Head into the 2020 workplace prepared with our 20 tips. Photo / Getty Images
Head into the 2020 workplace prepared with our 20 tips. Photo / Getty Images
Hot desks and an emphasis on wellbeing are just some of the key trends that have defined the way we work now. Kirsty Wynn explores the workplace of the future.
The walls of the office have come down. We sit alongside bosses in open-plan environments with shared spaces, and technology means we have computers in our back pockets; good ideas are developed outside the office now.
We hot desk and work remotely. We can work anywhere there is a laptop,Wi-Fi, and a cellphone.
We are increasingly inclusive and diverse. More companies are signing up for the Accessibility Tick, the Gender Tick, and Rainbow Tick. Socially conscious Gen Z are entering the workforce and pushing environmental concerns to the forefront.
Workplaces are now more open and diverse and this will continue through 2020 and beyond. Photo / Getty Images
The four-day working week is gaining traction around the world as studies show people are just as productive over four days as five.
Wellness and mental health at work is the "new bonus", says Simon Rooney, of Find Recruitment. Companies are offering benefits such as additional leave, birthdays off work, gym memberships, and higher KiwiSaver contributions.
What we might expect for the future:
The robots are coming - but it's all good, says Pete Thomson, of Find Recruitment.
AI and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) will make work-life easier by taking away the mundane work.
Robots might not take over but they will make some jobs easier and faster. Photo / Getty Images
More data will be collected from our day-to-day lives, and jobs will dramatically transform, making skills such as data analytics one of the key skills to learn in 2020, says Shannon Barlow, of recruitment agency People2People.
Climate change will continue to influence not only the way we produce and provide services but also the way we work. Workplaces with no printers, no carparks, and no pool cars will become commonplace. Uber will become the norm.
We will close the gap. Women in New Zealand are paid on average 11.9 per cent less than men. Flexible and remote working is expected to help close this. YWCA's Gender Tick is expected to become more widespread.
20 tips for 2020
The world is changing at a rapid pace and the workplace is a driving force for that change. What can you do to keep up with change and make 2020 a positive place for yourself and those around you? Job Market at NZME has spoken to career coaches, recruiters and bosses in New Zealand and compiled 20 tips to make 2020 work for you.
Write it down:
Set yourself specific short-term goals to get started. Want to move up the ladder in your current workplace? Brainstorm realistic ways to do it. Want a new job? Jot down companies you would like to work for and start your research. Keep the list handy, edit when necessary and refer back.
Be flexible:
Simon Rooney, of Find Recruitment, has seen a steady march toward a more inclusive, flexible working environment and says it will continue. If you get the opportunity to work a four-day week or work remotely then make it work. Be open to new ideas and ways of doing things and put yourself out of your comfort zone a little each day.
In today's world, we get very easily distracted, and a task that requires 15 minutes could end up taking more than an hour. Shannon Barlow, of People2People recruitment, suggests putting up a "do not disturb" sign, setting a timer and completing a block of work.
Ask for constructive feedback:
Feedback is essential to growing personally and professionally. We tend to schedule regular catch-ups and then cancel for the sake of "getting the work done". Stick to them.
Don't be scared of failure:
Get out of your comfort zone. Playing it safe at work will prevent you from accomplishing great things; it's what you learn from mistakes that make your successes richer and sweeter.
Learn a new skill:
Aim to learn one new skill, put your hand up to try new ideas, and take any opportunity your career will bring.
Keep up with technology:
Take every opportunity to learn the latest tech at work especially from those younger than you. Remember, in the next 10 years the young teens of today will be entering the workforce - we will all need to keep up with them.
Get to know all your colleagues:
Every single person in your team and your company has and knows something you don't. You can learn from everyone.
The outdated attitudes of the David Brents of the workplace might not have a place in 2020. Photo / Getty Images
Clean up your act:
Clear the clutter and let your creativity flow. Having a tidy desk with what you need on hand really can help you get things done.
Look after yourself:
We spend a third of our lives at work, so make 2020 the year you make great healthy choices. Keep hydrated and have healthy snacks at hand to keep the vending machine at bay.
Are you okay?:
Check in with your friends and team members. It's also okay to not be okay. You don't have to have all the answers, just be there to listen or even better to point in the right direction for help.
NEW JOB?
Do they have the tick?
Working for a company that aligns with your ideals can make a difference to your workday. If having the Rainbow Tick, the Gender Tick or a great Wellness policy matters to you, then check it out or speak up.
Reach out:
Speak to your friends and professional network. Pete Thompson, at Find Recruitment, says having someone on the inside to sing your praises to their company increases your chances of getting a promotion/career.
Ask at work:
See if your current employer is open to you being "redeployed" within the organisation. Moving within a company can be a good move for everyone and a change is as good as a rest.
Aim at the right level:
Just because you were senior in the past doesn't make you a senior in your new career. Unless you have some seriously great transferable skills, be open to starting at the bottom.
Clean up social media:
Your online profile matters. Get a professional to help with your LinkedIn profile and tidy up any social media that makes you look unprofessional.
Have a portfolio:
If you're looking at getting into a creative role, have a portfolio. Even if it's your own collection of private projects. Have something in there that will wow the hiring manager.
STARTING OUT ON YOUR OWN?
Get schooled:
Natalie Richards, of plant-based meal service Prep, says a regular business coach can give valuable advice from an overall plan to how to price goods and service.
Use social media:
Facebook and Instagram can be your friend. Take great photos, use the boosted post options and get your name out there.
Be money savvy:
If you have a great idea and product, balance this by learning to balance the books as well.
Sarah Frizzell, from The Lucky Taco, says the key for small business survival is knowing exactly where each dollar and cent is going - don't leave it to someone else.
