A look at some of the top buzzwords for 2023
In the face of buzzwords such as “the great resignation” and “quiet quitting,” 2022 saw a major shift from organisations to better understand the importance of work-life balance.
Looking ahead to 2023, phrases such as “gen flex,” “flexetariat” and “flex holidays” are set to become part of daily workplace vernacular, according to a report from payroll and compliance provider Deel.
Just as we get used to the idea of having Gen Zs in the office, there’s a new generation flooding the workforce in 2023: “gen flex.” They started entering the workforce during the pandemic so virtual work is truly their reality.
As for “flexetariat,” today’s workforce is putting flexibility and freedom at the top of their working requirements.
Mandy Price, CEO and co-founder of DEI technology company Kanarys, agrees that flexibility will be key but says it will manifest in the form of more organisations embracing the four-day work week.
“The results from pilot programs were extremely promising and may encourage more companies to put in place shortened weeks,” she said pointing out that in California, democratic congressman Mark Takano has introduced a bill to officially reduce the work week from 40 to 32 hours.
Dr Jane Rennie, general manager of media and content at CPA in Melbourne, agrees that hybrid will become “hyper-flexible.”
“Allowing employees to work from home will no longer be enough to attract candidates in a tight jobs market. Employers looking to differentiate themselves will start offering hyper-flexible workplaces,” she said, also citing the four-day work week, along with international remote working.
As the tight labour market continues, more companies will offer work from anywhere (WFA) policies to retain people, according to Tom Walley, managing director at Flight Centre’s corporate travel management division.
“One company doing this well is eCommerce platform Shopify, which offers remote working with programs that foster in-person connection and team building,” he said. “Its ‘Destination90’ program allows staff to work from any location for 90 consecutive days and encourages them to meet and work with other Shopify teams face-to-face in other cities.”
Other 2023 buzzwords according to Deel include:
Overemployed (by choice): Remote workers are using flexible hours and asynchronous tools to juggle more than one job simultaneously. “For them, it’s all work and more play,” according to Deel.
Chief remote officer: With remote work on the rise and here to stay, “the title CRO is popping up on job boards everywhere,” says Deel. This involves remote team set-ups, hosting in-person events, how to work in different time zones, comp strategies, and internal communications tools.
Workcation: Deel’s analysts think this trend will gain traction in 2023. New tools and technology are enabling people to not only work from their couches but from anywhere with an internet connection in the world.
Talent snatching: Another day, another offer letter. “Amidst ongoing layoffs, the bidding war for talent is bubbling up,” says Deel sees this continuing. Some workers work at one company for only a few months before getting a more appealing offer elsewhere.
Casual e-signatures: Gen Zs are skipping the pleasantries for more “authentic” signoffs and out-of-office replies, says Deel. That could mean signoffs such as: “Lukewarm regards;” “Another day, another slay;” and “In case of emergency, dial 911; not an emergency, try Google.”
Career bouncing: There’s salary bouncing — the art of jumping from job to job in under a year to increase salary with each jump — and Deel predicts that 2023 will see the rise of “career bouncing,” where people move from one career to another, such as teaching to marketing, to determine which career is more appealing.
