Workplace dynamics continue to undergo rapid transformation at an almost unsustainable rate. Cutting-edge HR tools are playing an essential role in this transition process.
Trends that stand out include flexible workplace models, gig economy work arrangements, and the increasing importance of upskilling and reskilling programs.
1. Automation
Workplaces, workforces and the nature of work are undergoing dramatic change at an increasing pace, driven by technology advancement and social disruption.
Automation is an emerging trend that could significantly transform the future of work. It holds great promise to replace humans in certain roles with machines – like dermatologists, insurance claim adjusters, lawyers, seismological testers in oil fields or crew members on guided missile destroyers.
Automation will not completely replace traditional jobs; rather, it will free up time for workers to devote to more meaningful endeavors.
2. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing business operations without replacing jobs. Instead, automation and AI provide businesses with new opportunities to enhance worker satisfaction while increasing productivity.
Self-checkouts at grocery stores have cut clerk jobs while e-commerce has created demand for delivery and warehouse workers. Experts speculate that AI technology will automate routine tasks to create additional job opportunities by integrating those workflows with human work processes.
Understanding which work can be automated and adopting appropriate technologies is central to creating an inclusive and sustainable future of work.
3. Collaborative Workplaces
Collaboration is a core part of business, and has been shown to increase productivity by 25% or more. Thanks to modern technologies and workspace design approaches, collaboration can take place anytime, anywhere.
No matter where a company plans on expanding, collaborative workspaces offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional offices. Furthermore, these spaces provide businesses with the necessary flexibility when their business fluctuates or grows or shrinks quickly.
All these strategies require robust workspace management software. Wayfinding features help employees quickly locate collaborative spaces and meetings, and on-demand desk booking, hoteling or free addressing facilitates quick changeover as necessary.
4. Digital Workplace Transformation
Digital workplace transformation is essential to businesses that prioritize innovation and growth. Young professionals from Generation Z expect intuitive digital tools that support them wherever they may be working at any given time, providing essential support from any location around the globe.
Benefits of digital workplace solutions for companies can include easy information access, paper reduction and substantial savings. Furthermore, these platforms streamline internal processes while creating an improved customer experience.
Streamlined workflows help reduce overhead costs such as monthly real estate, power, and furniture payments. Furthermore, these technologies enhance customer experiences by making information or services readily accessible within minutes instead of days.
5. Hybrid Workforce Models
Businesses looking to remain accommodating of their employees can take advantage of hybrid work models to remain flexible and supportive of employees, which enable workers to switch between in-office and remote work with minimal impact on productivity.
Company communication between staff members – whether on site or remote – must remain open and effective, especially as remote employees may feel left out from important events and decisions made within their companies. It is also key for teams to collaborate efficiently via digital tools for efficient teamwork.
6. Gig Economy
As businesses adapt to COVID-19 pandemic conditions, many are reconsidering remote work practices and changing job structures and talent utilization to deliver business outcomes. Trends associated with gig economy have seen an upsurge during this time. Many organizations have revised how they organize jobs and leverage talent within their organization to drive successful outcomes for business outcomes.
Future gig workers will find transitioning between careers more easily than ever before. Traditional career paths have high entry barriers such as degrees and experience requirements; in a gig economy however, people can switch roles quickly to access the skillsets and salaries they require; this may help avoid financial setbacks during economic downturns.
7. Social Impact
Workplace trends and practices are changing quickly, and while no one knows exactly what will occur 10 years from now, understanding them can help us prepare.
Integrate diversity, inclusion and sustainability (DEIB) initiatives into operating models, leadership structures and cultures for maximum impact and improvement over time. Ensure DEIB initiatives can be measured, tracked and improved upon over time.
Focus on building unique human skills that AI and machines cannot replicate: creativity, collaboration, abstract thinking and complex communication. Doing this will enable your business to strengthen resilience against an unpredictable future environment.
