Now that we’re in 2019, it’s time to start looking at the future of the workplace. Here are five trends coming to work in 2019:

1) Increased Pace of Work:

The pace of work will increase and it will continue to accelerate going into 2019 and beyond. We’re all going to be expected to do more, in less time. How is this possible? The answer: automation and machine learning. Rather than fearing it, embrace it to stay ahead as they are coming quick either way.

2) Mentorship Programs:

According to research, 91% of millennials value rapid career progression as a top priority. This is where mentorship opportunities come into play. Many companies are choosing to increase the amount of mentorship programs as a way to increase employee retention and satisfaction. Another added benefit is the ability to upscale a younger workforce.

3) Agile Workforces:

The ADP National Employment Report predicts that companies will shift to a mosaic of workers to meet business needs, increase their focus on employee engagement, and embrace the importance of teams.

Did you know, 82% of work gets done in teams? From contractors to consultants, freelancers to salary employees, there are more generations at work today than ever before.

4) Mindfulness at Work:

Workplace wellness is nothing new, but for years that focus has been on physical wellness. Innovations in the workplace like standing-height desks and ergonomic seating have done wonders for taking care of our bodies, but up until now, nothing has been done to relieve workforce stress.

In the present, and looking to the future, many companies are starting to include mindfulness and meditation programs in the workplace. Reports from early studies show really impressive results. Want to experiment yourself? Millions of users are incorporating mindfulness into their work and personal lives through apps like Insight Timer, Calm, and Headspace.

5) Increased Cloud Dependence:

Companies are continuing to use the cloud, so much so that it would be hard to find a company today that doesn’t use at least one cloud-based solution. These are services made available to users on demand via the internet. At BOS, we use cloud-based services from companies like Google, Amazon, Adobe, Microsoft, Bluescape, and Yulio.

One prediction for 2019 is that the cloud will help companies focus on centralizing communication by combining email, chat, and flow of information. Why? The average worker spends as much as 20% of their work week looking for internal information.

These are just a few of the many changes coming to the workplace. Change is a great opportunity to improve and grow. What are some of the improvements you are planning to make to your business in 2019? I invite you to connect with me to learn more about work trends, technologies, and solutions.