The workplace has never been the same. Over the years, it has gone through several dramatic changes. People no longer are mandated to wear a suit and tie to work. People are specifically being hired to devise strategies for the effective use of social media. The top players in the business game know that the key to success lies in keeping abreast of the changes in the workplace.
In light of the ever-changing trends in business and technology, it is safe to say that things in the workplace will change completely over the next decade. Here are the top three changes in the workplace you can expect in the future.
- Distributed Teams
Upwork released the Future of Work report which implied that 73% of companies will rely on distributed teams by 2028.
Do you know why?
For one, companies are striving to address the skill shortage problem. Secondly, millennials and Gen Z individuals are entering the workforce and they demand flexibility of work for an ideal work-life balance. On top of that, the ongoing COVID19 pandemic will likely make work-from-home a new norm.
This change will promote employee productivity and yield better business outcomes. Research suggests that companies with distributed teams can save up to $11,000 and team members up to $7,000 a year. With this in mind, companies need to be prepared for possible challenges, including mismatched time zones, engaging with out-of-touch teams, and communicating and establishing trust with them.
2. Dominance of AI
AI has been changing the scope of the workplace and will continue to do so in the future. Machines are starting to replace humans by performing the tasks the same way they do or perhaps even better. McKinsey Global Institute suggests that around 400 million workers can lose their jobs at the hands of AI during 2016-2030.
Hence, you can expect to see some skillsets becoming more expensive, particularly expertise in data science, machine learning, and other technical areas. This means exclusive hiring and training managers to work efficiently with humans and machines. There will also be a need for synchronizing advanced technologies to existing systems and processes.
3. Pressure on HR
This is one of the biggest changes in the workplace you can expect in the future. With the onslaught of modern technology, HR personnel will have to think beyond their present skills and abilities. Whatever the future holds for the workplace, HR will be the first to experience the impact of it. HR members will have to stay on top of the technological changes and have answers for questions, like ‘Which jobs will be safe from the adaptation of automated workforce?’ and ‘What are the top skills that will be in demand in the future?’
They will also have to work harder to promote employee engagement, ensuring better employee experience, and easing the shift towards a data and technology-driven workplace.
Now that you know about the changes in the workplace you can expect in the future, it’s time to take proper measures and initiatives to turn them into opportunities. These factors will prove to be harmful blows to your business only if you don’t acknowledge them now.
