The world of work is, and always has been, changing. The thing about these days is that the pace of change is rapid if not continuous if not always. Below is an excellent video from the World Economic Forum (WEF) and Harvard Business Review (HBR) that outlines five key office work trends that will shape 2024.
These trends are coming to a workplace near all of us. Here are three things that leaders can do to embrace change and enable connection in 2024 and beyond.
Blend work and life
Culture is the set of values, norms, and behaviors that define an organization and its people. Vibes are the emotional atmosphere and energy that create a sense of belonging and connection among the employees. Culture and vibes are crucial for attracting and retaining talent, fostering innovation and creativity, and enhancing performance and well-being.
AI wrote that paragraph and it is mostly accurate and it is super weird and it is super relevant for organizations that are seeking to achieve hybrid work or flexible work or a portfolio of work through productivity metrics and efficiency algorithms
In 2024, culture and vibes will be more important than ever, as organizations will have to adapt to the diverse and evolving needs of their workforce, customers, and society. A work life blend is enabled when there is psychological safety and mostly good tension within a community. When such things exist folks are more empowered (and supported) to adopt a “portfolio approach” that blends their work and life, expands capacity for intergenerational care, and challenges the outdated nine-to-five business model then we know we are experiencing future-focused office work.
Enable work from anywhere
Work from anywhere is the ability to work from any location, whether it is the office, home, a coworking space, or a coffee shop in alignment with an organization’s or clients’ needs, requirements, contract, and/or demands. Work from anywhere is enabled by the advancements in technology, such as cloud computing, mobile devices, and video conferencing, that allow employees to collaborate with their colleagues and clients from anywhere.
By the end of this year In working from anywhere will be the norm, not the exception, as organizations will have to offer more flexibility and autonomy to their employees, and employees will have to balance their work and personal lives. Work from anywhere will also open up new opportunities and challenges for both employees and employers. Employees will have to manage their time, productivity, and collaboration effectively, and develop skills such as self-motivation, communication, and problem-solving. Employers will have to rethink their policies, processes, and systems to support their remote and hybrid workforce, and measure their performance and engagement based on outcomes, not inputs.
Learn in the flow of work
Learning in the flow of work is the concept of integrating learning and development into the daily work activities and tasks of the employees, rather than separating them as formal and structured events. Learning in the flow of work is enabled by the interconnection of digital and interactive learning content, such as micro-learning, podcasts, videos, and gamification, with skill and career development that aligns with a greater purpose or objective.
Workers everywhere need to cope with rapid changes and disruptions and take ownership of their learning and career development. Learning in the flow of work enables employees to access and share learning content that is relevant, timely, and in alignment with their abilities and goals. Organizations will have to support and promote a culture of continuous learning and feedback to fully realize learning in the flow of work.
To succeed in this new world of work, organizations and employees will have to embrace these trends and adapt accordingly.