BBB Business Tip: Top workplace trends

The past few years have been a time of change for small business owners. Employers are still adapting to the many ways the workplaces and employee expectations have changed. How can business owners recruit skilled employees? What must they do to retain their staff? Check out these top trends.

The biggest workplace trends 

• Hybrid workplaces are still the most popular option. Workplace flexibility is more important than ever before. After many workers shifted to work-from-home arrangements due to the pandemic, it quickly became apparent that working from home improved their work/life balance for many people. One of the best ways to attract top talent as an employer is to continue to offer hybrid work environments (or even a four-day workweek) where possible.
  
  
• When it comes to recruitment strategies, benefits are essential. With many businesses still short-staffed, potential employees have more leverage than pre-pandemic. One way to recruit quality staff members is to offer comprehensive benefits packages. Most people now expect to receive a wide array of traditional benefits like affordable health benefits, pension matching, plenty of paid vacation, and bonuses. Extra perks, such as pet insurance or mortgage assistance, can go a long way in attracting top talent.
  
  
• Pay transparency will soon be the norm. Salary transparency laws are going into effect all over the U.S., a trend that is likely to continue. Employees will soon expect to be made aware of how much they can expect to earn in any given job, so it's not a bad idea to have accurate salary ranges available for potential employees, even if salary ranges aren't required by law where you live just yet.
  
  
• Upskilling your employees is more valuable than ever. Upskilling equips employees with new abilities and qualifications to help them get a promotion, raise, or stay on top of emerging technology. Upskilling is set to be one of the best ways for employers to retain their most valued employees, so if you are a small business owner, look for ways to offer your employees continued education. And not just when it comes to technical skills, either. Consider offering workshops or training for soft critical skills like interpersonal communication, financial wellness, and time management.
  
  
• Stay concerned about mental health. Well-being initiatives, such as allowing employees to take a day off for self-care, are still significant. The worst of the pandemic may be over, but people are still dealing with constant changes in how they work and concerns over inflation and the cost of living. Employers concerned about their employees' mental well-being are more likely to recruit and retain good workers.
  
  
• Social impact matters. More than ever before, people are concerned about corporate social responsibility. One recent study found that 87% of people believe companies should take a public stand on societal issues, and when they do, employees are more likely to give their best at work. As a business owner, think about the issues that matter to you and your employees and work out ways to contribute to change. If you do, you can expect to attract loyal employees whose beliefs align with yours.
  
  

For more information

 Read more about trends driving small business growth in the coming year and beyond.

Check out the BBB business news feed for more small business trends and tips! Also, check out our Business HQ and business resources.

BBB of Southern Piedmont and Western N.C. contributed to this article.