THE 2024 WORKPLACE HOTLIST
Out with the old and in with the new is the motto every January as we reflect on the personal aspects of our lives, considering what wellness habits to adopt, what friendships to nurture, the kind of love we want to foster, and the self-growth we hope to achieve in the coming year. Yet, while we readily recognize the need for evolution and transformation in our personal lives, we often overlook our professional lives. Our work life, which accounts for a substantial portion of our day, also requires regular introspection and recalibration. In light of this, we have curated a list of what's 'in' and what's 'out' in the professional sphere for the new year. From saying goodbye to hustle culture and pointless Zoom meetings to making space for celebrating career wins and mental health days, these insights aim to help you navigate the work world, making it healthier, more balanced, and more rewarding - because a positive work life is just as important as a fulfilling personal one.
What’s In?
Maximizing Your PTO: Gone are the days of hoarding your Paid Time Off. It's time to use it to rejuvenate, recharge, and return to work more productive than ever. Here’s a tip on how to use holidays to get the most out of your PTO
Mental Health Days: Taking care of your mental health has never been more IN! Mental health days are becoming a recognized necessity at most companies, so take advantage and use them for a “me” day.
Inflation Raises: With the rising cost of living, it's expected that pay increases will keep pace with inflation. Buckle up and ask for that raise!
Hybrid Work: The flexibility of splitting time between home and the office is here to stay. Going into the office a few times of week is refreshing and gives you structure in your week.
Upskilling and Reskilling: Continuous learning is critical in a rapidly changing job market. Make it a goal to learn a new skill this year. Also, check in with your employer on learning and development stipends.
Having Boundaries: Don’t be afraid to say no. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or at capacity, have a candid conversation with your manager. Not setting boundaries and taking on more than you can chew will lead to burnout.
In-person Networking: Coffee dates and lunch meetings are back on! Connect with people in person if you can; it makes networking more meaningful.
4-Day Work Weeks: Improved productivity and balance are driving the shift towards a shorter workweek. Summer Fridays all year around, baby!
Making Note of Your Accomplishments: Regularly documenting your successes makes it easier to negotiate raises and promotions.
AI: Artificial intelligence is making its mark, from improving efficiency to creating new roles. Stay ahead of the curve by taking the time to learn about AI and experiment with how the technology can help you with your day-to-day work.
Relocation Benefits: As companies compete for top talent, attractive relocation packages are becoming more common. Let’s be honest: no one wants to foot the bill for a big move across the country.
Celebrate Career Wins: Acknowledging and celebrating your achievements just like you would large milestones in your life like a birthday, wedding, and new baby fuels motivation and ambition. Next time you sign an exciting contract or get the raise you’ve been waiting for, plan a special evening with friends and toast to your professional life.
What’s Out?
Hustle culture: Gone are the days of glorifying overworking and sacrificing personal time for career success. In 2024, companies and individuals alike are prioritizing work-life balance. This means taking breaks, setting boundaries, and focusing on overall well-being rather than constantly hustling and burning out.
Saying Yes to Everything: Being the 'Yes Man' or 'Yes Woman' is passé. Establishing boundaries is cool. After all, you're a professional, not a superhero!
Meetings That Could Be an Email: The next time someone schedules a long-winded meeting that could just be an email remember - your time is precious and irreplaceable.
Job Postings without Salary Ranges: Transparency in job postings, including salary ranges, helps potential employees to make informed decisions. It not only streamlines the recruitment process but also promotes equity in the workplace. This trend is on the rise as organizations recognize the importance of upfront communication regarding compensation.
Job Ghosting: Ghosting is a no-no in dating and recruitment. Failing to communicate with a candidate during the recruitment process and halt communication all together is detrimental to your reputation. The emphasis now is on respectful and timely communication with every candidate, recognizing their effort and time invested in the application process.
Empty DEI Initiatives: Businesses are increasingly realizing that fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is not just ethically right but also beneficial for innovation and growth. Not having any DEI initiatives is a red flag for companies and will soon be a thing of the past, with businesses prioritizing these strategies for a more inclusive future.
Zoom Meetings while in Office: No one wants to sit at their desk on a Zoom meeting; however, the shift to remote work has increased reliance on digital communication platforms, even when employees are in the office. This practice can often lead to 'Zoom fatigue.' The focus in 2024 is on promoting direct, in-person communication, where possible, to foster better interpersonal connections.
Toxic Work Environments: Here's to fostering a supportive, respectful, and healthy work culture and bidding adieu to toxicity. We're all for sunny vibes in 2024 and beyond!
This year is shaping up to be a year where employee-centric practices take center stage. It's all about striking a balance between work and personal needs, making the most of technology, and cultivating an inclusive, respectful, and supportive work culture. Here's to embracing these positive trends and saying goodbye to outdated ones for a healthier, more productive work environment. Onward and upward, friends.
