How Is the Way We Work Changing?

Change can be gradual in business, but it’s also inevitable. The core concepts of 10 years ago can quickly become quaint, old-fashioned or even off-putting, and it’s up to business leaders to stay current with the changing trends and ideas.

4 Workforce and Career Trends To Pay Attention To 

1. Looking for fulfillment

The boundary between work life and personal life is blurring, with people trying to find purpose and meaning in both.

Previously, entry-level employees were expected to spend the first few years working long hours, doing menial tasks. Once they ‘paid their dues’ and were promoted, these people would then pass the baton of menial work to those who come after them. While this may have been normal, our expectation of early-career work is shifting: People aren’t as willing to do menial work for the prospect of better status or pay. Instead, they are trying to find a fulfilling job in the start of their career.

Noting this trend, employers are striving to provide their workers with a better work/life balance and better overall wellbeing. Companies are trying to give lower-level staff members more independence and ownership and avoid asking them to work overtime and weekends.

2. More freelancers and remote workers

The internet has had a major influence on the way we work, making it possible for us to work from almost anywhere. The ‘workplace’ is not physical location anymore, and businesses are increasingly accommodating remote working arrangements. From an AirBnB in Buenos Aires to a cafe in New York, today’s workers have the freedom to do their job from almost anywhere.

In response to this shift, organizations are starting to evaluate success in terms of output, not the amount of time on the clock. The best employers don’t care about how many hours someone is at their workstation or office. Instead, employers just want results.

3. The rise of automation

Every single job can be impacted by automation. From accounting to journalism to law, any industry that has repetitive, manual tasks will likely see a computer ultimately take over those tasks.

While automation may get rid of some jobs altogether, it will also produce greater economic productivity that will allow for new kinds of jobs. Previous industrial revolutions made it possible for the massive expansion in other kinds of jobs and the creation of entirely new industries.

The concern around the employment implications of automation is understandable. However, the labor market is constantly being disrupted these days. The result is a need for professionals to constantly learn new skills, and employers should create opportunities for employees to regularly retrain and reskill.

4. Employee empowerment

Staff members who are armed with the abilities and opportunities to make a difference for customers leads to success that resonates throughout the business. Empowering your staff members has been a hot topic in recent years and will continue to be as businesses look for both a competitive advantage and to retain top talent.

Looking for top IT talent?

At SMCI, we keep our finger on the pulse of business culture to better serve our clients. If your organization is currently looking for an in-the-know staffing partner, please contact us today.