A Microsoft Study From 31 Countries Shows People Demand A New Way To Live And Work

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53% of people are more likely to prioritize their health and well-being right now, compared to before the pandemic. 

We’ve all had to reassess how and when we work and how to bring more meaning into our daily lives. Hybrid work requires a new way of leadership and work style but people and leaders don’t always agree on what matters. Being able to pivot based on current trends is crucial for your business’s success. 

Microsoft’s latest Work Trend Index compiles input from 31,000 people in 31 countries, labor trends from LinkedIn, and trillions of productivity signal 5 things that matter right now. 

People Choose Family and Personal Life Over Work

There’s more to life than work. 

Compared to before the pandemic, 47% of employees are more likely to put family and personal life over work. 

While money and financial success are important, people are realizing that time with family and time off are also important to creating a 360 degree life. 

Health & Well-Being Matters

People choose well-being when deciding where to work. 

53% are more likely to prioritize their health and well-being — that figure rises to 55% for parents and 56% for women.

How is your company incorporating wellness into the work flow?

Flexible work doesn’t mean everyone should be always on. 

Microsoft study points to an increase in work hours by 13% with an after-work hours increase of 28% and weekend work increase of 14%. We’re spending more time in chat rooms(32%), and meetings (252% increase). 

This trend is “a rising tide that’s not sustainable” says Jared Spataro, corporate vice president of modern work, leading Microsoft’s modern work team. 

Being able to disconnect from work can prevent burnout. 

People quit for these specific reasons 

Attracting and retaining top talent is challenging, especially now.

“Fifty-two percent of Gen Z and Millennials are considering changing employers this year (up 3% year-over-year), and 18% of all respondents quit their job in the past 12 months, with well-being, mental health, work-life balance, and lack of flexible work hours cited as top reasons,” states this article in Harvard Business Review. 

The Great Reshuffle is not over.  

What people want from a job differs from what companies offer 

73% of employees want flexible work hours while 50% of leaders either require or plan to bring employees back to the office. 

People’s priorities lie in working for a company with positive culture (46%), well-being benefits (42%), a sense of purpose and meaning (40%), and more than two weeks’ vacation time (35%). 

People proved they can be trusted working from home so why not allow them to continue to do the same while making the employee experience in the office worthwhile their commute?

People’s expectations have changed in the past 2 years. 

People want a new way to live, work and play. The companies that adapt to these changes will succeed in creating a place that people want to work for. 

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