2024 Workplace Trends

Even after the whirlwind years of 2021 and 2022, 2023 had its own set of HR challenges. With the impacts of the Great Resignation lingering and new workplace trends emerging, such as shift shock and overemployment, HR teams had to be quick on their feet and revamp their strategies in order to attract and retain top talent.

As we head into 2024, many are still trying to navigate all of it while preparing for the challenges that the new year may bring. So looking ahead, what will the daily workplace look like?

Here are some trends we expect to see:

Employees Still Want to Work Remotely

It’s been four years since COVID-19 first hit, and employees across the country still want to work from home. Whether it’s because they don’t have to commute, can work flexible hours, or want to be able to work from anywhere, many employees never want to go back to the office full-time. In fact, 59 percent are more likely to choose an employer that offers remote work opportunities over one that doesn’t. Even for employees who are willing to go into an office, 55 percent want to work remotely at least three days a week.

Looking ahead into 2024, companies that don’t offer remote work in some capacity will be at a disadvantage when it comes to competing for top talent. Whether it’s implementing a hybrid workplace model or following in companies like Spotify’s footsteps by fully embracing WFA, remote work policies will continue to have a major impact when it comes to attracting and retaining employees.

Quiet Quitting & Burnout Are On The Rise

Heading into 2024, employee engagement and retention will continue to be top of mind for companies. Over the past year, quiet quitting–which is when an employee does the bare minimum at work without quitting their job–has taken the workplace by storm. Although there can be various reasons behind why someone is quiet quitting, such as using their working hours to look for another job, one reason in particular is something that companies can get ahead of before it’s too late: burnout.

If an employee is experiencing burnout at work, there is a chance that they will start quiet quitting to help alleviate their stress. To combat quiet quitting and help employees avoid burnout in the new year, companies will need to reevaluate their engagement and retention strategies. This can be anything from recognizing employees more frequently to emphasizing the importance of performance reviews and career development.

Encouraging employees to take time off can also significantly decrease burnout. That’s why more companies will consider offering minimum PTO in 2024. This kind of PTO policy requires employees to take off a minimum number of days. For example, an organization may decide that employees must take at least 3 weeks worth of PTO throughout the year. This helps make sure that employees are stepping away from their desks and taking a well deserved break from work.

Certain Benefits Are Now Deal Breakers

Over the past few years, COVID-19 and the Great Resignation have led candidates to reprioritize what they value. Of course, compensation will always be a driving factor, but benefits have become equally important. In fact, 49 percent of employees will look for a new job within 12 months of their start date if they are dissatisfied with their benefits.

In 2024, companies will need to offer more than just the basics. Since 70 percent of millennials and 90 percent of employees experiencing infertility are willing to change jobs for fertility benefits, they are now deal breakers for many candidates. Telehealth and mental health benefits have also become a major priority for employees and their families. Student loan debt repayment continues to be one of the most attractive benefits a company can offer–with 86 percent of employees stating that they would commit to a company for 5 years if the employer helped pay back their loans.

Of course the workplace is bound to keep changing, but these 2024 trends are here to stay. To learn how else you can attract and retain top talent in the new year, check out our latest eBook.