What are the workplace job trends in leadership and management we can expect to see in 2019? Understanding what’s ahead is a key way in which great leaders or managers stay ahead of the pack.
Yes, great leaders know when it’s time to step aside, however, a leader or manager has a lot of work to do (and experiences to undergo) before they reach that point. Guiding, supporting and leading by example are three key ways in which to both progress your career and help the business you work for to thrive.
Below are the latest workplace stats and trends for 2019.
Create a ‘be nice, be social’ culture
Business buzzwords like ‘shareholder value’, ‘big data’ and ‘contextual marketing’ still have their place, but times are changing. Businesses are no longer judged purely upon financial performance or even standards of quality. In 2019, an organisation’s performance will be measured far more frequently by its’ relationships with workers, customers, the community in which it operates, and even society overall.
It pays to be nice, particularly when a poor experience can be shared with thousands simply by a few taps on a keyboard. Statistics don’t lie: 95% of online adults aged 18-34 follow brands and businesses via social media, and 71% of consumers would recommend a company with which they have a good online experience. That doesn’t just translate to more sales; it also enhances reputations on a limitless platform. As somebody once said: ‘culture eats strategy for breakfast’.
95% of online adults aged 18-34 follow brands and businesses via social media, and 71% of consumers would recommend a company with which they have a good online experience. Click To Tweet
Positive outlook boosts confidence
Many salaries may be falling behind inflation recently, but it’s not all bad news. In fact, 77% of business owners believe activity will increase in 2019, and nearly half expect to employ more people. The forward-thinking manager will turn their mind increasingly towards delegating to the newcomers entering their workplace.
Good leaders put a promotion process in place and allow their staff to take more of a leadership role themselves. They may not get it right every time but trusting staff to be creative and have meaningful input is a sure-fire way of building confidence. Having the relevant Diploma in Leadership & Management (BSB51918) is important to understand what processes work best.
Widening demographics and flexible thinking
Increasing lifespans and tightened pension tests have an inevitable impact on the workforce. Modern-day Australians aged over 65 have a workforce participation rate of 13%, compared to just 8% in 2006. In this environment, organisations which find ways to attract older workers will remain a step ahead.
Understanding the value of offering flexible hours (often the case with older workers) is a proven path to productivity. A happy employee is more likely to be a loyal employee, so think flexibility in the year ahead.
Smart Managers value staff education
Providing workers with opportunities to upskill and retrain has been, and remains, a key plank of productivity. Continuous learning benefits workers and the business which employs them. Management and commerce are the most popular field of study, with 2.1 million Australians engaged in higher learning (an increase of 23% over the past five years).
Why wouldn’t a smart manager encourage that love of learning to benefit their business? Allowing study leave to accommodate a ‘hungry’ worker who’s studying for a Diploma will pay off in spades and on the bottom line.
Good leaders ‘walk the talk’
75% of job seekers check a company’s reputation before applying. Click To Tweet Good leaders show what is possible, but great leaders prove it. It’s no longer good enough to verbally support workplace policies and procedures if your actions indicate otherwise. Remember that 94% of workers are stressed in the office and a third state a corresponding health impact. Getting ‘down in the trenches’ indicates that you understand staff issues and are willing to support improvements.Encouraging mindfulness and developing coping strategies should be every leaders’ priority. Such initiatives are the key to a harmonious workplace and have benefits beyond the bottom line. Word gets around quickly (75% of job seekers check a company’s reputation before applying), so a good culture is vital not only to retain employees but attract more of the best.
Great leaders and managers are required in all areas of Australian business and create a happy, engaged workforce and satisfied customers. Entrepreneurs and employed leaders need to be mindful of filling their skill gaps by staying aware of workplace and job trends in 2019 and beyond.