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1-Page Summary of The Future of Work
Trends Influencing the Workplace
The workplace is changing. The future of work will be affected by social and technological trends, as well as people’s ideas about what the future of work might look like. These factors include:
The Internet and social media have changed how people behave. For example, they are more comfortable sharing information about themselves online than they were in the past.
New technology means that all jobs will be vastly different than they are now. Cloud-based technology is advancing rapidly and this change is allowing workers to take control of their workplace lives, such as which programs they have access to. For example, employees may soon be able to choose the programs they want rather than waiting for an IT specialist’s decision. Employers can get more data about their employees but they don’t know what to do with it yet. One thing employers might use it for is predicting how people will perform at work based on the data available from these cloud-based technologies. Collaboration among workers will also increase using this new technology because information can be accessible much quicker thanks to cloud-based solutions and websites like DocuSign.
Millennials will be the majority of the workforce by 2025. This new generation has different views about work than its predecessors, such as a focus on sustainability and collaboration.
Technology has made it possible for people to work from remote locations without sacrificing efficiency. Improved transportation systems have also allowed businesses to connect and conduct business around the world.
Problems in Today’s Workplace
Many companies don’t treat their employees as the smart, competent people they are. They give them roles that robots would be better suited for. This leads to low employee engagement levels in most workplaces. Only 13% of employees feel proud of their companies and connected to them. Many unengaged workers want to quit their jobs because they’re dissatisfied with the work environment and management styles at those places. Companies need to change some outdated practices and management styles if they want more engaged workers who will stay longer and perform better at work.
Needs and Values
Employees want to work for companies that are flexible. They don’t want to be stuck in the office from 9am-5pm, and they expect to have flexible hours. Managers need to focus on employees’ results instead of how many hours they’re working.
Employees want to be able to shape their own career paths, rather than allowing managers and those above them to decide. They’re also interested in sharing information about themselves with colleagues.
Opportunities to lead – Companies shouldn’t restrict opportunities to lead just for managers. Employees want a feeling of empowerment.
New modes of communication will be used in the future workplace. Email won’t be as important, but new collaborative platforms will be. Businesses need to create dynamic workplaces where employees can learn new skills and familiarize themselves with new technologies.
Peer-to-peer education – Social platforms will help employees share knowledge and teach one another.
The Freelance Economy
Businesses are finding it less expensive to hire freelancers than full-time employees. Freelancers are replacing traditional workers, and more than 60% of American businesses plan on hiring freelances in the next year. This will drastically change how work is done at companies around the world and employers must learn how to use this talent effectively. Businesses can create project specific workspaces for these freelance inventors, which benefits both parties; they get a talented team member without having to deal with all of their expenses or liabilities as an employee would have brought if hired permanently. Free agents also benefit from situations like this that allow them to seek out multiple clients across various industries where they can showcase their talents and develop skills in different fields of business.
