Kate Barker shares her expert insights to highlight what she believes is in store for the future of work
ADOPTION OF VALUES-BASED LEADERSHIP :
Companies are increasingly recognising the importance of values-based leadership , which involves aligning business practices with a set of core values . This approach can help companies build stronger relationships with employees , customers and stakeholders , and can lead to greater long-term success .
GREATER EMPHASIS ON SKILLS DEVELOPMENT :
As technology continues to advance , people will need to continually develop new skills to remain relevant in the workforce . People will need to invest in their own development , stay curious and constantly learn , while companies will need to invest in training and development programmes to help employees stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends . As skills become obsolete in two to five years , we will stop focusing so heavily on teaching skills . Instead , we need to teach ‘ learning ’.
INCREASING DEMAND FOR ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES :
Consumers and employees are becoming more conscious of the ethical implications of their purchasing and employment decisions . As a result , companies that prioritise ethical business practices , such as transparency , fairness and accountability , are likely to be more successful in the long run .
FOCUS ON EMPLOYEE WELLBEING :
As work becomes more demanding and the lines between work and home become increasingly blurred , companies may need to place greater emphasis on employee wellbeing . This could include initiatives such as flexible work arrangements , mental health support and wellness programmes .
THE RISE OF THE TALENT MARKETPLACE , THE GIG ECONOMY , FREELANCING , CONTRACT WORK AND SHORT-TERM PROJECTS :
These are becoming increasingly common , and many people are choosing work arrangements suited to themselves , rather than traditional full-time roles . This trend is likely to continue and companies may need to adapt to a more fluid workforce .
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