How Ready Is Your Organisation for the Future of Work?

Technology and automation are changing the way we work. Digital transformation is creating new opportunities but also changing how people think about their careers and how they want to spend their time.

The rise of telecommuting, flexible work arrangements, freelancing and gig economy jobs means workers are no longer tied to a desk and a nine-to-five schedule.

According to Deloitte’s Global Human Capital Trend Report, successful companies of the future will likely be those that can adapt more quickly and meet dynamic career demands.

Companies that embrace this new world of work can take advantage of new technologies, rethink their internal processes and explore new ways to engage employees.

Here is how to get started:

#1. Ensure leaders are digitally savvy and harness emerging technologies

Digital transformation starts with the digital mindset of leadership teams

The future of work is not just about automating labour-intensive tasks or replacing employees with artificial intelligence (AI) robots — it is about leveraging technology to drive better outcomes for your customers and stakeholders.

Leaders need to leverage emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, blockchain technology and augmented reality (AR) to transform how they do business. If they don’t, they risk being left behind by competitors embracing this new world of work.

For example, companies that have already started using AI-powered chatbots in customer service have seen up to 50% improvement in customer experience.

#2. Consider how people and technology can work together to drive performance

Human-technology collaboration is essential in the future of work

The future of work is about how people and technology can work together to drive performance. We are already seeing this in companies adopting a digital transformation strategy that uses technology to transform processes, products, and services.

According to a study by Accenture, AI could double annual economic growth by 2035 by changing the nature of work and creating a new relationship between humans and machines. This relationship could also increase labour productivity by up to 40%.

However, to achieve these results, it is crucial that your company doesn’t just focus on technology but also considers the impact on people — both current and future employees. This means understanding the skills needed to achieve business goals and those needed for new jobs that may not yet exist.

#3. Review existing roles to ensure they align with business needs and support organisational growth

To ensure your organisation is ready for the future, you must understand how your people are currently working and what needs to change to meet business goals and support organisational growth.

This means stepping back from the day-to-day operations, analysing existing roles and tasks, and examining how employees work together as a team.

For example, suppose you have multiple jobs requiring employees to work remotely or outside office hours. In that case, new procedures need to be put in place so that everyone is on the same page when it comes to coordinating schedules and communicating with each other.

#4. Create a workplace that is flexible, collaborative, inclusive and has a sense of community

A flexible work arrangement can prepare organisations for this change

To attract and retain top talent in the future, your company must provide a work environment where employees feel comfortable. This includes offering flexible work arrangements, such as working from home or flexible hours, that allow employees to manage their workload better while achieving a work-life balance.

It also means providing opportunities for collaboration between different departments or teams, which can help foster a sense of community among employees.

Equally important is creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong, regardless of where they live or work time-zone.

The Bottom Line

Whatever shape the future of work takes, one thing seems inevitable: companies that embrace technology will have a distinct advantage over those that don’t. Organisations that know their strengths and weaknesses and can align their employees with their goals will be best positioned to succeed.

For over 40years, MacTay has been a leader in human capital development. We have worked with a wide range of businesses across several sectors to design foolproof performance management systems, create sustainable organisational structures, develop digital transformation strategies and prepare businesses for the future of work.

Our range of HR Consulting services includes:

• Human capital strategy
• Performance management
• Digital and sales transformation
• Customer service consultancy

Ready to take the next step? Get in touch, call: +2349139385550, or send us an email: info@mactay.com.