Glassdoor Workplace Trends 2021

Dr. Andrew Chamberlain

November 19, 2020

It’s fair to say that 2020 has been a year like no other. A surprise global COVID-19 pandemic upended daily life and ushered in a whirlwind of previously unthinkable changes. How we hire, work and embody company culture changed overnight.

An important lesson from history is that every crisis presents risks and opportunities. In 2020, COVID-19 devastated large parts of the economy, put millions out of work and created the most dire health crisis of the 21st Century. But it also overturned outdated beliefs about remote work, sparked companies to build programs that foster emotional and cultural bonds between teams, and has put even the most vigorous company cultures through the crucible during historically trying times.

Will COVID-19 have a lasting impact on hiring and workplace culture in 2021 and beyond? This report presents the five most compelling workplace trends we see emerging from Glassdoor’s window into the workplace as the COVID-19 crisis has unfolded. These include:

  • How office life will return, but it won’t be the same
  • Employees expect corporate DEI progress 
  • Salary expectations get a permanent WFH rehaul 
  • Company culture must adapt to post-COVID-19 realities
  • The COVID-19 recession might be over, but some jobs may not return

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