As humans developed better technology, many jobs became obsolete. Ask people what a switchboard operator is, and most of them won’t be able to answer. However, the rising popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) makes professionals from every industry worry about their future. People can’t help but wonder what the future of work will look like. Knowing the answer to that question can help people prepare for the future.
The Future of Work – 7 Key Trends:
Reports predict that between 2016 and 2030, AI may affect nearly 15% of the global workforce. Future trends can help employees determine how to get ahead of AI and secure their positions. Here are the key trends about the future of work:
Re-Imagined Organizations:
The number of millennial and Gen Z employees will increase in every company over the next ten years. Younger employees want to play a role in making the world a better place. Finding purpose in work is more important to millennials than bonuses and incentives. To attract such a workforce, organizations will have to be re-imagined. As part of the re-imagining, organizations must find a way to give back.
Businesses must also bid farewell to strict hierarchies where everyone has a fixed role. Teams will handle projects, and dictators will have no place in a re-imagined workforce. Companies will also invest in training programs to improve the skills of their employees.
Marketization of Domestic Work:
The future could see people turning unpaid and low-paid work into capital. The trend will focus primarily on domestic work, which includes cooking, cleaning, and gardening. Even with automation, offices will require commodities like janitorial cleaning services regularly. As a result, domestic work can be commercialized at a massive level to create more jobs.
In the future, individuals and companies will also turn to cleaning and cooking services. So, the higher the investment in the domestic sector, the better the returns will be ten years from now.
Emphasis on Wellness:
Businesses have realized that a happy workforce is also highly productive. As a result, companies will invest in their employees’ physical and mental health. The change could come in different ways. Companies might offer betterhealth and wellness insuranceor create healthier environments.
The offices of the future will be designed to receive maximum daylight. They will also have sleeping rooms and relaxation areas. Many offices already have pets to help workers stay calm during busy work days, and this trend might become more popular over the next ten years.
AI Will Join the Workforce:
AI has already joined the workforce in multiple companies worldwide. However, the scope of AI will only get bigger with time. According to the World Economic Forum, machines will handle 42% of business tasks by 2027. As businesses automate more tasks, the speed of production will increase.
However, it is critical to consider the importance of professionals who can make the most of AI. Companies will have to find professionals skilled in using AI to their advantage. As humans and AI collaborate, the work environment will get less stressful. However, it would also give rise to ethical questions regarding the use of AI. Businesses must find the answers before they decide to start using automation.
Deskless Places to Work:
Sitting at your desk all day results in many physical and mental hurdles. Employees can develop chronic back pain after sitting in the same position daily. To ensure the health of their employees, companies will have to change things around. Instead of the current workplaces lined with desks, the future will have non-conventional places to work for employees. In the same office, employees will have the option to work in different areas. The desk-less era will see workers moving to different places depending on their mood.
Virtual Assistant:
Many people already get a lot done around the house with Siri and Alexa. However, this trend hasn’t become common in companies yet. In the future, more companies could understand the need for virtual assistants.
With virtual assistants in the workforce, employees will be able to get work done on time. Virtual assistants can not only set alarms and reminders for you but also create spreadsheets and check emails for you.
Skill-Based Workforce:
Instead of focusing on qualifications, future employers will look at skills. Hirings will be done based on candidates’ skills rather than the number of degrees they have. Although automation can take care of scientific roles, businesses need people with skills to handle the rest. Companies will also have to invest in reskilling and learning for their employees. With the changing times, it will become vital for the workers to keep polishing and improving their skills.
The future of work predicts many changes in organizations. The trends listed above can teach you what skills you will need to survive in the workforce ten years from now.
