What we learned about work in 2023

HR STRATEGIES: As we look back on the most memorable learnings of the year, it's clear that 2023 was yet another transformational year for the workplace. Gone are the days of the Great Resignation, and in its place we've been left with lazy girl jobs , loud laborers and other buzzing trends that shaped the workplace conversation in 2023. But what does it all mean for 2024? Employee Benefit News rounded up the top stories of 2023, spotlighting the biggest lessons learned and the trends that will continue to shape 2024.??

Read: 23 HR and benefit lessons learned in 2023

RETENTION: If the last three years have taught employers anything, it's that retention can make or break a company. But have employers learned how to keep their employees for the long haul? Melanie Dulbecco , the CEO of Torani (R. Torre & Co.) for over 30 years, believes the syrup and sauce company has cracked the code — and with an average tenure of 6.3 years, they have proof their approach works.?

"When we hire people, we are not just interviewing for the skills and leadership competencies they would bring to that particular role," she says. "We are looking for people who fit with our core values, and one of those values is growth. Are they ready to develop and learn into the future with us?"

Read: No layoffs and a 6 year long tenure rate: Torani's secret to employee retention

MENTAL HEALTH: According to a new report by virtual mental health care platform Lyra Health , 36% of benefit leaders believe employees struggled with severe or chronic depression in 2023, up from 22% in 2022. Leaders are also acknowledging that employees are struggling with PTSD, bipolar, ADHD and other mental health diagnoses that are impacting their overall well-being.?

While employers have made continuous efforts via benefits to address poor mental health and burnout among their employees, it's important to take a look at the workplace itself, says Joe Grasso, Ph.D. , senior director of workforce transformation at Lyra Health. Beyond benefits, employers should focus on manager training , and fix a culture of overwork that can lead to burnout or other debilitating employee issues. He shares what needs to change in 2024:

Read: Mental health trends and predictions for 2024, according to Lyra