As we begin 2023, it's only natural to wonder what trends we can expect to see in workplaces this year. From advances in technology to shifts in company culture, there is a multitude of factors that are shaping the future of work.

We’ve put our heads together to make some predictions of the trends that we can expect to see in the spotlight this year and beyond:

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1. Hybrid working will continue to become more prevalent

Hybrid working has been on the rise for the past few years, but it’s all but guaranteed to become even more popular in the next few years. According to a survey conducted by FlexJobs of over 2100 people, 82% of them said they would like to work remotely at least some of the time, while 42% said they would like to work remotely full-time.

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With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing many organisations to adopt immediate remote work policies, we’re expecting more companies to continue to embrace this trend this year. In fact, a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 42% of companies plan to increase their use of remote (away from office) work after the pandemic.

Companies aren’t abandoning the office though, they’re just recognising that the office now serves a different purpose, as a physical manifestation of their brand and ethos; as a cultural anchor. TSK Creative Director, Martin Barber-Redmore, explains how companies are now creating a place to bring people together to interact socially, collaborate, reconnect and remember what the business is all about here.

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2. AI and automation will continue to transform the workplace

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are two technologies that are likely to have a big impact on the workplace in the coming years. According to a survey conducted by KPMG, 37% of companies plan to implement AI and automation in the next three years. These technologies can help companies increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the customer experience.

At Sodexo, we incorporated innovative Vpod solutions to operate as digital concierge services for guest booking, offer meeting availability and suggest catering and travel options throughout your stay for a truly immersive experience.

In other instances, chatbots (the recent viral chatbot Chat GPT for example) can handle routine customer service inquiries, create new workflows and automate routine tasks.  While AI-powered systems can analyze data and provide insights that can help companies make better and more efficient decisions.

3. The gig economy will continue to grow

The gig economy, referring to the growing trend of people working on a freelance or contract basis, is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years. According to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, the number of gig workers in the U.S. increased by nearly 60% between 2005 and 2017.

This trend is likely to continue as more people seek the flexibility and independence that gig work offers. Technology has made it easier for people to connect with clients and customers remotely, allowing for more flexibility in terms of where and when work is completed.

Even we have made great strides on projects and initiatives by working with flexible and trusted partners as the talent pool of freelancers and contractors grows.

4. The focus on employee wellbeing will continue to grow

In the past few years, there has been a growing focus on employee wellbeing in the workplace. Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of taking care of their employees’ physical, mental, and emotional health.

According to a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management, 69% of companies offer some form of well-being program, and this trend is likely to continue in the coming years. Business leaders are starting to understand the link between taking care of their employees and increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and lower turnover rates – titles like Chief Happiness Officer has become more prominent in recent years.

Investing in the wellbeing of employees can have so many benefits for companies and employees, such as increased productivity, improved morale, and as a talent attractor. At the heart of our recent project with SilverDoor, in which the emphasis on social, connection and entertainment areas acknowledges the dedication and passion of their workforce.

5. Sustainability will become more important

Sustainability will become an increasingly important issue in the workplace in the coming years. The environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agenda is having an impact on the property market with organisations looking to achieve Net Zero by 2030.

According to a survey conducted by the Global Impact Investing Network, 74% of investors believe that (ESG) factors are important when making investment decisions.

As a result, companies are starting to pay more attention to sustainability to appeal to investors and consumers alike. With this increasing awareness of the environmental impact of businesses, companies are starting to adopt more sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint and protect the planet.

‍Allianz wanted to move their flagship Manchester office into a sustainably focused building. Following our workplace strategy, they moved into the Landmark building, Manchester, which has been rated excellent for its sustainability credentials, according to the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM).

6. Human-centred workplace design

As hybrid working strategies become more prevalent, organisations need to create office spaces that are attractive and functional enough to compete with the convenience and flexibility of working from home. This includes designing offices that are comfortable and welcoming but provide personal amenities such as social zones, ergonomic furniture, tools for work that can’t be achieved anywhere else and quiet spaces for concentration.

By creating an office environment that is conducive to productivity and well-being, organizations can attract and retain top talent, even in a remote work environment. Designing a workplace for what people do and the flexibility that comes with that is going to be a key strategy for success going forwards.

For frog, we aimed for a ‘resimercial’ feel, which means the office offers a homely, comforting atmosphere while still reflecting a cohesive company culture and brand. The new holistic work environment leverages technology for employees to interact seamlessly, both digitally and physically.

The workplace is likely to see a number of trends in the coming years, including the continued growth of remote work, the increasing use of AI and automation, the growth of the gig economy, the focus on employee well-being, and the increasing importance of sustainability and true human-centred design. These trends are likely to shape the way we work and do business in the coming years, so organisations need to stay up-to-date and continually adapt.

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