Top 5 Trends for the Workplace in 2022

Top 5 Trends for the Workplace in 2022

The modern workplace has continuously evolved, constantly adapting and changing to meet employees’ preferences on where, how, and why they want to work. In response, employers strive to remain attractive to employees by offering compelling perks, better work environments, and training and development programs.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it changed the work environment and put additional pressure on businesses and HR teams to better meet the needs of their workers. Here are five key HR trends to keep an eye on this year.

The Great Resignation will continue

In 2021, employees voluntarily left the workforce in droves. Some were driven by the need to be home with their families. Others left jobs for better opportunities. This trend of employees leaving their jobs will continue in 2022. In fact, research shows that employees will be more likely to leave in 2022, with 65% of workers saying they intend to stay in 2022 versus 70% of workers in 2021. The great exodus is driven by several factors, including workplace environment and culture, compensation and benefits, and prioritizing work-life balance. Companies that can meet their employees and prospects with the right blend of these will attract and retain better, happier, and more productive employees.

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Faking COVID? Lack of COVID Tests Spell Nightmare for HR Workers

HR expert Rob Wilson explains how COVID continues to challenge HR guidelines

COVID Self-TestAccessible and accurate COVID testing is a crucial part of our return to the ‘new normal,’ particularly when it comes to getting employees back to work. This is especially true when it comes to businesses which haven’t yet required the COVID vaccine, and instead will accept negative COVID test results from unvaccinated staff.

“One way that many human resource departments have navigated the challenging and divisive issue of vaccine mandates is by accepting negative COVID results in their stead. But as many cities in America are grappling with COVID testing shortages, this stopgap is no longer a viable solution, especially as even fully vaccinated people are now getting the new strain of the virus and the CDC has said that fully vaxxed Americans are still spreading Omicron,” says Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA, a nationwide employment solutions firm with clients across the country.

“And, the surge in COVID testing means that results are taking longer than before, especially without adequate lab staffing. So even if your employees CAN get tested quickly, they may be waiting days for the results.”

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(Podcast) Upcoming Changes for Employers in 2022

On this month’s podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss upcoming changes for employers in the new year. They cover minimum wage updates for various states and cities, new 401(k) contribution limits, the Illinois Secure Choice plan, employee tip credit requirements, vaccine mandate holds/updates, merit pay increases vs inflation, and more.

We’re always happy to help with any questions you may have on the latest regulations, government policies, and trending HR topics: hr@employco.com

Podcast: Upcoming Changes for Employers in 2022

HR Chat w/Employco USA: Workplace Holiday Parties

We receive a number of questions from our clients as we consult them on a variety of HR issues.

HR Chat w/Employco USA: Workplace Holiday Parties

In this video, Rob and Jason discuss workplace holiday parties. From virtual to back in person, they discuss the dos and don’ts, policy reminders, COVID changes and precautions, best practices, and more.

Questions? We’re here to help, info@employco.com

HR Chat w/Employco USA: Health Insurance

We receive a number of questions from our clients as we consult them on a variety of HR issues.

HR Chat w/Employco USA: Health Insurance

In this video, Rob and Jason discuss health insurance. They cover open enrollment, renewal increases, employer tips, how to save money with Employco’s buying power, and more.

Questions? We’re here to help, info@employco.com

(Podcast) Health Insurance Renewals

On this month’s podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason discuss health insurance renewals. They cover new rates for 2022, stories of high increases, the effects of COVID-related claims, recommendations for employers on how to save money (from plan design changes to routine care), the importance of voluntary benefits/perks, and more.

From health care to our buying power, we’re always happy to help with any questions you may have: hr@employco.com

Podcast: Health Insurance Renewals

Partying During the Pandemic: The Return of Holiday Office Parties

Employment trends expert weighs in

Holiday PartyWith the COVID-19 pandemic more under control, many offices are considering the idea of bringing back holiday parties. But, how can you safely host an office party during a pandemic, and are the risks worth the camaraderie?

“Our internal research has shown that many of our clients are going to do a holiday party this year. They’re very eager to start building connections between their staff again, and to bring back some cheer to the office after such a dark time,” says Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA and employment trends expert. “But hosting an office party right now can be difficult. There are several factors that companies need to consider before they start planning a party, big or small.”

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OSHA Releases Vaccination and Testing ETS

Emergency Temporary Standard

On Nov. 4, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a federal emergency temporary standard (ETS) to address COVID-19 infection in the workplace. Affected employers will be required to comply with most provisions of the ETS by Dec. 5, 2021, and with its testing requirements by Jan. 4, 2022. Affected employers include private employers with 100 or more employees. State plans will have 30 days to adopt the federal ETS or implement their own vaccination standard.

ETS Requirements – Employers must determine the vaccination status of each employee, obtain acceptable proof of vaccination and keep a roster of each employee’s vaccinations status. The ETS also requires employers to:

  • Develop, implement and enforce a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy; or
  • Create a policy allowing employees to choose to get a vaccination or wear a face covering in the workplace and have weekly COVID-19 testing done.

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(Podcast) Jobs: Where Are the People?

On this month’s podcast Rob, Scott, and Jason break down the latest jobs report. They discuss jobless claims, labor shortages, why employees are changing careers, recommendations for employers to recruit employees, corporate culture, flexible working conditions, and more.

We’re always happy to help with any questions you may have on the HR side: hiring, terminating, employee retention, employee engagement, or general HR. Send us a message at: hr@employco.com

(Podcast) Jobs: Where Are the People?

Scam Alert: New Study Says Job Scams on the Rise Due to COVID Pandemic

Employment trends expert comments on the Better Business Bureau study

Fraud AlertA new study from the Better Business Bureau has found that employment scams nearly doubled during 2020. Over 14 million victims fell prey to employment scams in 2020, causing losses of nearly $2 billion.

Employment trends expert Rob Wilson speaks on this troubling trend, as well as offers solutions for companies and employers.

“We’ve known these scams have been on the rise for months, and we have been helping our clients with how to best address the issue, but it is still very shocking to see just how quickly these scams mushroomed during the pandemic,” says Wilson, who is the President of Employco USA, an employment solutions firm based in Chicago.

Wilson says that the perpetrators are stealing employees’ identities in order to access government funds under their name.

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