In a year that changed the world, one of the most significant changes of 2020 was how we work.
Before the pandemic, just 20% of American workers used their homes as their offices. This shot up to 70% as the pandemic unfolded.
To protect the health of their employees and their bottom line, companies had to adapt fast to the changing work landscape.
LinkedIn hosted a virtual event about the future of work. This was to help business leaders and hiring managers understand trends in business strategy for the workforce.
Here are the key takeaways from the event.
1. Skills-Based Hiring Is the Future
The degree you have or the job title you previously held will no longer cut it when applying to a new job.
You need to show you have the skills required for getting the job done. Soft skills and emotional intelligence are just as important as having technical skills.
Hiring managers are starting to use EQ tests and skill-based interview questions to find out if somebody is right for the role.
2. A Growth Mindset Is Important
Finding people who can grow with the company and are open to learning is another important trait in today’s job market.
People who are adaptable and are willing to build on the skills they already have are the most likely to get hired.
Those who get hired will be open to input from colleagues, and be willing to collaborate and absorb as much knowledge as possible.
3. Focus On Diversity and Inclusion
The event gave a platform to diversity and inclusion and how companies need to do better when hiring employees from a range of backgrounds.
Businesses need to hold themselves more accountable for inclusion policies in the future. Hiring managers can’t overlook the fact they tend to employ people similar to them.
The future of business is diverse, and if you aren’t inclusive in your hiring practices, you will fall behind.
4. Flexible Work Is the Way Forward
Working from home became the norm during global lockdowns. It gave people the opportunity to balance their work-life and their home life a little more.
More flexible hours and not having to spend long hours in an office will help improve work culture.
5. Virtual Events and Remote Work Is Here to Stay
There are many challenges associated with remote work. For example, team collaboration is more difficult, and the lines between work and leisure hours are more blurred. Despite this, remote work is here to stay.
Many people who now work at home don’t want to go back to working in the office. They enjoy the freedom and flexibility remote work gives them.
It’s much better for employee well-being if they spend the time doing something productive like a yoga class or playing with their kids instead of commuting.
Learn More About the Future of Work
If you want to stay up to date with developments in the future of work, look out for the next virtual event hosted by LinkedIn.
Are you looking to hire talent? Get in touch. We’ll help you find your ideal candidate.