Imperial, California - The workplace is evolving faster than ever before. Employers should be aware of - and manage - five overarching trends in order to lead and grow in the future, regardless of geography or industry. Employees’ demand for greater choice and flexibility; access to real-time learning; increased autonomy; a sense of stability; and the ability to work on personally meaningful projects are driving global workplace transformation.
Specifically, the study found:
While most workplace changes are perceived positively, there is fear that automation and smart machines will replace work being done by humans. 92 percent of people believe technology will allow for deeper connections across distance and time. However, 45 percent fear that automation, smart machines and artificial intelligence will replace people for repetitive work.
Openness to workplace changes varies by region. In Asia Pacific, where the population skews younger, 81 percent of people are excited about the future and embracing change, especially the rise of technology. However, Europeans remains wary about workplace shifts as only 59 percent of respondents feel optimistic, and they fear constant role shifting will require learning new skills.
The modern definition of job security requires employees to adapt to different roles. Previously, individuals defined security by tenure. Today, with shifts in the workplace – especially increased automation – employees define security by the reach of their professional network and the ability to tap into relationships to find non-linear jobs that can extend a career. 58 percent of those surveyed believe a standard retirement age will eventually cease to exist.
Younger workers are searching for meaning beyond lucrative salaries to feel fulfilled. 89 percent of all respondents would like to work on personal interests/things that impact society and 82 percent would like to define their own work schedule.
HR departments must improve global connectivity. Human Resource professionals have embraced the need to recruit globally to find the best talent, yet they still often struggle with onboarding global employees or ensuring remote teams are truly connected. 95 percent of employees surveyed believe they will be able to work from anywhere in the world.
As employers strive to remain competitive, they will need to cultivate a work environment that allows for greater freedom and collaboration, manage employee concerns around job security and provide opportunities for meaningful work.
Check back next month when ADP’s Chief Human Resources Officer Dermot O’Brien shares what these future trends mean for HR professionals. Learn more by viewing the full Evolution of Work study here.
