This post is part of G2's 2022 digital trends series. Read more about G2’s perspective on digital transformation trends in an introduction from Tom Pringle, VP, market research, and additional coverage on trends identified by G2’s analysts.

The evolution of the employee experience    

The hybrid workplace is here to stay. For some, however, fully remote work may be the future. Companies continue to implement and maintain hybrid and remote work models for employees. While these work models already existed before the COVID-19 pandemic, it looks to have shifted from an employee perk to a long-term offering for many moving forward. 

As a result, G2 has seen an influx of software products designed for the hybrid workplace. The coming year will bring a shift in focus from managing a hybrid office to maintaining effective modes of communication in this new environment. 

How do we make remote work a better experience?

Many thought the sudden shift to remote work in early 2020 was a temporary solution to a temporary crisis. However, nearly two years later, many people are still working remotely. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues into 2022, many employees are still working from home. The difference between March 2020 and December 2021 is that many employers now offer workers the option to work remotely or go to the office. This gives employees the best of both worlds and, most importantly, the freedom of choice.

This freedom and flexibility have undoubtedly changed the employee experience for many. As a result, offering a hybrid or remote schedule has been a key factor in employee retention during The Great Resignation of 2021. The Great Resignation is the ongoing trend of employees leaving their jobs in search of “greener pastures,” otherwise known as higher pay, better benefits, and greater workplace flexibility. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 4 million workers left their jobs in July 2021 alone, leaving a record-breaking 10.9 million open positions that month. 

In an effort to retain top talent, companies are offering employees the option to work remotely or have a hybrid schedule. With such a significant, and potentially permanent, shift to remote work, virtual collaboration and communication are more crucial than ever. The standard video conferencing software will likely not be enough for teams in the long run. Teams will require tools that not only fulfill the basic needs of conference calls and virtual meetings but go the extra step to make these meetings an outstanding collaborative experience. 

It’s time to invest in the remote and hybrid employee experience

Transitioning to a hybrid or remote workplace is mutually beneficial for employees and employers. Companies can significantly reduce their real estate costs with fewer individuals working from the office by scaling back on unneeded office space. On the other hand, employees have the opportunity to cut down on time and money spent on commuting, gain flexibility in their schedules, and have a greater work-life balance. Cost reduction and greater employee morale is a win-win situation that isn’t being overlooked.

These workforce changes do not come without challenges. Communication and collaboration will be affected if teams are unable to adjust properly. Part of adapting to this new environment will include a larger focus on tools that can enhance the virtual employee experience. High-quality communication and collaboration will become a priority for teams moving forward. Additionally, employers must consider individuals who may feel isolated if there is not enough team bonding time or face-to-face meetings. Finding ways to cultivate a healthy company culture and effective methods of communication in the current environment is vital. 

Another noteworthy aspect of the employee experience is the software available to teams. In 2022, there will be an influx of software that combine multiple tools into one product. For example, an ideal tool may combine video conferencing along with a collaborative whiteboard or document creation functionality, allowing teams to collaborate in real time without sacrificing face-to-face communication. Multipurpose tools that can boost productivity and engagement will be critical for teams moving forward, and we’ll see a shift to these types of products in the year to come.

G2’s Collaboration & Productivity categories continue to grow

Some of G2’s Collaboration & Productivity categories have seen significant growth over the past year. The Virtual Workplaces subcategory, which includes products that simulate a physical office environment, has grown by an incredible 123% in the past 12 months. This growth is attributed to new products that have been added to G2 as well as existing products on G2 that were assessed for fit and added to the category. 

The Employee Communications category, which includes products designed to deliver top-down communications across a business, had an impressive 30% increase in category growth over the past year. As virtual workplaces and employee communications software enable teams to communicate and collaborate in remote or hybrid environments, these categories will likely see continued growth throughout 2022.

The graph below highlights the Virtual Workplaces category growth from December 2020 to November 2021.

So, what’s next?

In 2022, companies will have greater demand for software that will take the remote employee experience to the next level. Teams will require tools that prioritize communication in a hybrid and remote environment to bring teams closer, facilitate organic communication, and promote healthy company culture. Additionally, teams will require tools that serve multiple purposes, such as video conferencing and real-time collaboration—all within the same platform.