This is how the jobs market and workplace will change in 2018

Employers are a sucker for the latest fad as much as as anyone else and, added to changing legislation and media focus on issues such as equality and harassment, each New Year could mean something new for you in the workplace.

Here, Lee Biggins, founder and managing director at CV-Library, makes his predictions for 2018.

More fluidity in the job market

CV Library’s research found that three quarters (74.3 per cent) of the nation’s workers believe that job-hopping has become more acceptable over the years, and 2018 will likely see more workers opting for freelance and contract positions.

Higher importance on workplace perks

Two-thirds (62.1 per cent) of professionals say they consider these to be a key factor when looking for a job. With many companies seeking new ways to stand out from their competitors, this will continue to be a priority in 2018.

More progress on closing the gender pay gap

A staggering, 87.9 per cent of women said that they’ve been paid less because of theirgender.

Rise in companies offering returnships

More than threequarters (79 per cent) of the nation’s workers admitting they would be more inclined to join a company that offered a returnship programme and the trend of organisations offering these is set to grow even further in 2018.

More flexibility for workers

With CV-Library data revealing that two thirds of the nation’s workers are losing up to 16 days commuting a year, we expect more companies to offer flexible and home working to their staff.

A focus on a strong work/life balance

The average UK worker (36.7 per cent) puts in over 13 extra working days a year, with two thirds (64 per cent) admitting that they often work more than their contracted hours. Businesses are seeking ways to ease this pressure.

Strong leadership will drive employee morale

82.2 per cent of Brits have had a bad leader at work, with 41.3 per cent stating that this has made them feel de-motivated. Organisations should focus on creating a robust senior management team.

Companies take diversity more seriously

With 70.8 per cent of UK workers revealing that discrimination around age is common in their workplace, there will be more of a focus on celebrating all kinds of diversity including both age and gender.