What exactly do we mean when we claim that the workplace is evolving today? Take, for example, the concept of coworking. Coworking has become a phrase that encapsulates both independence and collaboration. Due to the availability of solitary desks or offices, office buildings around the country have been transformed into ecosystems that support creativity and independent thought.
The fluorescent-lit, life-sucking cubicle’s days are coming to an end. While perspectives on the impact of the latest collaborative working spaces on productivity continue to differ, the reality is that this is the new face of workplace culture.
Job openings reached a 14 year high in April 2015, according to a US Labor Department Report. But, with a mismatch between job requirements and worker skills, filling those positions may present serious challenges. And that is just one trend which is set to impact the workplace over the coming year. To help ensure that your business successfully navigates the most important evolving trends, here is what businesses can expect for 2015.
Skills Shortage Becomes Critical
The fact that there is a mismatch between the skills that employers need and those that exist has become well recognized. Despite this, the trend will continue to be a problem in 2015. Employers are still struggling to find skilled IT workers. According to a recent study by Manpower, 40% of U.S. businesses surveyed are struggling to fill available positions. Employees with in demand skills will be more scarce than before, potentially forcing businesses to offer more lucrative remuneration. According to a Glassdoor survey, 78% of software engineers said that the number one reason that they would leave their job was being offered more money. More novel solutions may also be required. WordPress creator Matt Mullenweg has solved the problem of finding talent for his company, Automatic, using a distributed network of at home workers across the globe. According to Fortune, the company employs 225 people in 190 cities. This has enabled Automatic to find employees with the right skill sets without having to pay Silicon Valley Salaries.
Integration of Generation Z
This will be the first year when generation Z makes their presence felt in the workplace. According to a recent study half of all employers are planning on hiring interns directly from high school. One of the key reasons behind this is the need for workers with STEM skills. Employers are eager to bring in the most talented of generation Z early on so that they will stay within their organizations after graduating college.
Testing Gets Smarter
In the past employers have tested prospective employees on a range of personality tests. Thanks to technological advances, testing is becoming more accurate and more easily administered. In a workplace where employers need to rapidly respond to new technologies, testing for pure brain power is critically important. In 2015 we can expect to see an increase in the amount of cognitive testing software used to evaluate the critical thinking of job applicants. This will allow employers to quickly determine whether an employee has the capacity to handle difficult tasks and new technologies.
Job Switching Continues
The idea of the job for life may be long gone, but it appears that we are now in a new reality where people are even more inclined to switch positions. Most people no longer wait until they leave their current position before starting to look for new work. In fact, according to a recent study, 73% of employees say that they will look for a new job while in their current position.
Mobile Friendly Sites Are Essential
Nearly two thirds of Americans now own smart phones, according to a 2015 study by Pew Research. Usage is even higher among young people, with 85% using smart phone. The ubiquity of mobile technology will have a significant effect on how people find jobs. 56% of people surveyed in a Glassdoor survey said that it was important that they were able to save a job description on their mobile phones and then apply later on a desktop computer. In the same survey 45% said that they use their mobile phones to search for jobs each day. Making sure that job websites are mobile friendly will be essential in 2015, especially as the competition for the most talented young employees heightens.
Those businesses which able to respond to and take advantage of the trends outlined above will be well positioned for success in the coming years. Those that fail to capitalize on these opportunities risk losing battles for talent and market share to more nimble competitors.
About nexus IT group
nexus IT group is a specialized IT staffing agency who recruits top tech talent across the US. If you have an immediate IT opening, or are a job seeker looking to advance your IT career, you’ve come to the right IT staffing firm, contact nexus IT group. We have access to highly skilled, top talent most can’t easily get in front of, so let our recruiting team show you why so many firms trust and love our staffing agency.
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