Biggest Post-Covid Workplace Trends and What to Expect in 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic became a catalyst for change in the workplace. Since 2020, change has been the only constant. Various workplace trends have emerged, with large portions of the workforce taking part. Here, we take a look at the most common workplace trends and changes over the last few years, see what might be in store for 2023, and what you can be doing this year to advance your career.

2020: Covid-19 and Remote Work 

In March of 2020, due to Covid-19, employers were forced to adapt. Some businesses were forced to shut their doors, while others found ways to keep their doors open. One way was switching from forcing employees to come into the office to allowing employees to work from home. Spare bedrooms quickly became offices, Zoom kept us connected, and remote work etiquette became a new priority. 

While remote work wasn’t unheard of before 2020, it went mainstream during the pandemic. Remote work sparked conversations on how the workplace should function, and people’s priorities began to shift. These shifts are still unfolding today.

2021: The Great Resignation 

With priorities shifting in 2020, work-life balance and overall mental health became a top focus of employees in 2021. People began having tough conversations around what they really wanted out of their jobs. And many people realized their current roles weren’t giving them what they needed, which resulted in The Great Resignation. 

The Great Resignation referred to the masses people leaving their current roles, mostly in hopes of finding new jobs that better aligned with their values. Many resigners went in search of more remote work, increased flexibility, and an overall better company culture. Not everyone who took part in the great resignation disliked their jobs; some employees also quit because of poor management. 

2022: Quiet Quitting and Tech Layoffs 

The focus on work-life balance and mental health didn’t stop in 20212. In 2022, the term “quiet quitting” emerged on social media, and many people began to “quietly quit,” which meant employees were still doing their jobs but stopped going above and beyond without further compensation. Employees started setting more boundaries at work regarding what they were willing and unwilling to do, largely based on their job descriptions. 

While the quiet quitters willingly took a step back at work, people in the tech industry were forced to take a step back amidst layoffs. Tech giants laid off thousands of employees, and fear began to grow around job security. The year ended with the potential of a recession on the horizon. 

2023: Predictions

Given a possible recession, something we’re likely to see more of in 2023 is side hustles and second jobs. While people will keep their full-time jobs, they may start to look for new income streams that provide more financial stability if things do get difficult.

Another thing we’re likely to see is the rise of salary transparency. Increasingly, job listings are including salary ranges, and this year pay equity and transparency on the job may very likely be a focus. So, if you’ve always wanted to know how your coworkers’ salaries compare to yours, 2023 might be the year you can finally find out. 

A third likely trend has to do with management. While economic uncertainty will affect almost everyone, the burden of navigating it will fall on management. Managers will increasingly have to deal not only with bottom lines but also with anxious employees who may be very worried about job security.

Actions to take this year

Look for a side hustle

Additional income streams can help you build an emergency fund if you’re ever faced with a layoff. You can find side hustles on job boards the same way you find full-time employment. You can also find a side hustle or second job by becoming a freelancer. There are many sites out there for freelancers to put their profile on so people can find you and hire you for your skills. 

You can also do some online research. For example, according to CNBC, there are currently three side hustles that are in high demand: event planning, pet care, and tutoring.

Gain pay equity

While you don’t want to simply go around the office asking everyone what they make, you can have conversations with your close colleagues. This new transparency may give you some leverage when asking for a raise or promotion. Of course, just because your coworker makes more than you doesn’t mean that is the only point you need to make to get a raise. When asking for a raise, keep your own performance in mind, and bring records of that performance if you can. Proving you’re worth the higher salary will help ensure you get what you deserve. 

Manage your team’s morale

If you’re in a leadership position at your organization, the spotlight is on you this year. The way leaders respond to troubling times will set the tone for workplaces across the country. Good leaders will try to keep morale high amidst possible layoffs and downsizing. Understanding the stress your employees are under and having some empathy will go a long way. At the least, make sure to constantly check in with your team, reassure them, and listen to their concerns.