Our Key Takeaways From The State of Remote Work 2022
Over the past six years, Owl labs has released a “State of Remote Work” report where we can get a pulse on how remote work is evolving given factors like COVID-19, the economy, wages, and so much more. This year, Owl Labs report surveyed about 2,300 full-time US workers so that we can all better understand their concerns, lifestyle choices, preferences, and how that all relates to the way they work, whether it’s hybrid or remote.
Since Work Well Wherever…has been in business for 4 years and also deals with hybrid and remote work employees, we found that as the end of 2022 approaches, this would be the perfect opportunity for us to see how the key findings of this report line up with our experiences working with 50+ small businesses this year.
Productivity & Stress in The Workplace
How are you as a business or business owner, getting a pulse on productivity and stress levels for your employees?
The State of Remote Work Found:
That with more and more employees preferring a hybrid working environment, some employers are starting to lose sight of just how productive (and perhaps stressed) their employees are on a day-to-day basis.
In fact, 60% of managers are still concerned that workers are less productive when working remotely. That may be why over a third (37%) of employers have added or increased the use of employee activity-tracking software in the past year.
Tracking software may not be the way to go as the workforce continues to evolve…some are equating that software with “micro-managing” work culture. Oftentimes instead of looking at a tool or software to find a solution, we have to look at the people component first. We’ve found that setting expectations in regards to what exactly employees’ responsibilities are on a day-to-day basis are where leaders are falling short.
Employee Workplace Expectations
The State of Remote Work Found:
That while many employees still rank compensation (79%) and health insurance/401k (75%) as their most important benefits, many are considering good technology (66%) and flexible location (65%) as a must.
In addition, it’s important to keep in mind that what matters most is differing by generation more and more. With a new generation entering the workforce, there most likely will need to be adjustments in perks.
This has been incredibly true in our experience working with small businesses this year. The hiring market was/is very competitive this year so it’s crucial to make sure you’re reviewing your hiring process. It could be something as small as making changes and refreshing your job descriptions. Look to optimize your job postings if you haven’t done so already. It’s a great starting point to make sure you’re showcasing your benefits, perks, and expectations of the job so that it’s attracting the right candidates.
Employee Demands, How We’re Keeping Up
The State of Remote Work Found:
Employee preferences have evolved - with the main preference being working style. This year, the number of workers choosing to work remotely went up 24% and hybrid work went up 16%, while those choosing to work from the office dropped by 24%.
Workers are now more clear than ever before on what working style works best for them, and if an employer isn’t able to meet their needs, they see the choice as simple.
In 2022, many people looked for new opportunities to change things up. About one-third (29%) of workers changed jobs within the past year, with an additional 9% still looking for their next role. And almost 2x more remote workers switched jobs than those working in office.
Work Well Wherever has found that employers have not focused enough time on retention. Create a positive work culture where employees feel valued and appreciated. Start by developing formal and informal recognition programs to recognize your employees for their hard work.
Work Well Wherever has always worked as an extension of your team, blending & optimizing culture into daily work, hiring better remote employees, and working with leadership to bring your people strategy to life from the top down. We truly understand how internal and external factors of business influence the state of work. We’d love to learn more about your business and unpack aspects of your business that may need a bit of a refresh in 2023. Schedule a free discovery call today.
