The Future of Work
THE FUTURE OF WORK
The future of work is a forecast of how work, workers, and workplaces will change over time.
Over the past few decades, the way people work has changed because of globalization, shifting power structures, and the growing economic role of financial markets. New and developing technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and big data are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the jobs of the future by moving jobs between industries, changing the tasks that people do in their current jobs, and changing how people connect with their work. Traditional jobs are starting to look more and more like freelance jobs, with unpredictable hours and less secure working conditions and pay.
And with COVID-19, almost all jobs that used to be done in offices are now done at the comfort of their home.
During this time, there were a lot of job losses and a lot of job gains. This is important because it helps get ready for new technologies that will lead to growth and expansion in the work industry economy right away, if not right away.
Two strong trends are shaping the future of work: the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace and the growth of the workforce to include both on-balance-sheet and off-balance-sheet talent. What could change about the workplace, the people who work there, and how work is done.
People are fighting hard for the jobs that are open because of these changes. The word “talent” has been replaced with “skills.” This means what you can do is more important than who you say you are. People have a long way to go before they can get used to the way things are now or will be in the future, since these worries keep getting worse.
At the same time, as technological innovation changes more parts of the economy, putting people out of work and changing the nature of their jobs, deep economic anxiety leads to a lack of trust in democratic institutions and makes old prejudices and forms of discrimination worse.
Some labor market policies, which help set the terms of employment and how employers and employees work together, have not kept up. Thousands if not millions of workers can’t just deal with the changing market and rising economic risks as many cannot afford to.
If new technologies are used the right way, it could lead to new industries, jobs, and greater work ethics. Technology doesn’t have to replace work; it can also add to it. To make the most of this potential, we will need strong policies, rules, and standards, as well as new ways to do business that improve the quality of work and make the economy more stable.
The future of work is certainly bright for those who are skilled and prepared enough for it. Times are changing, so also work. More so, organizations should formulate policies that will enable it thrive in the ever changing work industry, as this will help coordinate a clear set of strategic priorities. And by defining these policies and carrying them, they will be able to get the most out of their technological, human, and financial resources.