Workplace Revolution: My Top Predictions for 2023 that Could Potentially Change Everything

As we start 2023, it’s natural to wonder what the future holds for the workplace. Will remote work become the norm? Will artificial intelligence and automation transform the way we do business? To get a sense of what we can expect in the coming years, we’ve gathered a list of 2023 predictions about the future of work. From the rise of virtual reality to the evolution of the gig economy, these predictions offer a glimpse into what we can expect in the next two years and beyond.

What are the top workplace predictions this 2023? Some of my predictions include an increase in remote work and work-from-anywhere set-ups, the continued integration of technology in the workplace, and the rise of flexible work arrangements such as the gig economy. It is also possible that there will be a greater focus on work-life balance and employee well-being, as well as a shift towards more sustainable and environmentally-conscious business practices.

If you want to stay ahead of the curve and be prepared for the future of work, it’s important to stay informed about the latest trends and predictions. While it’s impossible to know for certain what the workplace will look like in 2023, here are some of my personal predictions so that you can get a sense of what to expect and start thinking about how you can adapt and prepare for the changes ahead.

And, of course, I’m here to help provide more information and answer any questions you might have about the future of work. Whether you’re an employee looking to advance your career or an employer looking to stay competitive, understanding the latest trends and predictions can help you make informed decisions and be successful in the years to come.

Prediction #1: Plethora of Corporate Real Estate Getting Sub-Leased

Within the corporate real estate world, there’s going to be a plethora of corporate real estate being subleased by tenants.

As more companies adopt flexible work policies and employees become accustomed to working from anywhere, there may be a decrease in the need for physical office space. Companies may choose to sublease their excess space rather than pay for it to remain vacant.

Another reason could be cost savings. Subleasing office space can be a way for companies to reduce their expenses, especially if they have signed a long-term lease and no longer need all of the space. Subleasing can allow them to generate income from the excess space and offset the cost of the lease.

Flexibility may also be a factor. Subleasing allows companies to have more control over their office space and the ability to adjust their lease arrangement if their needs change. This can be especially useful for businesses that are growing or downsizing, or for those that are uncertain about their future space needs.

Overall, it is likely that the decision to sublease office space will be driven by a combination of these and other factors, and will depend on the specific needs and circumstances of each company.

Prediction #2: Landlords are going to take space back for the sole purpose of maintaining the integrity of their building, and also protecting the rental rates.

Landlords may choose to take back office space from tenants in order to maintain the integrity of their building and protect rental rates. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as a decrease in demand for office space due to the shift towards remote work, or an increase in vacancies due to tenants downsizing or leaving the building.

In such situations, landlords may see taking back space as a way to protect the value of their property and ensure that it remains attractive to potential tenants. By taking back excess space, landlords can prevent the building from appearing over-occupied or poorly managed, which could lead to a decrease in rental rates. Additionally, by taking back space and re-leasing it at a higher rate, landlords may be able to increase their overall income from the building.

It is important to note that the decision to take back space will likely depend on the specific circumstances of each landlord and building. Landlords may also consider other factors, such as the cost of taking back and re-leasing the space and the potential impact on their relationship with tenants.

Prediction #3: Organizations are going to be a lot more open to the work-from-anywhere culture.

Organizations will become more open to the idea of a “work from anywhere” culture around Q4 and in the succeeding years. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as the success of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, the increasing availability of technology that enables work from anywhere, and the desire to attract and retain top talent by offering flexible work arrangements.

The “work from anywhere” culture refers to the idea that employees can work from any location, rather than being required to be physically present in an office. This can include working from home, coworking spaces, or other remote locations.

Adopting a work-from-anywhere culture can have a number of benefits for organizations. It can allow them to tap into a wider pool of talent, as employees are no longer restricted to working in a specific location. It can also lead to cost savings, as companies may be able to reduce the need for physical office space or provide employees with stipends for workspace expenses. Additionally, it can improve employee satisfaction and retention by offering greater flexibility and work-life balance.

However, it is important for organizations to carefully consider the potential challenges and drawbacks of a work-from-anywhere culture, such as the need for strong communication and collaboration tools, and the potential for isolation and disconnection among remote employees.

A work-from-anywhere culture can also have implications for the broader economy and society. For example, it may lead to the decentralization of business and work, as employees are no longer required to be located in specific cities or regions. This can have both positive and negative impacts, such as providing opportunities for people in underserved or remote areas, but also potentially leading to the decline of certain industries or communities that depend on the presence of businesses and workers.

Overall, the shift towards a work-from-anywhere culture is likely to be driven by a combination of technological advancements, changing employee preferences, and economic and social factors. It is important for organizations to carefully consider the potential benefits and challenges of this trend and to develop strategies and policies that enable them to effectively manage and support a distributed workforce.

Prediction #4: More organizations are going to play with the three and four-work-day week.

More organizations will experiment with shorter work weeks, such as three or four-day weeks. This trend could be driven by a variety of factors, such as the desire to increase productivity and employee well-being, the success of pilot programs or case studies that have demonstrated the benefits of shorter work weeks, and the emergence of new business models or technologies that enable shorter work weeks.

Research has suggested that shorter work weeks can have a number of benefits for both employees and organizations. For employees, shorter work weeks can lead to improved work-life balance, increased job satisfaction, and reduced stress. For organizations, shorter work weeks can result in increased productivity and employee retention, as well as potential cost savings from reduced absenteeism and turnover.

