At the beginning of the New Year, there is a natural urge to try to make predictions about the year ahead.

Many take a shot at the changes to come, whether in real estate, stocks, fashion trends, or the job market. Emotional Intelligence expert Carolyn Stern shares tools that can help you emotionally prepare for what might be around the corner for 2023.

Prediction #1: “The Great Re-Balance”

A Forbes article by David Morel predicts an end to “The Great Resignation” and a shift to “The Great Rebalance.” This essentially means a balance of supply and demand for workers and jobs.

In 2022, there were two job openings for every person unemployed. This forced employers to look deeper at their company’s culture and ask: Are my employees’ needs and wants being met?

There was a power shift to the worker, and changes had to be made in order to retain talent. This year, however, may introduce a new shift in the power dynamic.

In 2023, people may be staying at their jobs, but the problems will persist if left unaddressed. Issues like burnout, feelings of underappreciation, and quiet quitting did not disappear when the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve. These are the workplace issues that still need to be considered.  The question now is — will employers maintain the positive changes they started to implement in 2022?  

 “Don’t take the easy way out, be the employer of choice. It takes time and energy, but it’s worth it.” — Carolyn Stern.

Emotional Intelligence is the answer to employee turnover, retention and engagement. EI can help provide a permanent balance to problems that plague the ever-going power shifts among employers and employees workplace.

Invest in emotional intelligence training — give your leaders the tools to know what questions to ask to find out how their employees are feeling. 

Such as…

• What motivates them?
• What stresses them out?
• How do they want to feel appreciated?
• What does work-life balance look like to them? 

Leaders need to be brave to ask these important questions. They need to display empathy, meaning they need to be sensitive to what, how, and why people feel the way they do. Being empathetic is being able to pick up on emotional cues and respond appropriately. Leaders must “emotionally monitor” others on a moment-by-moment basis. When people feel seen, heard, and cared for, that significantly impacts job satisfaction and the employee experience.

Prediction #2: A Return To The Office 

“The concern is that those unconvinced about hybrid in the first place will use a recessionary market to get people back to the office.” —  David Morel, Forbes (December 2022)

The pandemic ushered undeniable change in corporate culture across all industries, including the introduction of remote/hybrid work. 

With the “Great Rebalance” creating a power shift from employee to employer, businesses may stop considering employee wants. Part of this shift may include a forced return to the office, so ensuring employees feel cared for and appreciated for their efforts and work is critical.

With many workplaces returning to the office or a hybrid workplace model,  how can EI help with the transition?

First, how are you feeling about returning? Check-in with your employees — what will returning to the office look like for them? If they have any negative emotions associated with returning to the office, try to identify why they are feeling this way.

Second, let people know how you are feeling. Express if you are feeling any stress about returning to the office. Encourage your employees to do the same. Have a discussion and work through these emotions together. 

“Being emotional in the workplace is unprofessional. But having emotions isn’t.” — Carolyn Stern.

Finally, what can you do to make the best of a situation? Determine whether or not a return to the office is necessary. If it is, try to look for the positives — an opportunity to connect with your co-workers and create a sense of community.  

Prediction #3: Time To Take Stock And Reflect

“For business leaders, 2023 presents an opportunity – perhaps not for growth but for reflection. Now’s the time to take stock and improve working conditions, ready for recovery when employees and candidates once again favour those employers who create open, flexible, and healthy workplaces where they can thrive.” — David Morel, Forbes (December 2022)

2023 may not be the year for companies to expand and grow financially. But remember, it’s not always about the bottom line; it’s about how people feel. 

“Remember, the way your employees feel at work and about their work affects how they perform at work.”  — Carolyn Stern.

When they think of your company, what are they saying? Are your employees feeling supported and fulfilled? 

It is important for leaders to continue reassessing their skills on a regular basis and constantly working to upgrade them. Identify any barriers you are facing at work — as a leader, the challenges you are facing affect the whole team. Being a leader that practices self-awareness and works to grow their own EI inspires others to do the same. 

It’s Time to Invest in Your People

The workplace will never be the same. 

2023 is the year to invest in emotional intelligence training and become an emotionally strong leader to seamlessly enhance the employee experience as workplace norms evolve.

EI Experience training workshops and online programs will help you not only face the challenges to come in 2023 but navigate through them to get the results you are aiming to meet! If you need a book recommendation to improve your emotional intelligence, check out The Emotionally Strong Leader for a six-step self-coaching program to help you become your best self. 

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