The working life is undergoing constant change, and several trends have been identified in recent years. Digitalization, globalization, and changing needs of workforce significantly impact how employees will work in the future.
The future work environment will be even more diverse and technology-driven. Organizations that recognize working life trends and focus on creating meaningful and productive work environments for their employees will be well-prepared to face future challenges successfully.
1. Employee Well-being and Meaningful Work
Employee well-being and emphasizing the meaningfulness of work have become central factors in the workplace. In Tuudo’s 2022 working life survey*, students rated meaningful work as one of the most critical values in their future careers.
It is crucial for employers to establish supportive work environments that promote employee well-being and personal growth. Organizations have come to understand that employee well-being and job satisfaction are key to productivity. Retaining a good employee is also much more cost-effective than recruiting a new one.
2. Flexible Work Culture and Increased Remote Work
The widespread adoption of remote work has been one of the most significant changes in today’s workplace. The so-called hybrid model has become common, and many employers allow employees to work remotely and offer increased flexibility in working hours. Digital tools and technological advancements enable employees to work from anywhere, providing more autonomy and work-life balance. Flexibility and opportunity for remote work are also things that employees often demand when looking for a job.
Remote and hybrid work bring along opportunities but also challenges, as employers need to find new ways to manage and organize work. Read more here.
3. Diversity in the Workplace
Diversity and inclusion will play a crucial role in the future. Different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can enrich the work environment, promoting creativity and innovation. Finnish Institute of Occupational Health highlights several benefits of diversity, including customer satisfaction, financial profitability, workplace attractiveness, and organizational reputation. Supporting diversity will be a vital part of organizations’ strategies for recruitment and building a strong work community.
4. Impact of Technology and Artificial Intelligence
The rapid development of technology significantly influences the workplace. Industrial automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics can automate routine tasks, while digital tools and platforms facilitate communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. This can affect the nature of work and require new skills and adaptability. However, despite working constantly surrounded by technology, human beings are not machines and working life will always require humanity. The importance of soft values, such as compassion and communication skills, will not disappear.
The development of AI has taken significant leaps forward in recent years. As AI usage grows in the workplace, future employees will need to collaborate with AI effectively. Human-AI cooperation will increase across various fields, and future workers need to be able to utilize AI-generated data to make decisions. As a result, critical thinking and the ability to apply knowledge will become increasingly important.
5. Lifelong Learning and Education
The rapidly changing workplace demands continuous learning and updating of skills. Lifelong learning has become an essential factor for success at work. Employees are expected to acquire new skills, develop their expertise, and adapt to new tasks and technologies.
However, the responsibility for skill development should not rest solely on employees’ shoulders. Employers must provide support and, most importantly, time for employee training and self-improvement. Organizations should offer sufficient opportunities for education and development to keep their employees up-to-date and ensure their success in the future workplace. This is also beneficial for employers.
*Tuudo’s annual working life survey explores students’ thoughts and opinions on the job market and their future careers. Many working life trends are evident in the survey responses. Contact us if you want to learn more.