70 T O P 10 1. Annual performance reviews will evolve into more continuous feedback and performance discussions. Professionals today are accustomed to the instant feedback they receive on social media and will expect that in the workplace. The best managers will commit to the weekly one-on-one meetings and time in-field that allow them to observe, coach, and grow their people. 2. Companies will use technology to frequently take the pulse of employees and provide leaders with timely and accurate information on employee engagement. With real-time information on employee engagement and issues that arise, managers will be able to respond more quickly, further improving the levels of productivity and happiness in the organization. 3. Augmented and virtual reality will play a larger role in training and development than ever before. Salespeople will be able to simulate client calls, review their performance, receive real-time coaching, and more quickly improve. 4. Training techniques will shift from classroom-style training to a more multi-faceted ap- proach, combining facilitator-led training with online learning and individualized coach- ing. The learning experience will be more personalized for each individual, resulting in a shorter learning curve and higher retention levels. 5. Organizations will continue to seek ways to reduce the biggest health issue that em- ployees face, workplace stress. They will work to create more relaxing and healthier environments that serve to improve the well-being of their staff and further increase productivity. 6. Work flexibility will become more common as employees and employers are using tech- nology at all hours and “always on.” A recent study showed work flexibility as the num- ber one employee benefit and sales organizations are catching on, providing the ability to work remotely and access information around the clock. Development Trends for 2018