Trend Category

Work and the Workplace

Technology and ongoing post-pandemic economic restructuring are changing how and where we work.

Trends to Act on Now

Downtowns Revive

While office vacancies remain high and recovery varies by city, factors such as mandated office returns, shifting lifestyles, and a...

Return of Company Towns

Generous tax incentives and tech company influence are driving a resurgence of "company towns," raising concerns about public oversight, safety,...

AI Impact on Jobs

Artificial intelligence (AI) will reshape jobs, complementing many rather than replacing them. Planners will need to adjust to AI impacts...

Quiet Quitting

Quiet quitting has become the norm as workers prioritize work-life balance, but dissatisfaction stems from workplace culture and management, not...

Continuing Challenges for Women in the Workforce

The "great breakup" sees women leaders leaving corporate roles in greater numbers than men. Despite progress, gender pay gaps and...

Hybrid Work

Hybrid work persists despite corporate pushback, maintaining the post-pandemic shift toward flexible schedules.

Gig Economy and Polywork

The gig economy and polywork are expanding, with more workers balancing multiple jobs.

Shifting Worker Empowerment

Growing labor movements in recent years are leading to changes in worker empowerment and mobilization.

Digital Nomads

The widespread switch to remote work enabled people to work from anywhere in the world with an internet connection, giving...

Six Generations in the Workforce

The U.S. workforce now spans six generations, from the Silent Generation to Gen Alpha.

Trends to Prepare For

Skills-Based Hiring

Skills-based hiring is replacing degree requirements as employers prioritize agility and essential skills to future job demands.

Four-Day Work Week

The four-day workweek is gaining traction globally, with pilots and legislation expanding, and strong employee support in the U.S. and...

Younger Generations' Work Expectations

Generation Z has entered the workforce, bringing a distinct perspective that values job quality and diversity.

DELETE The contentious role of AI in the workplace

In 2023, artificial intelligence (AI) has made a significant impact in the workplace. Tech companies are introducing AI features to...

DELETE Office to Residential Conversions

The reduced demand for office spaces due to remote and hybrid work has resulted in rising U.S. office vacancy rates,...

DELETE Adoption of a Hybrid Work Lifestyle

In the post-pandemic U.S., a dominant trend is the adoption of a hybrid work lifestyle combining remote and in-office work....

Global Future Workforce

Declining birth rates are poised to cause major shifts in the global workforce.

Changing Relationships to Work

The traditional self-identification of workers with their jobs is starting to change.

Trend Reports

APA's foresight research is made possible in part through our partnership with the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.

Membership

Knowledge Center

Conferences and Learning

AICP

Policy and Advocacy

Career Center

In Your Community

Connect with APA

APA Foundation