2021 saw the entire world in a constant state of flux. Coming into the third year of the COVID pandemic, it’s obviously impossible to downplay its effect on the workplace and the economy in general. A lot of changes have been necessary in order to attempt to find some semblance of normality in this period of ongoing turmoil. Now looking forward to 2022, it’s important to consider what new trends will help to facilitate growth and sustainability, with no end to the pandemic in sight.
Business team collaboration discussing working analyzing with financial data and marketing growth report graph in team, presentation and brainstorming to strategy planning making profit of company.
Workers’ Compensation
In the Workers’ Compensation field, two of the biggest potential changes are on the outcome of the latest attempts to deschedule marijuana at the federal level and the changes in utilization of telemedicine.
Marijuana legalization will almost certainly be on the ballot again in November of this year, which would likely cause states to reconsider their own laws. This would have obvious repercussions and would require new regulation related to its use in workers’ compensation for the purposes of pain management during rehabilitation.
Caucasian female doctor delivering telemedicine consultation to a patient. Telehealth, telemedicine, remote consultation service. Coronavirus, COVID-19
During the widespread lockdowns in the early 2021 COVID surges, telemedicine saw a massive uptick, as many medical services conducted video calls and restricted their office visits. While these numbers slowed as regulations lessened again, this called into question the long term utilization of telemedicine services.
Despite estimates of its limited application, especially in regards to workers’ compensation, its use for consultation or onboarding call into question how extensive its use could be and how to determine the differences in value between a traditional appointment and one conducted virtually.
Workplace Trends
For the workplace in general, looking back at 2021, this year seems to indicate a need for changes to the relationship between employer and employee. One of the major upheavals of the previous year was the labor shortage.
Opening the year with a focus on both talent retention and increasing draw for new employees is vital, with the expectation that employee turnover will only increase. One strategy would be to encourage and support internal mobility and continued employee education.
It is also going to be necessary to grapple with the changes to employees’ expectations regarding remote work opportunities. Increasing the possibility of a hybrid work environment allows employees to get a better grasp on their work/life balance and mental well-being.
Going forward, every new year should also have an increased effort towards sustainability. We’re already seeing problems related to scarcity in the ongoing supply-chain disruption, which has had a noticeable effect on many industries. While inaction might bring short term savings, eventually changes will be necessary to survive. Focusing on streamlined efficiency and developing a sustainable future has the added benefit of signaling to your community and potential hires that you are dedicated towards continued growth.
2022 can be the year of sustainable growth even in the face of adversity, but it requires adaptation to the new normal.
