Top 10 Remote Working Trends of 2019
As remote working becomes more and more prevalent in the professional world, we took the time to identify the top 10 predicted remote working trends of 2019.
1) Demanding flexibility from employers
Now more than ever, workers who are millennials and Gen Z are comfortable advocating for flexibility from their employers. They can see how prevalent remote work is within the professional sphere and how easy it is to mix in flexible working with their traditional work schedule. 2019 is the year to be bold with your asks and demand the schedule that fits you!
2) Cybersecurity
Historically, companies that work in any digital sphere encounter the risk of data leaks and online attacks. Since essentially all companies interact with their employees online in some regard, it is vital to protect confidential information that is shared digitally. Cybersecurity will be a primary focus of flexible work sites in 2019, with employers securing all content to avoid fatal leaks.
3) Transparency and collaboration
Transparency is all about trust among the coworkers in a company. In order for an organization to thrive, all members must rely on one another to keep their word, support each other and have everyone’s best interests in mind. With cybersecurity and information leaks in mind, it is completely necessary for all team members to be on the same page, trusting each other and collaborating in an honest and open manner.
4) Mental health will become prioritized
With the influence of social media, conversations surrounding mental health have become normalized and frequent. People feel more comfortable speaking honestly about their experiences with mental health struggles, so employers are more keen to support their employees to ensure that they are all healthy and happy. Workers should push for workplace benefits that include therapy, exercise classes, healthy eating options, and related experiences proven to improve mental health.
5) Soft skills are making a comeback
Communication, networking, time management and general people skills are making a comeback! While in this digital age understanding how to work computer programs is a requirement, so is being able to communicate properly and professionally. Don’t forget the soft skills among the technical ones.
6) Tech hubs will become more prevalent
Silicon Valley may have established the tech hub city ideal, but more are posed to emerge in cities around the world to create tech hubs everywhere and anywhere. This development will make jobs more accessible and put lesser known cities on the map.
7) The death of salary secrecy
Traditionalists believe that sharing salary information will cause a culture of competition opposed to collaboration, and employees’ feelings of jealousy, awkwardness or anger will decrease workplace productivity. Along the lines of predicted increased transparency within companies in 2019, it is also predicted that “salary secrecy” will be no more. Employees recognize the importance of understanding where they stand within a company and figuring out if they are overpaid or underpaid as compared to their colleagues. Being informed and aware of one’s standing is important to advocate for fair workplace treatment.
8) Employers will offer more remote working options
A common complaint of remote workers is general loneliness. To alleviate feelings of isolation, many companies will encourage remote employees to work in their offices once a week. The result, according to a Gallup poll, revealed that “visiting” employees tend to be more engaged and fulfilled as compared to their 100% remote or full-office coworkers.
9) Workers must have an area of expertise
Having general knowledge about online systems is not enough to stand out. Most employers are seeking talent that is equipped with specific skill sets. 78% of HR managers said that most skills will become even more niche in the next 10 years. Mastering a specialty will give employees more clout when negotiating salary, discussing flexible working arrangements and securing impressive positions.
10) Flexible work will be officially enforced
Remote work is on everyone’s mind, including many governments. Some political leaders are discussing the possibility of making the option of flexible work a mandatory employee right. The UK government’s website states that all employees who have spent at least 26 weeks with the company “have the legal right to request flexible working – not just parents and carers.” Other countries, including 30 US states, may soon be following suit.