Top 2024 Workplace Trends [Statistics & Expert Insights]

The 4-day workweek for everyone.

Mental health day off every month.

AI seamlessly integrated into every industry.

Pay raises soaring high enough to turn workers into millionaires.

Robots recruiting humans.  

Can 2024 be so crazy?

To unravel the possibilities of the near future, MyPerfectResume asked almost 1,900 employees for their predictions for the year ahead. 

We analyzed various work-related aspects to provide the best insight and offer quality forecasts:

• Condition of the 2024 labor market 
• Mental health perks
• Hiring moves
• Employees striking gold with their salaries
• Remote work trends
• AI and new technologies ruling the workplace realm
• CSR, D&I, employee benefits, and more
• Generally, will 2024 be good or bad?

The pages ahead will empower you to adapt, thrive, and seize the unparalleled opportunities in wait. So, fasten your seatbelts, fellow time travelers, as we dive headfirst into the pulsating heart of the 2024 workplace.

General market condition in 2024

Inflation? Recession? Prosperity? The market’s well-being serves as the foundation upon which emerging trends flourish or wither away. 

Planning to find a new job? 45% of respondents predict that this will be easier in 2024. 28% of workers assume that finding a job next year will be the same as in 2024, while another 28% expect a much worse scenario, saying it will be harder for workers to find employment. 

Staying with negative sentiment, 85% of respondents fear losing their job in 2024. 

Generally, 61% believe many people will lose their jobs in 2024.

Besides that, 8 in 10 respondents (78%) expect a recession in the US in 2024. 

Such an economic situation would not be without an impact on the employment rate. 34% of respondents expect the unemployment rate to rise in 2024. However, the majority is slightly more optimistic. 40% assume that the rate will remain at the current level, while 26% think it will decrease. 

6 in 10 workers (59%) say general labor market conditions will improve in 2024.

We may also expect something good to come from the gig economy that will continue to expand, according to 66% of respondents. 

Companies will increasingly tap into the gig economy for specialized skills and short-term projects. This trend will provide flexibility for both businesses and freelancers, creating new opportunities for collaboration.

 

Rich Mullins, Founder and Owner of H2O plumbing

Well-being and mental health

In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, well-being and mental health have become crucial aspects of our overall quality of life. And in 2024, we can expect it only to gain importance. But things will be challenging.

55% of respondents predict that their overall well-being and mental health in 2024 will improve. 26% expect their mental health condition to remain the same, while 18% expect it to deteriorate.

Job-related physical and emotional exhaustion may contribute to worsening mental health conditions.

• 40% predict that more people will suffer job burnout in 2024 than in the previous years.
• 35% say that the number of people suffering job burnout will stay relatively the same.
• 25% hope that fewer workers will suffer job burnout.

Additionally, 62% believe that the labor market in 2024 will bring us more stress than in previous years. 

These perceptions highlight the need for proactive measures to address the issue and ensure that a higher percentage falls within that hopeful category. The upcoming year poses an opportunity to prioritize mental health and implement strategies to make workplaces more sustainable and supportive.

So, here’s the good news. 

• 87% of surveyed workers believe that employers will prioritize employee mental health and well-being more in 2024 compared to previous years.
• 84% believe that organizations will increase their investment in employees’ mental health and well-being programs in 2024.
• 81% think organizations will offer employees more mental health resources and support, such as counselling services or mindfulness programs in 2024.
• 80% expect more organizations will offer mental health days or additional time off in 2024.
• 78% predict that organizations will be more proactive in identifying and addressing burnout and work-related stress among employees in 2024 than in 2024.
• 77% say there will be a greater focus on work-life balance and boundaries, such as reducing after-hours emails and meetings in 2024.

Some more hopeful predictions cover the following aspects: 

• Workers will pay more attention to their work-life balance in 2024 – 70%
• Employers will pay more attention to workers’ work-life balance in 2024 – 69%
• More and more employers will offer flexible work schedules in 2024 – 71%
• More workers will provide remote work opportunities in 2024 – 68%
• There will be a greater focus on employee-personalized perks supporting well-being and mental health – 71%

The numbers indicate the percentage of respondents who agree or somewhat agree with the statement.

