Shaping the Future of Work: 5 Key Areas to Consider
The future of work is filled with both promise and uncertainty. As technology advances rapidly, the way we work is changing drastically, and organizations must adapt to stay competitive. How can businesses attract, retain, and promote top talent in this ever-evolving landscape?
Here are 5 key areas to consider as you shape the future of work for your organization:
FLEXIBILITY & CULTURE - Remote work has become increasingly commonplace due to the pandemic, but even prior to this global event remote work was on the rise. Many companies have seen tremendous success in having remote employees and must find ways to continue accommodating them in the future. This means taking a closer look at providing appropriate resources such as quality software platforms, interactive tools, and other equipment necessary for employees to do their jobs from any location. Nevertheless, this does not mean that all companies should just go totally remote. The reality is that remote work could work against culture building, employee satisfaction, and/or talent retention. People seeking an in-person work experience that gives them opportunities to "shine" in the business to advance their careers while finding helpful mentorship/sponsorship will continue to be on the rise for years to come. Finding a good balance between flexibility and building an attractive culture will be the strategic task of many brands near term.
AI (ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE) - All of the recent buzz in the news around AI has opened the eyes of so many people to the potential impact this emerging technology will have on businesses. It's not a matter of IF, but WHEN. (Honestly, it's already impacting the present/future of work.) AI can help assess large data sets, improve processes, increase efficiency, produce better solutions, spark creativity (e.g., Generative AI), and empower new innovations. Organizations should strive to (1) understand the potential impact and opportunities of AI in their respective industries and (2) allocate meaningful resources to prepare their employees for adapting to new technologies. Additionally, companies should create roles that leverage humans’ unique abilities—such as creative thinking and ideation—and leverage the accelerating, refining, and inspiring power of AI.
GIG ECONOMY - The gig economy, which is comprised of freelancers and independent contractors, is expected to grow, as more people seek flexibility and the ability to choose their own projects. What does this mean for your own business? You can build effective teams by creating an ecosystem of trusted, vetted contractors. Now, this isn't easy. Nothing good is. I've found that it's important to build a healthy contractor culture by facilitating meaningful interactions between internal/external team members, providing professional development opportunities to help your contractors succeed in their work, and leveraging communication platforms that create a sense of being a part of something greater.
ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT - Entrepreneurship will likely grow as more people seek autonomy over their own careers. Companies who want to attract and retain top talent need to show an understanding of these needs by offering programs and incentives (e.g., mentorship or growth opportunities) so they can capitalize on entrepreneurial spirit while still maintaining a healthy workplace culture that values courage and innovation.
MENTAL HEALTH - Last, but definitely not least, creating a work culture that values, platforms, and provides resources for mental health is essential to the workforce. For most, COVID has taught us to prioritize well-being and meaningful relationships. A work culture that ignores this reality will soon create a reputation as a brand to avoid for employment.
What are some of the things you think about when you consider the future of work?