The workplace of the future is not going to be what it was. We will see fewer employees in “offices,” fewer interminably long meetings in the conference room, and significantly reduced physical interaction between members of the workforce. 

The Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM model is dead and buried, with a few exceptions of course, and these prove the rule. Along with the changes in working model, the workforce of the future is going to be very different, and constantly evolving. In the larger interest of the industry, it is important that corporate leaders are cognizant of the new reality.

It is established beyond doubt that People are the greatest asset of any company. It would be a fool-hardy move to “drive” Business ignoring the concerns and aspirations of employees. In fact, a satisfied workforce can do wonders to a company’s performance numbers. Employees and their aspirations should be central when charting out a business roadmap.

The workforce today has a wealth of competence, knowledge and capability. This can only get better. It follows that, to attract and retain talent, it is necessary for employers to be aware of what efficient management of this precious asset calls for.

Health and safety rank high among the priorities

Health, safety and wellness are factors that have to be considered while managing a workforce that is aware of their importance. These considerations are likely to have a huge say when professionals accept employment offers and make career choices. Behavioural patterns may also be vastly different from what they were during the pre-pandemic days. This is because remote working has made many people rethink more effective ways of balancing work and home. 

Technology will play a part

As in all business streams, human resources professionals have to be prepared to welcome professionals who are adept in latest technology advances like Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning, to name a couple of them. Another challenge companies face is to train their existing employees in these skills. With the predicted creation of 97 million jobs in AI and automation by 2025 (source: World Economic Forum), the workplace is set to undergo a positive upheaval.

Skills will take precedence over roles

With the preference for leaner organisations and low priority on hierarchy, it will become necessary to depart from conventional working models and move to those that focus on performance and delivery, with leaders who can lead efficient and knowledgeable professionals and deliver successfully.

Hybrid working will be the new normal

Hybrid working, with the consequent change in working models will become commonplace. The central workplace will shrink in area and will be characterised by shared workplaces and employees having the choice to attend the workplace when they feel it is necessary, rather than follow an imposed roster-based model. Employers will have to allow three arrangements, based on employee preferences 

1. Working in an office, similar to what existed in the pre-pandemic days

2. Working remotely on a permanent basis

3. Hybrid working 

Management of Human Capital, including training and development will have to adjust to these conditions. Employee welfare and work life balance are challenges and priorities that have to be reckoned with. Employers are looking at ways to monitor and oversee employee performance and behaviour using technological systems. It is in their interest to see that their employees welcome these initiatives and not consider them obtrusive. 

Inputs 

A few inputs for preparation of this note are taken from:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2021/11/22/future-of-work-the-5-biggest-workplace-trends-in-2022/?sh=756e7e367d0f