Each year, a new set of trends takes the business world by storm — and 2017 will likely be no different. Over the past few years, several exciting movements have been slowly gaining traction, but this might finally be the year they take off and change the face of the workforce.
Get familiar with the four trends below, because you’ll be seeing a lot more of them.
More Women in Leadership Roles
The percentage of men in the labor force is steadily inching closer to the proportion of women participants. According to 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, 57.6% of all women had jobs, compared with 69.1% of men. Despite this, only 5% of companies in the S&P 500 Index had female CEOs in 2015, according to a recent report by the American Association of University Women (AAUW).
An issue at the forefront of public attention, women are bound to gain more leadership roles in 2017. For example, in 2013, 37% of women aged 25 to 29 had at least a bachelor’s degree, compared with just 30% of men in the same age group, according a Pew Research Center analysis. Millennial women aren’t taking the lack of leadership roles sitting down, so expect them to stand up and fight for what they deserve.
Smaller Wage Gap
As of 2014, the BLS reported a 21.4% wage gap between men and women. Another hot topic quickly gaining traction in the public realm, this salary discrepancy is likely on its way out. Both men and women are aware of the inherent unfairness of the wage gap and are ready to fight back. With the amount of readily available data to support its existence, expect some major strides toward equal pay to be made this year.
Greater Focus on Employee Engagement
As the unemployment rate falls, employers are forced to work harder to retain talented professionals. With plenty of available employment options, employees now have the upper hand, so companies will be working harder to keep them happy. This will play out in a variety of ways, including everything from offering more competitive salaries to non-traditional perks and cushier office environments.
Shift Away From Traditional Office Standards
The move toward developing a new set of workplace norms has been in motion for years, and it will continue in 2017. Dress codes will become even more relaxed — shifting from business casual to jeans and t-shirt casual. The number of companies that eliminate offices and cubicles, in favor of a more open, collaborative space will increase. Employers will also ease up on strict work hours, allowing people the freedom to come and go as they please, as long as their work is completed.
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