All things considered, 8 in 10 respondents (83%) believe that well-being changes in 2024 will positively affect employees.

Employee well-being will take center stage in 2024, with a focus on mental health support, work-life balance, and flexibility. Companies will need to adopt holistic approaches to support their employees’ physical and mental health, recognizing that a healthy workforce is a productive one.Carlos Eduardo, Founder and Main Author at scorebeyond.com

Recruitment trends

With each passing year, the dynamics of finding and securing talent evolve. Does 2024 promise to be a year of unprecedented change?

Let’s ask a question that keeps jobseekers up at night. Job openings in 2024 – more or less?

• 43% anticipate an increase in job openings.
• 30% expect the numbers to remain consistent. 
• However, 27% are less optimistic, foreseeing a decrease in job opportunities. 

But, the realm of remote work exhibits its own dynamics.

• 45% predict a reduction in remote job openings. 

• 34% envision an uptick.
• 21% foresee a status quo.

Another question we asked the respondents concentrated on salary ranges in job listings. 

71% of respondents predict that more companies will include salary information in their job postings.

This trend aligns with the growing demand for openness and fairness in hiring. When salary information is provided upfront, jobseekers and employers benefit by streamlining the application process and ensuring that candidates and companies are on the same page regarding compensation expectations. 

But if you’re expecting positive changes in terms of recruitment processes, you may be in for a shock. 

61% expect recruitment processes to be longer in 2024.

In 2024, it may appear more important than ever for organizations to find a balance that ensures thorough evaluation while respecting candidates’ time and reducing the risk of losing top talent to competitors.

Some more workers’ predictions for recruitment trends in 2024 cover:

• AI will support HR teams in recruitment processes more in 2024 than in 2024 – 72%
• There will be a higher demand for qualified workers or specialists in 2024 – 71%
• Competition, i.e., the number of people applying for the same position, will increase in 2024 – 68%
• Online interviews will be more popular than in-person interviews in 2024 – 68%

There has already been increased attention on HR technology and software in the last couple of years, and I think we’ll see that continue growing to a new level in 2024. Particularly given the need for upskilling/future-proofing of workforces, I predict we’ll see a trend toward even more asynchronous and AI-assisted training and learning systems being utilized by businesses, along with an increase in the use of ATS systems and similar software on the recruitment side.Matt Erhard, Managing Partner at Summit Search Group

Additionally, 90% believe that jobseekers will use LinkedIn more often than they use dedicated job search websites (including 55% of those who said “yes, probably” and 35% “yes, definitely”).

Overall, almost 8 in 10 workers (76%) say that changes in the recruitment processes and practices will positively influence workers in 2024.

Salary & financial expectations

In the ever-evolving world of work, career goals, or development opportunities, one constant is rewarding salary and rising financial expectations. 

75% of respondents are convinced there will be pay raises next year. 

And there’s more fascinating stuff to come. People predict that:

• There will be better pay transparency in 2024 – 71%
• The wage gap between men and women will close in 2024 – 70%
• More people will quit in 2024 if they don’t consider their salaries rewarding – 69%
• Employers will need to pay more to retain workers in 2024 – 68%

Overall, the outlook for employees’ financial situations in 2024 presents a mixed perspective, with a clear majority of 52% expressing optimism about an improvement. On the flip side, 17% hold concerns that their financial circumstances may deteriorate, while 31% anticipate a continuation of the status quo.

The year ahead is one of both opportunities and challenges, requiring individuals to navigate and manage their financial affairs with resilience and foresight.

Work models

The year 2024 promises to be a dynamic arena where various work configurations are set to take center stage. Full on-site work? Remote? Hybrid? The battle is just beginning.

Almost 9 in 10 people (87%) believe more companies will introduce return-to-office (RTO) policies in 2024 than in 2024.

This shift may underscore the ongoing adaptation to post-pandemic conditions and reevaluate how and where work is conducted. Balancing the desire for in-office collaboration with the newfound preferences for flexibility will be a critical challenge for employers in the coming year.

