We all work in environments where change is the norm – it’s hard to keep up! Every year, we like to take a step back and look at the big picture of trending topics around organizational development, leadership and team training and share it with you. For the start of the new decade, we are delighted to see a movement towards more “human-focused” training and authentic leadership skills development – two areas where PRC excels. As a handy desk reminder or a handout at your next team meeting, we created an infographic. Click here to download.

Let us know what you think about this list and feel free to contribute any trending topics you are seeing!

TREND #1: Virtual & Flex Work is the Norm

Workplace flexibility is no longer a reward: it’s a mandate. Managers who focus on the clock will continue to decline in importance. The emerging on-demand model allows people to figure out how, when and where they can do their work.

TREND #2: Growth Through Upskilling

Companies must help employees strengthen their core skills and gain in-demand skills related to their roles, and connect them with opportunities to build their leadership skills. Prioritizing learning and development benefits the professional growth of people and the business.

TREND #3: More Human-focus

The more AI in the workplace, the more human qualities will be valued. These include motivation, communication, empathy, listening, vulnerability and understanding.

TREND #4: Culture Matters

With stories of workplace harassment and toxic office environments dominating the news, addressing unhealthy corporate cultures will be a core focus for 2020. Organizations will focus on fostering healthy employee experiences, from enforcing policies on workplace conduct to honoring their people’s need for a balanced work-life schedule.

TREND #5: Authentic CSR

Employees will expect their companies to take a stand on issues of importance, from gender and racial equality, to mental health and the environment. Organizations that demonstrate their commitment by using their voice and taking a stand with their people, will find success in 2020 and beyond.

TREND #6: Soft Skills are Power Skills

As more routine tasks are taken over by AI in the workplace, there will be an increased need for workers to hone their “soft skills,” or “power skills.” These include skills like communication, collaboration, cultural IQ, creativity, adaptability, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and curiosity.

TREND #7: Microlearning and Mobile Learning on the Rise

Research shows that millennial managers value learning and growth experiences more than previous generations. Yet, they want training and development delivered in a new way. They expect mobile access to learning opportunities, anytime, anywhere.

TREND #8: Leadership Development for All

Traditionally, senior executives are given executive coaches and development via executive seminars and retreats. New managers are typically put through a leadership development academy or boot camp. Middle managers and potential leaders are largely forgotten. In this new decade, everyone needs to be a leader who actively engages their people so look for more leadership development and coaching pushed down through the organization.

TREND #9: Total Rewards

Companies are quickly moving towards a Total Rewards model, which is a holistic approach to employees that includes compensation, wellbeing, benefits, development and recognition. People need to care about the work they are doing, and they need to know you care about them.

TREND #10: Focus on Applying and Sustaining Behaviors

For too long leadership development has been approached as a one-and-done experience. The problem is, we quickly forget most of what we learn unless we consistently apply it. If leaders aren’t applying the learning, research shows they will lose 40 to 80% of what they were taught in learning and development programs.