As people become more comfortable leaving roles that do not address their needs, well-being, culture, and inclusivity are no longer simply tick boxes that look good in an annual report.
Ivan Hollingsworth, founder and director of Centric Consultants shares the emerging trends that businesses must take note of if they want to create environments for people to thrive in 2024 and stay ahead of the pack.
1. Tech-driven human connection
The advancements and widespread adoption of generative AI will mean a decrease in busy work and a drop in mundane, repetitive tasks for some teams. While this is a positive opportunity to focus on creativity, innovation, and being truly human, leaders must be aware that it will leave some colleagues questioning their purpose. In 2024 leaders should embrace advancements in technology and AI as a chance to free up space in their team for real human connection, creativity, and big conversations and pivot their role into being a ‘culture curator’, rather than micromanaging every step of the process.
2. Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable
Most organisations will say that they are committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in their organisations, and now that this has been on the table for a few years we are starting to see an increase in more diverse voices around the table, and that is when the hard work starts. This year leaders need to embrace what an equitable environment looks like within their team and get comfortable with the fact that some of the conversations you have to have to get there might be a little, well, uncomfortable. If as a leader you are asking people to be ‘authentic’ at work, but then shutting down conversations or opportunities when they express opinions or needs that are new or different, then you are not asking people to be authentic, you are asking them to be like you, which defeats the point entirely.
3. Challenges outside of work will continue
As we head into another turbulent year, outside of work there will continue to be challenges that your teams will have to navigate, this could be anything from the cost of living crisis to family break-ups, caring responsibilities, or childcare issues. Asking your team to be ‘resilient’ in the face of these challenges doesn’t help anyone and leaders should focus on creating supportive, understanding environments that help people bounce back as quickly as possible when life throws them a curveball.
4. Culture driving business evolution
As Satya Nadella, managing director of Microsoft put it, “The C in CEO now stands for culture. The CEO is the curator of an organization’s culture and anything is possible for a company when its culture is about listening, learning, and harnessing individual passions and talents to the company’s mission.
5. The generational power balance is shifting
The next generation of leaders, Gen Z isn’t just starting to enter the workforce, some are already managing teams or are in a skilled position. This new generation has different expectations when it comes to communication, workplace culture, and hierarchical team dynamics. Organisations can’t put their head in the sand any longer if they want to futureproof their business and nurture the leaders of the future, they need to act now to create environments that stimulate connection, provide an opportunity for meaningful feedback and encourage open communication.
Centric Consultants is based in the North East of England and delivers workshops and bespoke training across the UK.
To find out more and to speak to the team directly about the problems you are trying to solve email ivan@centric-consultants.com