The Well-being of People and Planet Drives the Top Trend

The disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic has people and organizations reassessing what’s most important to them. The ways we work, live, and play are shifting as people choose what’s best for their well-being and the planet. Here are 8 top trends we we’re seeing in 2022.

1.  Urban Transformation

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, urban areas faced many challenges—from population density, shrinking real estate, and increasing housing costs to aging infrastructures, sustainability issues, and inequities. Yet people are resilient—and creative. One example is a new neighborhood in Draper, UT that embodies the ideal of a 15-minute city, which makes it easy to do everyday errands within the distance of a short walk or bike ride.

Another trend is commercial crossover spaces like Buckle Street Studios by Locke in London, which caters to remote workers who choose to stay in a studio, hotel room, or apartment and have the convenience to work how they want, as well as nearby dining and shopping.

2.  Carbon Revolution

Sustainability and clean energy efforts have increasingly ramped up over the last several years. One driver of this trend is younger consumers who actively seek climate-neutral and regenerative products for everyday purchases—like the vegan leather derived from mushrooms produced by MycoWorks.

There’s also a growing willingness among consumers to purchase secondhand products that includes furniture, major appliances, and apparel. Used goods seller FloorFound reports more brands are viewing “recommerce” as an opportunity to reduce waste, overcome supply chain challenges, increase brand loyalty, and generate income.

3.  Digital Upskilling

“New collar jobs” as coined by IBM are those that rely less on degrees or credentials and more on skills. Google, Apple, and Tesla have all announced that workers don’t need a college degree to get a job. The emphasis is now on skills and analytic ability. These are the new qualifications needed to succeed in the fast-growing fields of cybersecurity, cloud computing, and digital design.

Digital upskilling will also be necessary. McKinsey & Company reports that 33% or more of all existing jobs worldwide will be transformed by technology in the next decade. Organizations with cultures that focus on training for current employees will be better positioned for success.

4.  Hybrid Work

People want to work from home and at the office—or anywhere they choose—depending on their needs for a given day. The pandemic forced many to quickly adapt to working from home, and they did so quite effectively. Yet many people want to be in the office, at least some of the time, for very good reasons.

When a Fall 2021 US Workplace Survey asked people why they feel like they need to be in office, the top five reasons were to:

• Make key connections
• Feel included
• Avoid missing out
• Advance my career
• Be visible for promotion consideration