2024 Workplace Trends Insights for the Year Ahead.

Duration: 50 minutes.

Let’s take a look at today’s lesson

In this coming year, significant changes are expected.
Here’s a look at the key trends for 2024.

Lesson Key: (U) = Understanding. (R) = Reading. (W) = Writing.

Before we start:
Word of the Year 2023: “Authentic”

The selection of “authentic” as Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year for 2023 reflects the importance and resonance of the concept of authenticity in contemporary discourse.

This word, though not a new trendy term, holds significant relevance in discussions about genuine identity, sincerity, and trustworthiness.

In this context, “authentic” emphasises the sincerity and realness of the speaker’s message.

A Quick question about last year.

Did you set any goals for yourself, this year?

Here’s a table with six phrasal verbs related to looking or planning ahead, along with their definitions and examples:

Phrasal Verb	Definition	Example Sentence
Look forward to	Anticipate with excitement or eagerness	I’m looking forward to the weekend.
Plan ahead	Make arrangements or decisions for the future	It’s wise to plan ahead for retirement.
Think ahead	Consider future consequences or possibilities	You should think ahead before making any major decisions.
Set aside	Allocate time, money, or resources for a purpose	Let’s set aside some time to discuss the project next week.
Map out	Plan or arrange in detail	We need to map out our strategy for the upcoming year.
Lay out	Explain or present something in a clear way	The manager laid out the company’s goals for the quarter.

It’s 2024! Happy new year! Hum…

…In this coming year, significant changes are expected in how we work and live. Here’s a look at the key trends for 2024. Tell me what you think!

1. Hybrid Work Schedules:

Summary: Many companies are expected to adopt (again) hybrid work arrangements in 2024, following regrets from 80% of bosses about the initial return-to-office decisions. This compromise aligns with the preference for remote work flexibility, as indicated by both employers and employees.

2. Ubiquity of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

Summary: The workplace will see increased use of AI, especially generative AI, with a significant impact on knowledge work. Although leaders acknowledge the importance of AI, there’s a gap between recognition and actual implementation, which is expected to close in 2024.

3. Employee Unhappiness and Burnout:

Summary: A majority of global employees are disengaged, contributing to declining mental and physical health. Employers are urged to focus on improving mental health services and addressing toxic workplace behaviours to mitigate the continuing trend of unhappiness and burnout.

4. Rising Health Benefit Costs:

Summary: Healthcare industry changes will contribute to increased benefit costs in 2024. Employers are expected to focus on improving patient outcomes to manage costs without shifting the burden to employees.

5. Impact of Lack of Childcare Support:

Summary: The end of federal funding for daycare providers in the U.S. could lead to the closure of many establishments, affecting working parents—especially women. Employers may need to reconsider return-to-office plans or provide additional support for parents to prevent a mass exodus of women from the workforce.

6. Importance of Student Debt Benefits:

Summary: With student loan repayments resuming, employees’ financial stress is impacting productivity. Employers have an opportunity to support financial well-being, and the adoption of student debt benefits is expected to rise in 2024.

7. Strength of Labour Through Union Strikes:

Summary: The U.S. experiences increased labour activities, including strikes, amid a tight labour market and inflation. More strikes and walkouts are anticipated in 2024, putting pressure on companies to improve offers.

8. Experimentation with Shorter Work week:

Summary: A four-day work week gains traction in 2024 as a response to burnout and health concerns. Positive results from trials indicate potential benefits for both companies and employees.

9. Climate Change Impact on Workforce:

Summary: Companies are expected to intensify efforts to address climate change and protect employee well-being. Actions may include adjusting work schedules to avoid extreme weather and supporting remote work to reduce carbon footprints.

10. Workforce Surveillance and Monitoring:

Summary: Many companies are set to adopt surveillance and monitoring to ensure hybrid workers’ return to the office. However, employees may resist increased monitoring, creating a challenge for employers.

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