Through the pandemic, we have seen a lot of sudden changes to every facet of our lives. It changed how we interact with friends and family, how we shop and how we work. 2022 will be no different. In regards to the labour market, 2022 will continue to see trends from the past and some new ones as we continue to navigate Covid-19.
As the year unravels, here are 5 trends to look out for:
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Remote work here to stay
According to Statistics Canada, 32% of Canadians from 15 to 69 years old worked majority of their work hours from home beginning of last year. A year later, we now know that remote work is here to stay. With Covid-19 variants emerging, people’s preference for remote work will only get stronger, and companies need to get on board. Just when businesses thought they were ready to reopen and head back to the office, they had to scrap their plans as Ontario shut down again.
As it’s been for the last couple of years, the desire for remote work options will continue to trend even beyond covid-19. What once just seemed to be a temporary solution has now gained traction. 90% of new remote workers surveyed by StatCan report being at least just as productive at home as they usually were in their workplace, and 32% report they are more efficient at home than in their workplace.
Remote work brings so many benefits to both employees and their employers. Companies can broaden their candidate pool as remote work rids geographic limitations and increases productivity. Employees can maintain a better work-life balance and be happier at their jobs, significantly improving a company’s bottom line. A win for everyone.
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Digital Nomads and Gig work
The pandemic has been a time of reflection and significant change. Both companies and employees have had an epiphany opening their minds to new ideas and innovations. This is one of the reasons why we are in ‘The Great Resignation.’ People realize their worth and quit jobs to find new and better opportunities. While remote/hybrid work is here to stay, 2022 will also see a rise in other diverse forms of work: digital nomads and the gig economy.
People are taking greater risks with their careers, opting for flexibility. Predominantly in young childless professionals, we see more people choosing the digital nomad lifestyle. These digital nomads can take work with them anywhere they go as they set off on exciting adventures. With the crazy housing market, nomads can also relocate somewhere more affordable while keeping the same job and salary.
The gig economy has become a big deal, and there are no signs of it going away in 2022. In general, professionals are steering towards more diverse forms of work and away from the usual 9-5. From contract work to project work to commissions, industry professionals are finding self-employment as a more viable means of work. With this trend, businesses will need to adapt to a varied job market.
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Job hopping is the new norm
In pre-pandemic times, being a “job hopper” would be frowned upon. One quick look at your work history, and recruiters would instantly see red flags. You would be labelled as lazy, disloyal, poor performer, etc.
Nowadays, switching jobs is the norm. Professionals want to climb the corporate ladder. Each job brings exposure to industry experts and professionals that can help boost their career. While working a job, employees will absorb as much knowledge as possible, building their network with colleagues. Eventually, it becomes time to move on to another job, and up and up the ladder they climb.
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Brand building
This labour shortage has caused companies to go to all lengths to attract and retain staff. This includes competitive pay, extensive benefit packages, making healthy environmental contributions, and so on. As part of these retention efforts, companies also need to focus on building their brands.
Candidates seek out companies that match their values, making it imperative that companies highlight their mission and culture in job descriptions. In 2022 companies should emphasize culture as individuals increasingly choose satisfying work reflective of their morals and beliefs.
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Increase in the digital skills gap
Statistics Canada has found a relationship between socioeconomic standing and digital proficiency. Those from a higher socioeconomic background have better access to higher-quality digital infrastructure and devices and are more proficient in their use. On the other hand, those with a lower socioeconomic background are less likely to be advanced users.
The survey also finds a positive relationship between internet use, digital skills, education and employability. Youth needs to practice and build upon technical and digital skills to be adequately equipped for the workforce.
Covid-19 has increased socioeconomic inequality, further limiting low-income households’ access to digital infrastructure. In 2022 we will see an increase in the digital skills gap as an indirect result of Covid-19. While 77% of youth are proficient or advanced internet users, those affected by inequality will fall behind.
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