With new technology and innovative business services, the modern workplace is undergoing tremendous change. Here are 10 top workplace trends for 2011.
1. Telecommuting
More businesses are turning to telecommuting as a way to provide flexibility for employees and lower the costs associated with traditional office space.
2. Independent Contractors and Freelance Work
The 40-hour workweek is quickly becoming a concept of the past. Many business owners are now paying workers by the project instead of requiring them to spend 40 hours a week sitting behind a desk.
3. Virtual Offices
With the advent of highly specialized social technology, many businesses are now operating out of virtual offices instead of taking on expensive long term leases for office space.
4. Desktop Mobility
Mobile devices and like smart phones and tablet computers will continue to grow to work on the go.
5. Self-Efficient Teams
Many 21st-century work teams are responsible for their own scheduling, planning, and organizing without traditional supervision. Teams are taking advantage of telecommuting and virtual offices to accomplish twice the work in half the time.
6. Marketing Evolution
Web based promotions such as search engine marketing, optimization and social media marketing will increase as businesses shift away from traditional techniques of telemarketing and direct mail.
7. Online Collaboration
Employees have left the cubicle behind in favor of online collaboration. Online work has become a more efficient way to handle business in many cases.
8. Flexible Workplaces
Businesses large and small are increasingly taking advantage of flexible, instant turnkey office solutions offered by office business centers that can be arranged for hours, days and months that can easily adapt to its changing needs.
9. Stress-Relief at Work
Some businesses are now offering free therapy and gym memberships to ease the stress that burdens many workers.
10. Eco-Friendly Offices
Many businesses are turning to environmentally-friendly products and materials to save money and promote green living in their office space.
