Individual
Choice

The rise of career consumerism

Individual Choice

Centered around the “consumerization of work,” a new employer-employee relationship has emerged where people expect to “consume” work much like they do other aspects of life — on their own schedules and in ways tailored to their individual needs.

Just as consumers select products and services that suit their lifestyles, workers now want to dedicate themselves to organizations committed to their careers, well-being, and aligned with their personal values. Organizations must adapt to this workforce desiring greater flexibility, customization, and alignment with their personal priorities as people seek employment that allows them to integrate their jobs seamlessly with the rest of their lives.

| Trend 12 |

The Me Economy

Much like consumers in the “Me Economy,” today’s workers are looking for flexibility and autonomy as they prioritize work-life balance. Candidates report the most desirable workplace benefits to be a four-day work week (64%), the ability to choose their start and end times (45%) and flexibility to work from home if needed (35%).

With many companies advocating for a return to in-person office work, there is a widening gap between employees’ expectations and employers’ desires.

_^Source:_{^{What Workers Want: From Surviving to Thriving at Work}}_{^{- ManpowerGroup}}

Eight in 10 chief human resources officers (CHROs) from Fortune 500 companies have no plans of decreasing remote work flexibility in the next 12 months.
As the growth of remote work blurred the lines between home and work, an increasing number of countries are considering “Right to Disconnect” laws, which protect employees from obligations to respond to work communications outside of regular business hours.

| Trend 13 |

Gen Z Shapes Future of Workplace Culture

The future of work is changing right before our eyes, from worker expectations and ways of working to demographics. Heavily influenced by Gen Z, the current “culture revolution” and new hierarchy puts mental health at the forefront — and leaders and managers in the spotlight.

Ultimately, organizations that keep up with cultural shifts around well-being and create psychologically safe, flexible environments will have the best chance of attracting and retaining talent.

_^Source:_{^{Edelman Trust Barometer}}

Just 15% of Gen Z said their current mental health or well-being is excellent.

| Trend 14 |

Getting Personal: Shaping the Employee Experience Around Individual Need

Consumer-grade personalization has entered the workplace. Employees now expect and demand greater customization across everything from benefits packages to AI-powered skills training to tailored career pathing and development opportunities unique to personal strengths and interests.

Forward-thinking companies are using advanced analytics and feedback processes to hyper-personalize the employee experience. From personalized onboarding programs to customized skills training modules to benefit selection algorithms providing personalized recommendations, the employee experience is getting an on-demand makeover.

Platforms utilizing AI and machine learning can now identify specific skillsets and interests for each employee to propose individualized career advancement plans aligned to personal aptitudes while still meeting business goals. Work tasks can even be dynamically customized based on individual working style and productivity patterns, shaping the future of work in real-time.

_^Source:_{^{Generative AI and the future of work in America}}_{^{- McKinsey}}

60% of Gen Z employees expect their employers to provide personalized career development paths with regular guidance, trained mentors, and transparent progression plans tailored to personal goals.