For many people, the start of a new year signifies opportunity. Whether you’re setting resolutions for a healthier lifestyle, committing to spending more time with family or figuring out how to get organized, January is a time to turn over a new leaf and start working towards goals for the new year. 

If your new year’s resolution includes searching for a new job, you’re not alone. A study recently conducted by Joblist concluded that nearly three out of every four full-time employees plan to search for a new job in 2022. If you’re one of the many job seekers looking for a new opportunity this year, here are the trends that you need to know about. 

Employers Respond to The Great Resignation 

The Great Resignation, a term first used over the summer, is still alive and well, with a record number of 4.5 million people quitting their jobs in November. What’s contributing to this large number of people choosing to walk out on their current jobs? Many people cite pay as a main reason. A study conducted by the Society for Human Resources Management found that 53 percent of people searching for new positions were looking for higher compensation, and 55 percent of employees reported wondering if pay in their current role was high enough. 

Employers have responded to The Great Resignation. When asked how they’re combating high employee turnover, HR executives reported that over 40 percent had implemented additional work flexibility, and nearly 30 percent had begun offering some sort of referral bonus program or increased employee compensation. In 2022, job seekers looking for a new position in 2022 can expect to see more creative offerings from companies as they look for new ways to attract and retain top talent. 

COVID-19 Safety Guidelines

If the first few weeks of 2022 have taught us anything, it’s that COVID-19 is still very much present in our daily lives. In an effort to keep employees and workplaces safe, many employers are implementing safety guidelines that may affect considerations such as working hours and work environment. Depending on the industry you are pursuing a position in, regular testing or receiving the COVID-19 vaccine may even be a job requirement. 

Prepare to evaluate an organization’s response to COVID-19 in addition to standard employer offerings, such as compensation and benefits. Your interest in accepting a role may be affected by these considerations. As laws, regulations and policies change at federal, state and local levels, how companies respond to the ongoing healthcare crisis will continue to be a hot topic in the new year. 

Remote Work 

It’s been almost two years since many  workplaces made the decision to shift to remote work settings. While some people still prefer a traditional office environment, much of the workforce has embraced remote work and is hoping it’s here to stay. 

A Gallup study found that 91 percent of people currently working in a remote or hybrid setting hope that the ability to work from home will remain after the pandemic is over. Hybrid work still remains the most preferred form of work with 54 percent of employees reporting that they’d like the opportunity to go into the office every once in a while. While your ability to work remotely may depend on the industry that you chose to pursue a career in, remote work is a trend that will continue to impact the workforce into 2022. 

As we enter the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, much of how we view the job market has changed. The Great Resignation, shifting COVID-19 safety guidelines and remote work will all play a factor in how companies and job seekers approach hiring in 2022. If you’re ready to find a new position in the new year, knowing these trends will help you navigate the job market in 2022. 

Ready to find a new opportunity in 2022? Check out our current job openings at careers.medixteam.com.