the future of remote work with a woman working from home

What I’m Seeing: The Future of the Workplace

The future of work

As the world of work changes, so does the way we think about work and careers. No longer is it the norm to have a single job for the extent of your career. In order to stay ahead of the curve, you need to be prepared to switch gears, (and jobs), and learn new skills as needed. The days of working for one company until retirement are over.

As the world becomes more connected, the need for employees who can remain agile and adaptable will only increase. The future of work is about flexibility, finding new ways to be productive, and innovative, no matter where you live, or what industry you’re in.

1. The rise of  digital nomads and remote work

As more and more businesses go online, the need for physical office space is diminishing. This trend is only going to continue in the years to come, as more and more people are able to, and can consider, work from anywhere in the world.

This shift has a number of implications in the way we work. Companies will increasingly continue to find ways to retain their remote teams to stay  connected, engaged and productive. Additionally, the rise of remote work will make it easier for people to switch jobs and careers more frequently.

2. The importance of soft skills

In a world where technology is increasingly taking over many of the tasks that used to be done by human beings, soft skills are becoming more important than ever.

Soft skills are the personal attributes and qualities that enable you to interact effectively with other people. This includes: communication, problem-solving, mentoring, leadership, and teamwork.

As robots and artificial intelligence take over more of the work that can be done by humans, the need for soft skills will only increase.

3. The gig economy is here to stay

The rise of the gig economy has a number of advantages. It allows people to be more flexible with their work hours, juggle several projects, and choose assignments that they’re most interested in. Additionally, it gives companies access to a larger pool of talent.

What is the future of work and how will it impact your career choices?

Remote work and adopting to new management styles are going to play a significant role in the way we work in the future. With more and more people envisioning a globe-trotting work environment, businesses will need to find ways to ensure that teamwork and collaboration is prioritized, and output stays productive.

1. Remote work will become more common

The untethered remote work existence will only continue to rise. A recent study found that 43% of employed Americans have spent at least some time working remotely since 2016. As more businesses embrace remote work, it’s likely that even more employees will have the option to work from home or elsewhere. This could have a major impact on your career, affording the flexibility and freedom to work from anywhere.

2. Smarter management will be key

With distributed teams of employees on the rise, businesses will need to adjust and find additional ways to manage them effectively. This means moving away from traditional top-down management styles and towards more modern, collaborative approaches.

There are already a number of tools and platforms that can help with this, such as project management software like Asana or Slack. But it’s also important for managers to learn how to communicate, and overcommunicate, to effectively motivate remote teams.

3. The future of work and technology

While technology will play a role in the future of work, social and demographic changes are also reshaping the workplace. For example, the rise of contractors is beneficial for both employees and businesses, but can also present challenges in terms of benefits and consistent job security. Smarter management and software tools can assist businesses save time and money, and increase productivity.

The future of work is changing, a workplace that is hybrid, equitable, and focused on cultivating a sense of community. How can we continue to build a continued flexible environment, without losing connectivity and diluting corporate culture?  The rapidly growing gig economy, ability to work remotely, and changing management styles are some of the trends that I see happening.  Each of these trends has its own advantages and disadvantages, enabling the future of work to be more flexible, global, cooperative, and efficient.

To learn more please reach out and connect with a consultant.