2023 Workforce Trends: The Future is Now

A new year is here! Read on and get ready to survive and thrive in the 2023 world of work.

2023 brings opportunities for everyone to evolve and achieve new heights in their careers. When devising a strategy to pivot or accomplish a goal, it's vital to be aware of things that could impact that success. From upcoming job market shifts and transitions to a technology- and sustainability-focused direction, preparing for the future is vital to surviving and thriving in the 2023 world of work.

While there are countless trends that affect the world of work, this blog focuses on select trends that will likely continue to alter the job market this year. Continue reading and share your thoughts about these trends in the comments section below.

Evolving Alongside the Job Market

The job market recovery perseveres as shifts to reshape the landscape also occur.

Reshuffling continues occurring in the ever-evolving job market. According to recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, hires outpace quits by .1%. There are 10.5 million job openings, resulting in 1.8 available jobs for each unemployed person.

Quiet quitting was first sought to improve work-life balance. However, doing so comes with dangers that some leaders may not tolerate. As workforce outlooks change, quiet quitting can lead to quiet firing in 2023.

Layoffs are still happening after being preceded by hiring freezes. Thousands of workers already lost their jobs this year. With the threat of a recession, organizations are trying to ensure survivability during this time. Unfortunately, this sometimes includes adjusting hiring strategies and workforce size.

Hybrid work and return-to-office announcements are prevalent. As business leaders evaluate workplace culture, many aim to connect further by implementing more in-person interactions.

Hiring is still happening. As some organizations evaluate their hiring needs, job seekers must adjust to find the right opportunities.

Preparing for a Career Pivot

Economic uncertainty reigns supreme for many hiring teams and adaptability is needed to successfully pivot.

Contingent work, also known as temporary or contract work, is a vital component during economic uncertainty and provides hands-on experience for workers. The BLS found contingent work grew by 75% during previous recoveries, and overall job market growth followed gains in this area. Additionally, the BLS poised this sector for an 11% growth by 2030. For job seekers who were laid off or never tried contingent work, this may be the ideal time to pursue these types of job openings.

Job skills always set job applicants apart. It's essential for professionals to continually evaluate their capabilities. Demand for skills, including data analysis and visualization, project management and communication, is high. While many professionals have transferable capabilities that allow for a transition into a new field, continued learning is invaluable.

Upskilling and reskilling are critical. As new advances and opportunities arise, the skills needed to support these changes can become scarce, contributing to a widening skills gap. It's imperative for job seekers to self-motivate their learning and for leadership to encourage continued professional development.

Soft skills are increasingly in demand. A combination of social and communication skills and emotional intelligence, soft skills are vital for effective interactions in the world. These capabilities greatly assist with creating career advancement opportunities.

A shift back to an employer's market is coming, and preparation is necessary. Staying ahead of shifts is crucial to work in a world where technology touches a majority of existing sectors and roles.

Tech on the Rise

The increasing presence of technology in the world of work creates change and opportunity.

Automation continues to grow worldwide. Shifts and progress will continue as more organizations adopt technology to optimize business operations.

Artificial intelligence's (AI) presence is growing. For a long time, many felt that AI couldn't replace human-centric capabilities, such as creativity. Recently, generative models gained the spotlight by producing advanced work, such as in-depth written responses.

Web3 and the metaverse increased in prominence last year. Web3, a decentralized version of the Web, offers control for users. The metaverse, a virtual extension of the physical world, provides organizations with new ways to interact with workers and clients. Both are still works in progress.

While the realms of a virtual world are being augmented, it’s vital to remain focused on the tangible world around us that impacts how we live and work.

Building a Better World

An equitable society for all is not yet a reality, but it can be. The world of work is evolving to become more environmentally-focused and equal.

Enviro tech, also known as environmental or green technologies, is poised for growth this year. As businesses in some sectors announce layoffs, this is one area that’s hiring. Fast-growing job titles aimed at addressing the climate crisis include Sustainability Manager, Consultant and Compliance Manager.

Equality continues to be a goal as organizations further diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the world of work. Overall heightened awareness to create a world where everyone can succeed should remain a guiding practice for all.

For both DEI and environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies, the need to improve practices is crucial. Doing so, is a component of the bridge between corporate and personal values, which in turn have an overall impact on the employee experience.

Working in Alignment

Each professional has ethics and values that help provide clarity in their role within an organization. The connection between what an organization prioritizes and what’s important to an employee contributes to their overall engagement with work.

Alignment is key. Heightened awareness of corporate actions and partnerships impacts decisions, including where professionals want to work. Individuals aim to support and work for organizations with similar values as their own.

Fulfillment typically follows alignment. When professionals identify what drives them, they can decide which potential employer supports that. If a worker has yet to find what fulfills them, it's never too late to start.

Throughout 2023, the workforce is likely to see continuations related to job market shifts, technological advancements, sustainability and other yet-to-be-known trends. As the world of work continues evolving this year, so too will professionals as they work to achieve their goals.

While there’s a hint of uncertainty in the air, some control is within reach. It’s imperative for business leaders, professionals and job seekers to do what they can to maneuver the continually shifting job climate. Every professional has the power to create the path they want.

❔ Which trend do you think will have the biggest impact on the world of work in 2023? Share your predictions in the comments section below.

Read my other blogs here for more of my insight on workforce trends. Visit my website to learn more about me. In my videos, I share timeless advice, watch here.

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