Societal changes affecting leadership in 2024

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy 

Maintaining healthy business growth relies on your ability to grow as a leader.  

Leaders need to evolve and upskill, or risk losing out on business, attracting great talent and building a loyal workforce. 

Whether you’re a manager, employer or a CEO, you’ve got to keep up with the times. But staying conscientious of societal change while running a business is hard. We’ve mapped out this year’s expectations to help you get ahead of the curve.

What will 2024 bring?

Attitudes toward work have evolved, with a greater emphasis on fulfilment and job satisfaction. Employees are seeking workplaces that align with their values and provide a sense of purpose beyond financial compensation. However, the truth is your workforce don’t all have the same values and expectations.

A blended workforce 

Countless societal changes have contributed to a blended workforce. The ageing population has resulted in people working past the traditional retirement age. Gen Z have brought new expectations and preferences reflecting the different ways they have been raised, educated and socialised. There is a wonderful array of ages, genders and cultural backgrounds within our teams. With a more varied employee base, there’s an increased awareness of the need for inclusive and supportive environments that cater to the needs of different individuals. 

The opportunities and threats of AI 

Is AI good or bad for your business? That’s something you must explore with your team. 75% of employees are concerned it will make their jobs obsolete, worried that their employer will replace them with AI. As a leader you can use AI to help people progress in their roles and develop their skills. For your business, it can provide data-driven insights, automate routine tasks, and optimise decision making processes, contributing to strategic planning and your competitive advantage. 

The rise of social responsibility 

We’re in a time where people are struggling to pay their bills, the planet is getting warmer, and wildlife is suffering from human irresponsibility. Because of this, companies are under growing pressure to demonstrate social responsibility and ethical practices. This is your opportunity to be a part of the solution, not the problem. Make your employees proud of where they work and create a lasting positive impact on the world by analysing what your business could be doing better. 

Mental health and wellbeing as a priority 

1 in 4 British people suffer from a mental health issue at some point in life. The pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis have exasperated that figure. Prioritising employees’ mental health and general wellbeing is crucial as a business leader. It fosters a healthier, more engaged workforce, reduces burnout, enhances productivity, attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive job market. To run your business successfully, you must accommodate and acknowledge the presence of people’s struggles, whether they’re silent or vocal about them.

The power is in your hands

Now you know what you’re dealing with, let us help you put the right measures in place to upgrade your leadership skills and business performance. 

Tailored policies 

Your work environment has its own DNA. Your team requires a unique way of operating, with policies and benefits in place that are tailored to them. By building these around what your employees need, you’re accommodating a blended workforce. A good leader understands their team. You could incorporate a nomad policy, menopause policy and so much more.  

Embracing flexible working 

Modern life is a complicated thing; gone are the days of standard routines. Your workforce is likely made up of an array of contract types. Working parents, part timers and remote workers. Flexibility for your employees means you’re improving employee satisfaction and productivity, reducing costs and fostering inclusivity. 

Reassuring and upskilling 

Have regular performance meetings. People love praise. They want to know they’re doing all the right things, and their effort is being noticed. They might be fearful of AI taking their jobs, but that’s easy to combat. Upskill your staff and provide AI-specific training to help them progress in their job role and develop the business. 

Establishing strong values 

Your values shouldn’t be something on the wall in the staff room. They can be powerful, acting as a guide in every decision-making process. Your values can support you as a business leader and inspire and shape your team. When you live your values and lead with integrity you are more likely to achieve your business goals and attract and retain top talent. You want to be more socially responsible but you’re unsure how? Let your values direct you.

A light in the dark

Doing these things might encourage people to confide in you, expressing personal issues and concerns, in turn, making them likely to stay long-term, becoming a loyal advocating employee. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you understand that your leadership impacts so much more than how people feel about you as a person, you have the key to growing a successful organisation. 

At Tercus HR, we are specialists in understanding your business to build HR models that benefit you and your employees. It’s our passion, we want to see you succeed. Let’s get to work.