The organizational development world is constantly shifting and evolving, and new trends and strategies are constantly being introduced. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at some of the most significant organizational development trends to watch out for in 2023. So, if you’re an OD expert or just interested in the hot trends in the field, read on to discover more about what’s shaping the future of the field.
As we dive into the world of OD trends, we’ll try to keep it casual and informative. After all, who says learning and development have to be dull and tedious?
What is Organizational Development?
To move forward, we first need to figure out what organizational development is.
Organizational development is building a better and more efficient workplace. It is achieved by enhancing processes, systems, and structures while simultaneously boosting employee engagement, well-being, and efficiency.
It’s a highly strategic process that demands a lot of planning, patience, and commitment. But believe us, the outcomes are worth it!
We all need to grasp a single truth: happy employees = productive employees. Recently, Forbes published data that says that happy employees turn out to be as much as 20% more productive. And organizational development practices directly contribute to that.
Agile Approach
Agile methodologies have been hot in software development for years. But now, they’re gaining traction in organizational development as well. The Agile approach stands for embracing change and adapting to an ever-changing business climate.
In agile organizations, priority is given to:
- Collaboration;
- Transparency;
- Contributions from all team members.
These practices help build better relationships and enhance communication within and between teams.
Agile teams also foster innovation and continuous self-improvement, so they often prove to be more creative and sustainable than their conventional counterparts.
In practice, the Agile approach to organizational development can involve a range of strategies and techniques:
- Using Agile project management tools such as Scrum or Kanban. They provide a framework for iterative development and regular feedback;
- Implementing Agile practices, such as daily meetings, retrospectives, or user cases, to help teams stay focused and aligned with business goals.
Overall, the Agile approach is a highly valuable tool for OD professionals looking to improve their operations, increase responsiveness to change, and create stronger and more effective teams.
By adopting an Agile approach, organizations can stay ahead of the curve and succeed in a rapidly fluctuating business world.
Remote Work
In 2020, the world was forced almost overnight towards remote working. While it wasn’t effortless at first, we soon discovered that working remotely has some very pleasant perks. Remote work has quickly become a popular choice among employees and employers alike.
Yet, as with any big change, organizational development professionals faced some hurdles. They’ve had to get creative in discovering ways to keep remote teams engaged and bonded. These include:
- Using digital communication tools;
- Investing in building virtual teams;
- Finding ways to maintain a positive company culture in a virtual environment.
All fans of office work need to accept the fact that remote work, at least in a certain form, will stay with us for years to come. Many employees are looking for jobs exclusively with the option of working remotely. For example, in the USA, 68% of employees would prefer to be fully remote.
As a result, organizations that want to thrive have to adapt.
Focus on Employee Well-Being
Years ago, companies only cared about their bottom line. Today, organizations are embracing the importance of employee well-being. This means investing in mental health support and offering flexible work schedules.
Also, ensuring work/life balance for employees is not just a social media trend but a critical component of productivity.
Organizational development professionals help companies create a culture of well-being by offering:
- Training and support for managers;
- Employee wellness resources;
- Development of company policies that prioritize employee health and happiness.
Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion
In recent years, the importance of diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace has become ever more apparent.
Organizations that give priority to DEI are more likely to:
- Attract the best talents;
- Improve their decision-making process;
- Create a more supportive work climate.
OD professionals are working to help companies become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive by offering DEI training, creating policies that foster equity and fairness, and recruiting diverse candidates.
In today’s world, companies that ignore this tendency often fall victim to a cancel culture.
Making Decisions Based on Data
Finally, data-driven decision-making is gaining prevalence in the world of organizational development. By using data to gauge and track success, organizations can identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions that lead to beneficial outcomes.
Organizational development professionals use data to:
- Measure employee engagement;
- Track performance and identify areas where processes can be streamlined;
- Make more evidence-based decisions and drive improved results.
Conclusion
In 2023, we can expect further growth in these areas as well as new developments and innovations that push the boundaries of what is possible. As OD professionals, our job is to stay ahead of the curve and help our organizations thrive in an always-changing business arena.
Hence, whether you’re a budding or a seasoned professional, stay on top of the newest trends in organizational development.
By adopting new approaches and staying attuned to change, you can help your organization become more impactful, fruitful, and welcoming to everybody involved.
