In our industry, we remain relevant solely by our ability to understand and adapt to current trends. This is why it is imperative to not only know about the current trends, but ask the right questions as well as understand what we can do to position ourselves to advance during times of change and disruption. We exist and live in a solution-driven environment, so the moment we stop educating ourselves on current trends and “big ideas” is the moment we are surpassed by innovation. Here at Berardi + Partners, we deeply care about our relationships with people, which is why we spend a great deal of time learning and understanding how the current trends are impacting our workforce. Below are five of the top trends currently impacting the workplace, thus directly impacting the people we work with on a daily basis.

Cultivating Connectivity
It’s no surprise that we are living in an incredibly technologically-focused age where average screen time for Americans can surpass 12 hours a day. With the rise of digital connectivity, studies are beginning to suggest that there is a rise in our inherent desire for social support through human connection, a type of connection that simply cannot be fulfilled through a screen. Within this trend lies an opportunity for employers to respond to this desire by fostering human connection in the workplace. Each month our employees make it a priority to organize time outside the office to volunteer and engage in our local community. This not only produces a connected environment, but it also allows our employees to pursue opportunities that are close to their hearts and parallel their passions.

Workplace Flexibility
While this is by no means a new trend in the workforce, it certainly is a trend that has remained part of the conversation. Employees are continuing to push for flexibility regarding how and when they complete their tasks. The conversation around work-life balance continues to be the driving force behind the desire for more flexible work hours. Studies suggest that companies that embrace flexibility within their workplace, yield higher levels of productivity, reduced stress-levels, and improved employee retention. Here at Berardi + Partners, employees have the option to work four 9-hour workdays in order to take half-days on Fridays. Our company also offers flexibility around when those 9 hours are fulfilled throughout the day.

Understanding the “Greater Good”
By 2025, Millennials will roughly make up 75% of the modern day workforce. While Millennials are notorious for their obsession with avocado toast, they are also becoming well known for their interest in a company’s ‘greater good’. In the 2018 Deloitte Millennial Study, the message was clear: “Young workers are eager for business leaders to be proactive about making a positive impact in society”. This is why it is imperative for employers and business leaders to prove themselves as agents of positive change within the workforce. Jon Holway, our Director of Architecture states that he is “incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our Clients who work tirelessly to provide quality, stable living environments for at-risk populations”. To view some of our affordable housing projects, CLICK HERE.

Mental Health
In a study conducted by Wrike, it was reported that “94% of workers report feeling stress at work, and almost a third say their stress level is too unsustainably high”, which is not only impacting their productivity, but also the employee’s overall health and well-being. Due to high rates of stress, anxiety, depression and burnout, companies are beginning to focus their efforts on creating space within the workplace that cultivates tension-release. I am most thankful for the gym that we have here at Berardi + Partners because it provides a space to release the stress that has been accumulated throughout the day in the form of exercise.

Soft Skill Development
Investing in your current and upcoming workforce through the development of soft skills not only produces a more equipped workforce, but more importantly, it produces a more resilient workforce. The Millennial generation has expressed a strong desire for mentorship and they are looking to businesses to provide it. Soft skills are the definition of timeless skills, but it is crucial that they are developed in a timely manner. In an ever-changing workforce, soft skills will work as the bridge between an employee’s ability to understand the changes in the workplace and their ability to leverage their unique skill sets within this new industry. For more information on how you can implement Soft Skill Training in your company, visit Growing Leaders, Inc.