Before the 21st century, the workplace was a rigid place where certain cultures were strictly followed. Official wear, spending a lot of time in the office, and yearly performance reviews were the norms. But workplaces are continuously evolving as some of those things have become obsolete.
Dressing
Employees’ code of dressing has changed over time. Uniforms are nowadays incorporated in employees’ dress code. Corporate uniforms promote a sense of team spirit and a sense of belongingness among the employees, which lead to increased productivity. There are companies that manufacture customised corporate uniforms in New Zealand. The garment needs for different departments, such as shirts for salespeople and overalls for engineering departments, are met.
Employer-provided uniforms save employees’ money that they can use to buy work gear. Employees also become brand ambassadors for the companies leading to increased sales. Corporate uniforms also serve as protective clothing against hazards, thus enhancing employee safety. Gone are the days when adorning a suit and tie in the workplace was mandatory. The modern workplace is a dynamic, casual environment where work-life balance is championed.
Collaborative work environment
Every day, new synergies are created in the workplace. Successful companies take advantage of the multigenerational workforces by mixing older employees with the younger generation of workers. Older employees offer experience, whereas younger ones convey technical wit, creative and innovative ideas, and an eye for what is next. A blend of the two is essential for business success. It is achieved when employers create an environment where the two generations feel comfortable working together.
Workplaces are incorporating the services of freelancers who work remotely from all over the world. Collaboration between freelancers, office staff, and employers is necessary. It is aided by a collaborative communication system of feedback. Clients and workers can send feedback through a collaborative tool that centralises information instead of multiple feedback channels. Modern workplaces are continually gravitating toward increased collaboration.
Flexibility
Gone are the days when employees had to stay in the workplace for eight hours or more. Nowadays, employees have flexible working places and time. Employees can now work from home or even from restaurants. Technology gives employees options as to where and when they want to work. Gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, and computers keep the employees connected despite the geographical gap by enhancing telecommuting. Freelancing is a growing trend in the workplace. Employers are seeking the services of freelancers because they are efficient and they can save on administrative costs.
Freelance marketplaces and the Internet are key contributors to the gig economy. Freelance markets connect people around the world, allowing them to work remotely for any company they wish, granting them the freedom and flexibility to choose the kind of work they want. Besides, workers can choose their pay rates. Companies benefit by getting access to a vast talent pool of specialised professionals. Flexible workers tend to be less stressed, are more satisfied with their jobs, and have better work-life balance.
Employers should remain cognizant of changing workplace trends and adjust accordingly. Otherwise, they risk their workplaces becoming less appealing, which will affect their ability to attract and retain employees. Therefore, organisations should embrace modern workplace trends to enjoy the benefits of productivity and innovative thinking.
