Work continues to change and evolve as we move deeper into the digital era. How and when we work are no longer static, thanks to the introduction of mobile technology and initiatives like flexi-time. The philosophy that work is what you do, not where you go, is an advancing trend.
Currently, there are five generations of Americans in the workforce, and unemployment is at record lows. With these economic improvements and changes in industry practices, employees no longer expect a workday at a traditional office. The rapid adoption of technology is changing the modern workforce, with AI and machine learning leading the way.
Alternative working arrangements such as freelancing, gig work, and crowdsourcing are fast becoming things that companies are looking at in more detail. As companies adjust to the changes, they’re redefining the role of the employee.
How to Capitalize on Emerging Workplace Trends
With the workplace shifting to a more flexible environment for employees, what can we make from these emerging trends? Becoming progressive with your people strategies and workplace experience for your employees is no longer an option; it’s a necessity.
Those companies that choose to sit by and fail to get on board with workplace changes will find themselves struggling to hire and retain new talent. Recent research into the employee experience yields exciting results.
When we explore the core challenges experienced by American companies, and how the organizational leaders of these companies address them, it leads to understanding the forces driving the change. So, how are changes affecting leaders and decision-makers in organizations?
Key takeaways from the research mentioned above make the following findings:
- More than 70% of American decision-makers have concerns about the future of their industry
- Two of the biggest challenges affecting the workplace include a shortage of skills and talent, as well as rapid technological development causing bottlenecks
- Most companies expect to add more jobs as AI and machine learning advances technology and processes
- 45% of companies believe that the current skills gap will persist for the next two years until 2022
In Closing
Data shows that while decision-makers are aware of the changes in the workplace, they’re slow to take action. As a result, they don’t see the big picture, and they fail to take high-value action to drive business performance into the future.
As a result, companies that fail to take action on the changes in the workplace can expect to see the best talent leave the office in search of greener pastures.
The reality is that the future of work is already in motion. If your company is behind on adapting to the change, then it’s still not too late to make the change and put the correct strategies in place in your company to ensure you thrive in the new digital era of work.
However, stalling on your decision to implement the change will result in an eventual disaster for your company. If you want to get the most out of your people in the digital age, you need to start executing today.
