The following workplace trends are dominating 2014 and will surely continue into next year. But do these facts and figures show a glimpse into a future rich with opportunity for young professionals or the opposite?
Although some of these figures look grim (see Higher degrees for lower level jobs) the truth is skilled workers are in demand now more than ever.
Important skills for the future workplace
Professionals believe the most marketable skills in the future will be the ability to multitask (57%), speak more than one language (54%), be a team player (54%) and navigate most computer applications (53%) (Accenture).
Higher degrees for lower level jobs
30% of companies are hiring more college-educated workers for jobs primarily held by high school graduates (CareerBuilder).
Technology can hurt productivity
By using technology constantly, workers can have increased distractions (36%), a work/life conflict (23%), an intrusion on personal time (30%) and no breaks (35%) (Sodexo).
Men work remotely more than women
36% of men say they have a stay at home job or work from remote places, compared to 23% of women (Quartz).
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The future of independence
70% of future leaders are likely to reject what traditionally organized businesses have to offer and choose working independently through digital means (Deloitte).
More people are dating co-workers
38% of U.S. workers have dated someone who worked for the same company, and 16% said they have done so more than once (CareerBuilder).
Social media can prevent you from getting a job
43% of hiring managers have decided not to hire a candidate based on what they posted on social media (CareerBuilder).
There’s a shortage of skilled workers
The skills gap is still a major problem in the global economy, with 3.9 million open jobs in America alone. 73% of HR professionals believe that this shortage of skilled workers is having a major impact on the workforce for the next five years (SHRM).
Workplace flexibility is on the rise
By 2013, 93% of organizations will have implemented workplace flexibility policies, up from 37% in 2012. It doesn’t matter where and when you do the work, as long as you do it. (Citrix).
Managing and retaining millennials
38% of CFO’s say that millennials are the most difficult employees to recruit and the hardest to retain. The average millennial leaves in just about 2 years and it costs companies a fortune (BusinessInsider).
The great talent shortage
Despite the millions out of work, nearly half of employers are having trouble filling vital positions. Companies are struggling to find skilled trades and engineers most of all (Fox Business).
