2017 Global Workplace Trends

Workplaces have so much to do with people, as one-third of one’s life spends in different workplaces. Sodexo, world leader in quality of life services, has distilled key findings from different sectors, generations and countries to produce a report that provides a holistic view of the global workplace.

This new 2017 Global Workplace Trends report details the most critical factors affecting the world’s workers and employers. It shows that connectivity, innovations and uncertainty are rewriting the rules of the workplace; next-generation working styles are being defined by individuality, inclusiveness and techno-literacy; and we can expect to see more robots as colleagues. The report is an insightful tool for employers navigating the changing workplace to push toward success.

Below you may get a glimpse of all the featured 2017 Sodexo Workplace Trends. Besides, we further discuss the three trends that are most relevant to China: the rise of cross-workplaces, the new-gen robitics and wellness 3.0.

The Agile Organization

Organizations are seeking the holy grail of agility—speed plus stability—with an ultimate goal of responding to new conditions, all while keeping employees agile, too, by using disciplines such as mindfulness.

The Rise of Cross-Workplaces

The newest iteration of collaborative workspaces takes co-working to a new level, with organizations not only sharing physical space and resources but also intentionally structuring interactions across boundaries that encourage problem-solving approaches in order to combine strengths and address global issues.

 

> Read more about this trend.

Employees Without Borders

The sheer spread and scale of the relocation of workers, in both emerging and developed economies, is driving new opportunities to demonstrate inclusive leadership through evaluating skill needs, availability, location benefits and effective cultural integration.

The New-Gen Robotics

Robots have been in the workplace for years, and advances in artificial intelligence have led to organizations increasingly using them for jobs that humans used to perform. The newest discussion: exploring the success of robots, especially as they collaborate with people on uniquely human jobs.

 

> Read more about this trend.

Intergenerational Learning

As people continue to live and work longer, all workers are forcing companies to think differently about hierarchical and traditional employee learning. Employees of all generations are teaching one another from their own experiences and driving a new culture of personal development.

Personal Branding Goes to Work

Which brand leads? Personal branding is taking on a new life and getting deeper scrutiny, as employers look to understand potential risks and leverage the power of employees’ personal brands for the good of the company.

Redefining the Workplace Experience

From physical space and technology to virtual work considerations and amenities, the way workers experience their surroundings is key to a happy workforce.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call on organizations to work together and with government toward a shared vision. The way businesses interpret and adapt practices will affect not only the progress toward meeting the SDGs but also the needs of a workforce hungry for positive change. (“Sustainability” as a buzzword is being upstaged by the all-important goals codified at the United Nations.)

Unlocking the Potential of Millennial Talent

Why do we need to better understand millennials? Grasping the unique set of attributes that Gen Y and their younger siblings, Gen Z, bring to the work table gives us a view into the future of the workplace.

Wellness 3.0

Moving beyond thinking of workplace wellness programs as sources for “fixing” or preventing health problems, they are now being viewed as potential catalysts for healthy living for employees, their families and the community at large.

 

> Read more about this trend.

Read the full report