Do you want to get ahead in your career this year? Then you may have to switch your thinking in a few areas and embrace the biggest career trends of 2023:

1.   Embrace non-financial benefits

As the global recession wages on, companies are starting to become more savvy when it comes to compensation packages and are adding a focus on non-financial benefits. While you may be adamant that this is the year you get a pay rise, do not be flippant about other benefits.

A pension contribution is essentially money in your pocket, while staff stock purchase plans and health cover can save you money while securing your future solvency. When looking to 2023 objectives, don’t exclude benefits that may not initially appear lucrative.

2.   Master remote work

With 42% of UK workers embracing hybrid and remote working in 2022, there is no denying that flexible working is here to stay. Working remotely for part of the week comes with benefits for sure, but it also comes with a need for a specific strategy to ensure your career progression does not stall.

Proximity bias is the name given to the phenomenon which sees managers treating those they see more often in a more favourable way, and it is a very real concern when it comes to promotions. It can be prevented by arranging regular one-on-one calls with your manager, or working around their schedule and being in the office at the same time as much as possible.

Other downsides of flexible working include a lack of inter-departmental relationships, which can impact your learning at work, as well as your ability to form alliances with decision makers. Regular catch-ups with other departments can help negate this. Make all catch-ups come with an agenda, are short and sweet, and never run over. You want to build relationships, not alienate your colleagues.

3.   Lean into soft skills

How high is your level of emotional intelligence and how are your conflict resolution skills? While it is important to upskill in every career, when was the last time you put any time into developing your soft skills?

One of the biggest characteristics of successful people is that they are good leaders who are able to motivate a team. While for some this may be a natural gift, for others it takes work and practice. Leaders are listeners, they use soft skills and emotional intelligence to get buy-in for projects, while their ability to make everyone feel important results in a workforce willing to go above and beyond their job description.

Do your leadership skills need work? If you are plateauing in your career and cannot figure out why, look at those who have been promoted before you. Would you describe them as a 'people person'? Would you describe yourself similarly? Good communication in the workplace is even more paramount when working remotely.

4.   The rise of research

The Great Resignation and subsequent Great Regret turned employees into amateur sleuths––no longer do we simply interview with a company and take their word on culture, opportunities for progression and current financial situation. We research. We spend time online, read reviews on Glassdoor and hunt down friends of friends who may have worked there previously, and it works.

Going into a new job blind puts you at a disadvantage, but going to your first day already informed about ongoing projects, company culture and their three-year plan makes it easier to hit the ground running as you know where you can add value.

If you are embarking on your research journey, then check out the Finextra Job Board which is filled with dozens of well-known companies hiring for positions across all departments and levels. We have selected three below to give you a taste of what’s available.

Coalition

Insurtech is a rising area, and Coalition is the world’s first active insurance company working to tackle and prevent insurance fraud through bespoke software which mitigates risk factors. Coalition is currently hiring for a number of roles across all departments, including Backend Engineers. Browse all available roles at Coalition.

Ripple

Currently the only blockchain software company to see its platforms be used in consumer markets, Ripple is a company on a mission to grow the Internet of Value. Determined to see money move at the same speed as information, Ripple is currently hiring for a number of roles, including Senior Data Platform Engineer and Senior Product Manager. Browse all available roles at Ripple.   

Ramp Financial

A fintech software that enables companies to automate financial administrative work, Ramp Financial is currently hiring for a number of roles across all departments. Vacant opportunities at Ramp Financial include Senior Product Manager, Channel Success Manager and Risk Operations Specialist. Browse all available roles at Ramp Financial.   

Want a new job in 2023? Explore all available roles on the Finextra Job Board.