The pandemic blew the lid off traditional relationships people had with an office, not to mention each other. It has accelerated a transformation in human behavior and is begging the question “what’s our go-forward plan?”. While dinosaurs cling to the past, and upstarts enter a working world where new norms are being written, we’re stuck in a state of flux.

Below is a framework for considering the core dimensions and concepts around the Future of Work topic.

Technological:

• Digital Transformation: From automation to AI, and IoT – should process be focused on efficiency or empathy?
• Remote Work Infrastructure: From technology investments to BYOD – can everything shift to on-demand?
• Collaboration Tools: Integrated communication, hybrid work and timezones – should OKR’s pivot to accomodate?
• Analytics and Data: Measurement does not mean understanding – what’s the one metric that matters?

Human:

• Skills and Training: Continuous learning is essential, arguable the only skill you need – what becomes of higher learning?
• Employee Well-being: Mental and physical health and work-life balance – nearly half of employees doubt employer commitment.
• Diversity and Inclusion: A diverse and inclusive workplace to attract talent and drive innovation.

Organizational:

• Agile Structures: How Fragile is Agile? Do flat hierarchies enable an ability to adapt in rapidly changing market dynamics?
• Workforce Planning: What’s the cost of ‘right-sizing’ the organization to brand identity and customer experience?
• Change Management: Managing change effectively as new technologies and work models are adopted.
• Leadership Development: Nurture leaders who can guide teams through digital transformations and inspire innovation.

Societal and Cultural:

• Work-Life Integration: Is this the opposite of work-life balance? When to encourage a societal shift toward converging values.
• Environmental Responsibility: Sustainable practices are vital and the environment is volatile – will the circular economy encompass everything end-to-end?
• Digital Inclusion: Will A.I. companions co-exist with people and expand what we consider as socioeconomic groups?

Economic:

• Cost Optimization: Use technology to reduce operational costs,
• Revenue Diversification: business models and revenue streams, especially those enabled by digital technologies.
• Supply Chain Resilience: leveraging digital tools and data for better visibility and agility.
• Globalization and Localization: Balance globalization with local responsiveness.

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