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Workplace trends identified and studied by experts at the end of the year give jobseekers important insight into not only what employers are looking for, but what employees want from their jobs. We analyzed Google Trends workplace data from 2023 to determine how job seekers need to adjust over the next 12 months when seeking work. These are the top job trends of 2024.
Top Job Trends
Workers coined some new terms during last year, including “quiet quitting” and “boreout” while a hybrid working schedule and 4-day work week were a large part of employee searches. AI was an integral part of looking for jobs and global hiring and flexible work are key factors in hiring.
In 2023, Google trends from the following searches increased greatly:
- AI jobs: Increased by over 67%
- 4-day work week: Increased over 67%
- AI skills: Increased over 65%
- Skills-based hiring: Increased over 58%
- Managing up: Increased over 46%
- Global talent pool: Increased over 46%
- Workplace wellness programs: Increased over 46%
- Boreout: Increased over 41%
- Hybrid working: Increased over 40%
- Asynchronous work: Increased 20%
What Do These Trends Mean?
Trends can come and go, but the significant increase implies that they are and will continue to be important in the workforce. So how will they affect the job search? Employment specialists, Jobseeker, researched each one to find the answers.
The word of the year
Collins Dictionary named AI the word of the year, as it was unsurprisingly one of the most talked about topics in 2023. Employers and workers are still working out many kinks when it comes to AI, but job seekers would do well to learn to use it as a tool in their field, rather than a detriment.
The work-life balance
The search for the perfect work-life balance continues. Some countries experimented with 4-day working weeks, also known as compressed workweeks, and experts suggest that within a year, 80% of global companies will turn to this model.
Skills over traditional credentials
While education and experience are still important, employers are looking more at skills than traditional achievements. This benefits employees who don’t have extensive educational backgrounds, but can make it hard for those without experience.
Know how to ‘manage up’
Employees who understand the objectives and needs of their immediate supervisor can anticipate tasks they can do to help them. This creates a mutually beneficial, productive relationship where both parties look good.
Global talent reigns supreme
Gone are the days of a traditional office environment, and with hybrid and remote jobs comes a larger pool of applicants for every job. Asynchronous and remote working make this a possibility for businesses small and large. Global hiring also allows businesses access to more diversity.
The Future of the Workplace According to Gen Z
As the rulers of social media and technology, Gen Z ushers in an entirely new vocabulary to the workplace. Mostly relying on TikTok, workers get career advice and tips from people all over the world in the same position. This also enables some to negotiate for better salaries or working conditions.
Here are the most common workplace concepts viewed on TikTok in 2023 and their definition:
- Quiet quitting: Doing the bare minimum in your role
- Lazy girl job: High-salaried job with minimal responsibility or stress
- 4-day working week: Flexible working hours for four days instead of the traditional five
- Hybrid working: Splitting work time between home and the office
- AI jobs: Jobs involving artificial intelligence
- Workplace wellness: A company’s efforts to maintain physical and emotional wellness with their employees
- Boreout: Constant lack of motivation while on the job
- Bare minimum Mondays: Prioritizing self-care over work on Monday and doing the minimum
- Managing up: Increasing value by anticipating the direct supervisor’s needs and meeting them
- Career cushioning: A backup plan in case someone loses their job
Looking Forward to the Rest of 2024
These trends give clear insight into the job market for 2024 and smart job seekers and employees pay attention to them. They require adaptability and adjustment to everything from job searching to interviewing.
Flexibility is a must
The COVID-19 pandemic showed employees that they can do their jobs as well from home as from the office. This created a desire for more flexibility, hybrid schedules and 4-day work weeks.
Wellbeing is important for productivity
TikTok data and Google Trends highlight the importance of wellness in the workplace. Employees want to know companies are invested in how they feel, not just what they can give.
Engagement is the key
As younger members of the workforce move toward doing less, employers must come up with ways to keep them engaged. Many are bored and disengaged and company culture has suffered.
AI needs to be embraced
AI was largely introduced to the public during 2023, but don’t expect it to go away anytime soon. The concept revolutionized the workforce. While AI is a valuable tool, there are things humans can do that machines can’t, such as creativity, analytical skills or critical thinking. Employees should look for ways to highlight those skills in fields that rely heavily on AI.
Ability matters more than background
As recruiters turn to the skills section of a resume more than the education section, job seekers must adapt to highlighting what they can do more than what they know.
What the Future Holds
While trends and data can give us insight into what the job market should do, the reality is that no one knows exactly what the future holds. With new technology and methods of communication becoming available every day, employers and employees should be constantly striving to adjust their expectations and requirements. From a focus on flexibility to integrating AI into industries, job seekers must show their commitment to professional development along with their technical proficiency.
For a comprehensive list of talent acquisition tools like Jobseeker and more, visit our marketplace today. Happy hiring!