Companies have come to realize the benefits of remote work but also miss the collaboration and team cohesion that a physical workspace provides. I predict a shift towards flexible work environments where employees can choose their work setting based on the tasks they have for the day. This could very well be the future of work, where the office becomes a hub for specific types of work rather than a mandatory daily destination.Milosz Krasinski, the CEO of Chilli Fruit Web Consulting

From increased employee control to productivity levels or the preference for remote work over higher salaries, look at other trends that workers anticipate.

• Employers will more carefully monitor remote employees’ work – 73%
• There will be more remote work opportunities – 73%
• Employees will prefer remote work over a higher salary – 72%
• Employees will not be willing to work from the office full-time – 71%
• Remote workers’ productivity will be higher than on-site workers – 71%
• Companies will encourage a hybrid model instead of full remote work – 70%

Additionally, 7 in 10 respondents (68%) agree or somewhat agree that remote workers will value remote work even more in 2024 than in 2024.

Professional development

Every day is an opportunity to unlock new potential, learn, and soar to greater heights. As we step into the horizon of 2024, the notion of career development takes center stage, promising a year filled with innovation, transformation, and uncharted avenues of learning.

Let’s look at our respondents’ predictions regarding professional development in 2024. 

• Work experience will matter more than education in 2024 – 74%
• Re-skilling will be necessary for many professions in 2024 – 70%
• Employers will encourage or even force employees to pursue further training and development in 2024 – 69%

It looks like next year will be a busy one. But maybe we can count on employers’ help. 

7 in 10 workers (72%) believe that it’s a good idea for companies to introduce mentoring and coaching programs to support the development of workers.

Leaders will be looking to develop their team’s soft skills, which I believe will increase company investments in mentorship programs. An experienced mentor goes beyond classroom training, helping their mentees mature and develop the soft skills that will turn them into great leaders and adaptability pros. *At the same time, mentorship programs keep teams more engaged, connected to each other, and invested in communal success, which becomes increasingly important as businesses fight to hold onto their best talent.Robert Kaskel, Chief People Officer at Checkr

The desire for such initiatives highlights the workforce’s keen interest in professional growth and development. This implies that employees are not only willing but also eager to embrace opportunities for skill enhancement, guidance, and personal growth, and they see their employers as valuable partners in their journey toward career success.

AI boom & new technologies

The juicy topic of 2024 was undoubtedly the development of AI, especially the emergence of ChatGPT. In the coming year, we can only expect the further growth of new technologies with AI as the leading star. How will they affect workers and the labor market?

8 in 10 respondents (78%) fear losing their jobs due to the growth of AI in 2024. 

While AI promises numerous benefits and advancements, including improved efficiency and productivity, the fear of automation displacing human workers remains a prevalent concern. For now, working with AI will require cooperation with a human being.

But, whether it will be a positive trend for some or harmful for others, we cannot deny that AI will take over some processes.

Amost 9 in 10 people (88%) believe that AI and other new technologies take over some of the duties performed by humans.

But that doesn’t mean people will lose their jobs.

• 41% believe AI and other new technologies will create more job opportunities in 2024.
• However, 34% say workers may expect a reduction in job opportunities.
• 25% are convinced that AI and other new technologies won’t affect job opportunities in 2024.

Still, many good things can result from the development of AI and new technologies.

• 81% of respondents foresee using AI and other new technologies more in 2024 for work-related purposes.
• 81% expect changes in job roles or responsibilities due to adopting AI and other new technologies within your organization in 2024
• 80% anticipate their organization will increase its investment in AI technologies in 2024
• 79% believe AI will be a key factor in their industry’s success in 2024
• Almost 7 in 10 respondents (68%) agree or somewhat agree that in 2024, to meet market or customer expectations, businesses must strive to incorporate AI and new technologies.

All things considered, when assessing the impact of AI and new technologies on workplaces, 49% of respondents mention positive changes, while 44% predict neutral ones. Only 7% expect a negative impact.

I expect AI to bring about significant changes in the job market dynamics in 2024 and beyond. It’s only a matter of time before employers start seeking candidates who are proficient in using AI tools to enhance their productivity and efficiency. This shift in recruitment criteria will drive a surge in programs and courses dedicated to upskilling AI manipulation skills and prompt engineering.Jessica Bane, Director of Business Operations at GoPromotional

CSR, D&I, and more

In 2024, we can anticipate significant technological advancements and a focus on smaller trends and revolutions that shape the business landscape. Employee benefits will undergo transformation, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) will continue to play a pivotal role, and a holistic approach to business ethics will emphasize that success is not just about profit.