In fact, some organizations have already made the switch permanently. LPM Restaurant & Bar, one of Dubai’s most powerful lunch spots, is moving permanently to a 4-day workweek. Twenty companies in South Africa have signed up for a 4-day workweek launch starting on February 2023.

However, it is important for organizations to carefully consider the potential challenges and drawbacks of shorter work weeks, such as the need to redistribute work among employees, the potential impact on team dynamics and communication, and the need to ensure that customer needs are still met. Shorter work weeks may not be feasible or appropriate for all organizations or roles, and it may be necessary to adopt a flexible approach that takes into account the specific needs and circumstances of each company and team.

Prediction #5: Cities are really going to evaluate and start challenging people to come back.

Some cities may see the benefits of having a strong and vibrant downtown or central business district and may take steps to encourage businesses and employees to return to these areas. This could involve offering incentives such as reduced rent or tax breaks for businesses, or improving public transportation and other amenities to make it more attractive for people to work in these areas.

That being said, individuals may consider going back to big cities for:

Job opportunities: Big cities often have a diverse range of industries and a large number of job openings, which can make it easier to find employment.
Cultural attractions: Big cities often have a rich array of cultural attractions, such as museums, theaters, music venues, and sporting events, which can make them appealing places to live.
Public transportation: Big cities often have extensive public transportation systems, which can make it easier for residents to get around without having to rely on a car.
Walkability: Many big cities have walkable downtown areas, which can make it easier for residents to access the amenities and services they need.
Sense of community: Some people find that living in a big city allows them to be part of a larger, more diverse community, which can be especially appealing for those who are looking for a sense of belonging and connection.

However, it’s important to note that living and working in a big city also has its challenges, such as a higher cost of living, more crowded and congested streets, and a faster pace of life. These are all factors that people will need to consider when deciding whether living and working in a big city is right for them.

Prediction #6: Corporate buildings will be converted into residential areas.

It is possible that some corporate buildings could be converted into residential areas in the future. There are a few potential reasons why this might happen:

Changing needs: As businesses and organizations adapt to new technologies and ways of working, they may find that they need less physical space for their operations. This could lead them to sell or repurpose their existing buildings for other uses.
Urbanization: In some cases, corporate buildings that are located in urban areas may be attractive for conversion to residential use due to the high demand for housing in these areas.
Adaptive reuse: Converting a corporate building into a residential area can be a way to give an old or underutilized building a new lease on life. This process, known as adaptive reuse, can help to preserve the character and history of a building while also meeting the needs of a changing community.

Converting a corporate building into a residential area can be a complex and costly process, and it may not be feasible in all cases. There are also regulatory and zoning issues that may need to be considered before such a conversion could take place.

Prediction #7: Most companies are going to hold back and not spend a lot of money on workplace.

Many organizations are going to take deeper dives into their strategy. Organizations are going to do deeper dives into their mission, purpose, goals, and the way they are working. They need to assess if the way teams are working is the way that will drive and meet the mission, purpose and goals of the organization.

That being said, it is possible that some companies may choose to hold back on spending a lot of money on the workplace, especially if they are facing financial challenges or are uncertain about the future. In such cases, companies may be more focused on conserving their resources and prioritizing spending on essential business functions rather than making major investments in the workplace.

Many organizations may prefer to invest in aspects that could help in improving employee morale, productivity, and retention. One aspect is working towards a living wage for employees, which we wrote an article about here. As such, even if companies are being cautious with their spending, they may still choose to make some investments in the workplace in order to support the well-being and success of their employees.

Prediction #8: More people are going to work remotely.

After the pandemic, many opportunities are presented to employees on how they can shape their workplace. More people might choose to work remotely for several reasons:

Flexibility: Remote work allows people to have greater flexibility in terms of where and when they work, which can be especially appealing for those who have family or other personal commitments.
Cost savings: Working remotely can save people money on commuting costs and other expenses associated with working in an office setting.
Increased productivity: Some people find that they are more productive when working remotely, as it allows them to create a work environment that is tailored to their needs and preferences.
Access to a wider talent pool: Companies that offer remote work options may be able to attract a wider pool of talent, as they are not limited to hiring candidates who live in the same geographic area.
Improved work-life balance: For some people, the ability to work remotely can help to improve their work-life balance, as it allows them to better integrate their personal and professional lives.

It’s worth noting that not everyone will want to or be able to work remotely on a long-term basis, and there may be some challenges to overcome in order to make remote work successful. Hence, it is essential to devise strategies to improve employee engagement. We wrote an article about the “7 Ways to Improve Your Employee Experience Strategy.”

Prediction #9: The number of employees that we’re seeing in offices is not going to increase.

Given that the workplace is undergoing a revolution, the number of people who would still prefer to go to the office is not going to increase. I think we have reached the maximum number of office comebacks. This data will just diminish for the following reasons:

Increased adoption of remote work: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in remote work, and it is possible that some companies may choose to continue offering remote work options even after the pandemic ends. This could lead to fewer employees working in offices.
Changes in the nature of work: The rise of automation and other technological advances may lead to changes in the types of jobs that are available, and some of these jobs may be more suited to remote work.
Cost savings: Companies may choose to have fewer employees working in offices in order to save money on things like rent, utilities, and other overhead costs.
Talent retention: Some companies may offer remote work options as a way to retain talented employees who may not want to work in an office setting full-time.
Health and safety concerns: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of health and safety in the workplace, and companies may choose to have fewer employees in offices in order to reduce the risk of transmission.

If you are interested in learning more about the reasons why employees might reject the hybrid set-up, check out our article here.