Sodexo reveals latest workplace trends


Sodexo, world leader of quality of life services, has today released its 2018 Global Workplace Trends report, featuring fresh insights to global workforce leaders and decision makers.

The report highlights the most critical factors affecting the future of work and demonstrates how an improved workplace experience is key to increasing companies’ performance and leads ultimately to better employee engagement.

Recognising the increasing presence of robotic and artificial intelligence in the workplace and daily life, the trends outline the ways that the development of individual and collective human intelligence will guide the impact of technology on life.

Sylvia Metayer, CEO, Worldwide Corporate Services segment, said, “Since 2012, our Global Workplace Trends report has provided an important perspective on the future of many different types of workplace environments, spanning the globe.

“Our insight as one of the world’s largest global employers and our deep connection to consumers’ needs provide us with a unique perspective to recognise and analyse how the quality of life of individuals at work impacts the performance of organisations.”

“By understanding and anticipating these trends, we can more effectively help our clients plan what lies ahead, by experimenting and implementing human-centred and experience-based solutions.”

This year’s report focuses on seven interconnected topics with an overarching unifying theme: the need for collective intelligence across all workplace domains. The featured 2018 Sodexo Workplace Trends include:

Getting ready for Gen Z
With high expectations around technology and flexibility, while paying close attention to well-being and quality of life, Gen Z is reshaping the workplace in new and exciting ways for all generations.

The Internet of Things - shaping the future for workplace
IoT-supported workplace environments are an opportunity to operate and engage businesses and employees in a more effective manner by improving comfort in physical spaces, flexibility, precision in the process and ultimately quality of life for everyone.

Creating the emotionally intelligent workplace
Emotional intelligence has become a core skillset for high-performing organisations and leaders today. The workplace itself can be emotionally intelligent – by allowing people to bring their full spectrum of emotions to work, and aligning their fundamental human needs and motivations.

Re-imagining resources in the sharing economy
Forward-thinking organisations are redefining their business models to leverage the benefits of the sharing economy

Moving the needle of gender balance
To create a gender intelligent workplace, companies must examine the barriers that are holding back women and implement a cultural transformation driven by inclusive leaders.

Human capital management 3.0
Human Capital Management (HCM) 3.0 is bringing all the different technologies and programmes (learning, recognition, wellness) together to transform the work experience into the life experience. HCM aims to enhance the employee experience and help organisations perform at their best.

Employees - new change for corporate responsibility
Employees are now key stakeholders when it comes to shaping CR strategies. It is important for companies to give their workforce a voice, enabling them to feel fulfilled, while working toward a better future for all.

Sodexo’s Colleen Conklin, Director of Research for Corporate Services, NORAM, will be revealing more at this year’s ThinkFM conference on Tuesday 1 May in her 3.55pm session: Unlocking human potential through an emotionally intelligent workplace.