater improvements in mental health, satisfaction, happiness, and creativity levels.

The way we work is on a continuous path of evolution, and as an employer, the best thing you can do is rethink what the modern workplace looks like and how employees experience and engage in it. Ensuring that your business is prepared to embrace the structure of a permanent hybrid working model, is perhaps the best signal to employees that you are investing in the future of work.

Not only has working from home become preferred in many industries, but employees are also realising that the reduction in stress, lost time, and costs associated with commuting has translated into a more sustainable lifestyle. Because of this, businesses must also anticipate the need to adapt and embrace new technologies and services to ensure employees have access to the tools they need to complete the duties and responsibilities relevant to their jobs.

For example, a lot of evidence shows:

  • Most employees expect the business to pay for a professional working environment at home.
  • Employees expect meeting scheduling tools to be used, partly so their workflow isn’t interrupted if and when they’re working outside the regular nine-to-five.
  • Video calls and conferencing are expected these days. This necessitates computer equipment with a great webcam, good RAM and speed, and an excellent microphone and/or headset.
  • It is expected the business will provide, utilise, and support cloud storage and document management, with minimal reliance on paper.
  • Employees expect remote access and IT support and speedy, reliable remedies to any tech difficulties.

2. Environmentalism is now taken seriously by most employees

Clients, partners, and investors are now at the forefront of demanding organisations take sustainability seriously. The impact a business’s operations have on the environment isn’t something that can be ignored. Making insightful decisions to make systems and processes sustainable is the first step towards adapting to a changing climate.

According to the 2022 Equinix Global Tech Trends Survey, 68 per cent of IT leaders state that sustainability is now of their organisation’s most important drivers and has become a core focus for 2023. Our earth’s finite resources impact every part of our lives, so looking towards environmentally friendly options in every facet of a business’s operations will not only help companies achieve their own sustainability goals but also help create a more eco-conscious working environment. Luckily, enableHR offers customisable templates to help you create policies to keep everyone on the same page when it comes to sustainability. With paperless employee records, all stored securely in the Cloud, integrating a good HRIS like enableHR is a sure way to do your bit for a sustainable future.

3. Data protection and cybersecurity – important to employees, clients, the public and the business

Cybersecurity has been in the headlines for the better part of last year reminding us that there is a real and growing threat of cyberattacks on businesses operating in Australia. Businesses must ensure the safety of the data they possess including any personal information they collect from clients during the delivery of their services.

As many organisations work to expand their virtual capabilities, move critical data into cloud-based services, and embrace technology that allows employees to work remotely, the monitoring of these assets has become even more important. Ensuring that your defences are strong enough to withstand potential attacks will help build the trust and confidence current and potential clients have in your operations.

Use this digital tool to give staff a great experience when they have to interact with HR.

Managing each step of the employee lifecycle seamlessly is a key part of ensuring your business is providing the best possible employee experience from recruitment and onboarding to performance management and termination. With enableHR’s cloud-based software, you’ll have access to workflows and checklists that guide you through smart, legally compliant HR processes without any headaches.

Get a demo and see how enableHR allows you to easily manage your people.

Looking to take your HR to the next level? Our team is happy to answer all your questions. Call us on our toll-free number 0800 510 004, or fill out this form for a prompt call-back.