Over the past couple of years, there has been a shift in how many of us do our work, as well as how we think about work. As we continue to grapple with the changing landscape, it’s important to take stock of where we are, what’s working, and what employers and employees may value differently.
The EY 2022 Work Reimagined Survey contains information valuable for both companies looking to hire, and people exploring the job market. The survey “reveals insights from more than 17,000 employees and 1,575 employers across 22 countries and 26 industries. The findings explore chief motivators of workforce turnover or retention and highlight areas of focus for leaders.”
One key finding is that employers are split into three major groups based on how they’ve adapted to recent change:
The smallest group (11%) are those who have taken a cynical approach; they have not adapted to new ways of work and invested less in technology, tools, and tactics that allow for flexibility and productivity. They seem to be taking a “wait and see” approach as work culture changes around them, potentially leaving them behind.
The largest group (57%) seem to be unclear about what the future holds for their company culture and productivity outcomes, and while they haven’t taken concrete steps to incorporate change, opportunity remains.
Those in the confident group (32%) have a positive outlook and have been proactive about embracing change involving technology and flexibility. “The optimists indicate they feel they have more agency in the present uncertainty. By giving clarity to their workforce and leaning into the change, these businesses invested in a strategic direction and can see the benefits. By taking a consistent, strategic, and cross-functional approach to the current climate, these optimists are more likely to believe they’re steering their own course.”