CSR

• 88% expect corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to become more integral to business strategies in 2024.
• 80% say their organizations will increase their investment in CSR efforts, such as philanthropy or community engagement, in 2024 than in previous years.

Diversity & Inclusion

• 79% believe diversity and inclusion (D&I) efforts will be a higher priority for organizations in 2024 than in previous years.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives will continue to gain momentum. Organizations will prioritize creating inclusive workplaces that celebrate diversity and provide equal opportunities for all employees. This includes addressing pay equity, promoting diversity in leadership roles, and implementing anti-bias training programs.Carlos Eduardo, Founder and Main Author at scorebeyond.com

Ethical issues

• 79% believe ethical and sustainable practices will become more central to business operations and decision-making in 2024 than in previous years.
• 81% say their organizations will invest more in environmentally responsible practices, such as reducing waste and energy consumption, in 2024 than in previous years.

As global emphasis on climate action and sustainability grows, workplaces will reflect this priority. It’s not just about eco-friendly products; businesses will also adopt sustainable practices in their operations. Expect a surge in companies emphasizing green office spaces, eco-friendly transportation options for employees, and sustainable supply chain practices.Brandon Chopp, Digital Manager at iHeartRaves

Employer loyalty

• 80% say that 2024 be the first year of The Big Stay, meaning workers will remain in their current jobs for more extended periods of time.

After the upheaval caused by the pandemic and the subsequent Great Resignation, it seems that both employers and employees are now focusing on stability. Companies are becoming more attuned to the needs and desires of their staff, moving towards a skills-based model and creating internal brand strategies that align with employee expectations.Olivia Stettler, Head of HR at LV Casino

Benefits & perks

• 7 in 10 respondents (73%) believe they will be more satisfied with benefits provided by employers in 2024.

Post-pandemic realities have brought mental well-being into sharp focus. As a result, we’ll see a surge in ‘mental health days’ being part of standard company benefits. Companies will integrate mindfulness zones, encourage digital detox hours, and perhaps even hire Chief Mental Well-being Officers.Ben Lamarche, General Manager at Lock Search Group

2024 outlook

Will 2024 be good for workers?

• 69% believe that 2024 will generally be better for workers than 2024.
• 71% say it will be a good time to change your job.
• 68% agree it will be a good time to start your own business.

Almost 8 in 10 respondents (78%) believe that there will be more positive work-related changes taking place in 2024.

The new year is also a time for reflection, new resolutions, and setting priorities. So, we asked our respondents to indicate their top work-related priorities.

1. Getting a promotion 
2. Getting a new job 
3. Development, education 
4. Getting work independence (e.g., flexible schedules, freelance job)
5. Focusing more on well-being and mental health
6. Starting own business
7. Earning more (in the same position or by finding a side job)
8. Engage more and be more productive

These priorities encompass a spectrum of ambitions, from career advancements like securing promotions or seeking new job opportunities to a commitment to personal growth through development and education. Collectively, they underscore the evolving dynamics of the workplace and illuminate the diverse range of objectives that shape our professional journeys.

Methodology

The findings presented were obtained by surveying 1867 American respondents. They were asked questions relating to what work-related changes and trends may await us in 2024. These included yes/no questions, open-ended questions, scale-based questions relating to levels of agreement with a statement, and questions that permitted the selection of multiple options from a list of answers.

Limitations

The data we are presenting relies on self-reports from respondents. Each person who took our survey read and responded to each question without any research administration or interference. There are many potential issues with self-reported data like selective memory, telescoping, attribution, or exaggeration.

Some questions and responses have been rephrased or condensed for readers’ clarity and ease of understanding. In some cases, the percentages presented may not add up to 100 percent; depending on the case, this can be due to rounding, due to being part of a larger statistic, or due to responses of “neither/uncertain/unknown” not being presented.

Fair Use Statement

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