The Wrike research shows that workers struggle with communication overload that causes lapses in communication as they get caught up in time-consuming conversations.
Wrike says the key change in store for 2019 is a move to more centralised and streamlined communications, with a single platform that consolidates projects and relevant communications, and ties activities to company goals.
Tools
The second major prediction is greater emphasis on work-life balance. Digital tools now enable employees to work to a schedule to suits them better. In order to stay competitive, companies will need to prove to employees that positive work-life balance is a shared value.
Work-life balance is one of the most important considerations job candidates make when evaluating an organisation, outranked only by an attractive salary and long-term job security, Wrike research shows.
A US Stress and Productivity Survey shows that over half of respondents admit to looking for a new job when they think the stress of their role is too much, and 25% have actually quit a job due to stress in the workplace.
Flexibility
However, increased flexibility presents some challenges for employers in communicating their boundaries and expectations around getting tasks accomplished.
The third shift for 2019 is an ever-increasing pace of work.
Improved work-life balance doesn’t mean a slower pace. If anything, even more work will get done. With collaborative work-management platforms, automations, and templates, it’s now possible to work at a breakneck pace.
Automation
Project times are decreasing, with automation helping employees to do their work faster and better.
According to McKinsey, about 60% of occupations could have around one-third or more of their activities totally automated.
Companies will be challenged to find ways to manage the accelerating pace of work, avoiding burnout, and still offering employees a work-life balance.
Mentorship
Fourthly, mentorship will become ever more importance as millennials crave rapid career advancement, Wrike says.
Employers must set up more structured initiatives to support employees in career development by twinning younger workers with experienced, older hands.
And diversity and equality will remain hot button topics into 2019, the Wrike consultants believe, with gender parity key for successful organisations.