Re-defining Skills Sets with Upskilling
The workplace trends of 2021 reflect a large-scale diversification of employees’ skill sets. This trend of upskilling and reskilling is a result of pandemic-era changes for both employers and employees.
As reflected by the talent shortage and changing workforce models, employees have been looking for more flexibility, better benefits, and opportunities for career growth.1 Now, employees aren’t just looking for more flexible, profitable options—they’re also looking to work for companies that provide them with resources for upskilling.2 By upskilling through companies, employees are aiming to increase their professional value and compensation.
Employers are also now looking to potential workers’ skill sets more than their degrees to qualify for positions. IT workers, for example, have seen noticeable increases in their opportunities and compensation due to upskilling.4 Similarly, manufacturing employers prioritize candidates with specialized skills over those with degrees, leading manufacturing workers to upskill.5
A survey found that 54 percent of employers are implementing or adopting hybrid models.6 To adapt, employers are now more focused than ever on specific, specialized skill sets. In effect, the remote, digital-only elements of a hybrid model have caused certain skills to become increasingly relevant. Going into 2022, some of the most desirable skills will be digital, collaboration, and project management skills.7
This rising importance of skill sets is contributing to a reskilling revolution that will continue into 2022.8 By 2025, the World Economic Forum estimates that 50 percent of employees will need to reskill or upskill to maintain relevance in the global workforce.9
A survey found that 54 percent of employers are using or transitioning to hybrid models.6
Re-defining Work Models with Remote Work
Remote work experienced a noticeable and continuous boom throughout the pandemic. This trend of upward growth is expected to continue, according to a survey conducted by Upwork.10
Employers are becoming enticed by the benefits of a partially remote workforce. A Stanford study found that performance increased by 22 percent for employees working remotely. A study done by Mercer showed that 94 percent of employers experienced similar or higher productivity levels with a fully remote workforce.11
The percentage of the labour force working virtually will continue to increase; a total of 80 percent of Canadians are planning to work partially remote in 2022, and 25 percent of the Canadian workforce is estimated to be completely remote by 2025.12 Remote work is here to stay. A study by Accenture found that 61 percent of employees prefer to work for companies with a remote or hybrid model,13 and 27 percent of employees would prefer to work for employers with on-site models. On a global scale, 16 percent of companies employ fully remote workforces.15
25 percent of the Canadian workforce is estimated to be completely remote by 2025.12
Re-defining Organizational Purpose
Remote work has helped decrease employers’ environmental footprints. Currently, 69 percent of employers plan to make workforce and workplace changes that will noticeably reduce their environmental impact.16 Employers cite sustainability as the fourth most significant driver of expansion. Start-ups are paving the way with sustainable practices and growth,17 and larger organizations are beginning to implement green roofs,18 use eco-friendly materials, and take steps to reduce their plastic footprint significantly.
Employees are also more inclined to apply and work for organizations whose environmental values align with their own.19 For both organizations and talent, 2020 and 2021 highlighted the importance of sustainability and environmental impact, and this trend is sure to continue in 2022.
69 percent of employers plan to make workforce and workplace changes that will noticeably reduce their environmental impact16
Access Your Free Leadership & Salary Info
Complete this form to receive special access to AppleOne’s salary and leadership guide, The SCALE. Learn how you can build a resilient workforce to stay nimble as business expands and contracts. And, get up to the minute guidance on hiring, motivating, and paying employees in today’s challenging environment.
GET A CONSULTATION