How most business leaders think about employees and workforces has had to change beyond all recognition in the last two years. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how many workforces operate. The pandemic has changed people’s expectations when it comes to the “work/life balance” and hybrid working policies are becoming popular in industries where possible. Businesses have also re-evaluated the usage of premises and for many, spend on technology has typically increased to support remote working and improve productivity.

Another feature of recent years has been the growing awareness of Diversity and Inclusion as a key aspect of the workforce. As the economy emerges from pandemic, recruiting and retaining people with the right skills to deliver on business strategies has become increasingly difficult and expensive. The “great resignation” has affected many businesses and the increasing emphasis on wellbeing and job satisfaction means that offering people the right mix of pay, rewards and benefits has become more complicated.

Finally, there is no part of any business that is not having to consider Environmental, Social and Governance issues; the ESG agenda. How businesses address this in the context of their workforce will only become more important over the coming years.