Imagine you’re back in 1984. (If you weren’t working or alive yet, imagine anyway.) The concept of working from anywhere, anytime, with anyone, using any device meant you were either a carrier pigeon or in a grunge band. The only intelligent machines were box PCs and CD players (links provided for millennials and Gen Zs).

Things like AI, skills on-demand, and DE&I didn’t exist. Even Dolly Parton worked from 9 to 5.

But this is 2024. Seamless experiences are commonplace, and while intelligent machines continue evolving, the focus on human well-being is more significant than ever before.

Here are the six trends transforming work as we know it:

1. AI and automation

According to a World Economic Forum report, 85 million jobs may be displaced by machines by 2025, while 97 million new roles may emerge to cater to the dynamic between humans and machines.

In finance, for example, AI and automation can help accountants to take a more advisory role. AI frees a lot of time for IT professionals to help with urgent hardware or software issues, instead of carrying out routine admin tasks. And engineers can work with technology to innovate new structural solutions.

From product and service innovation, through process and operational efficiency, to customer and stakeholder engagement, the possibilities are endless…

2. The “new age”

Gen Z and millennials will dominate the global workforce by 2025.

These generations have distinct characteristics and expectations that set them apart from their predecessors. They want meaningful work that aligns with their personal and social values, and crave autonomy, flexibility, and creativity.

One specific attribute differentiates them from other generations: they’re digital natives. Using tech, social media, and online platforms is ingrained in their being.

The point? Gen Z and millennials can learn a thing or two from the rest, who are more experienced and more knowledgeable, but the rest can learn from them, too.

3. Diversity, equity and inclusion

DE&I will continue evolving as long as there are positive and productive results, especially in the context of globalisation and social movements.

So far, we’ve seen improved innovation, creativity and problem-solving, increased customer satisfaction, reduced turnover, the list goes on – all thanks to embracing and leveraging our differences.

But how can DE&I evolve more than it already has? By talking about it.

Although companies worldwide have implemented policies and procedures claiming DE&I adherence, addressing bias, promoting a sense of belonging, and promoting equity are becoming more critical. It’s a seeing-is-believing situation.

4. Well-being and mental health

Worldly stressors aren’t lessening; they’re increasing. Wars, cyber threats, innovation, work models, and other changes take hold of our nerves, directly and indirectly impacting how we cope and perform daily.

Resources, policies, and programmes are great ways to promote physical, emotional, and psychological wellness. How can you help? By providing health and wellness benefits, implementing flexible work policies, and creating a culture of care, compassion, and empathy.

5. Learning and development

L&D isn’t a nice-to-have. A LinkedIn report states that 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their learning and development.

Relevant, accessible, and actionable learning opportunities and tools are essential for employees to develop their professional prowess. For example, machine learning can help finance professionals develop new or improved products or services, and accessing machine learning requires training.

Whenever innovation sticks out its head, learning and development must follow to ensure that humans advance alongside technology.

6. Employee experience

Employee experience is the sum of all the interactions and perceptions employees have with their employer, from when they apply for a job until they leave a job. It’s the critical driver of workplace culture, influencing employee satisfaction, engagement, and performance.

How can you improve the employee experience?

• Getting expert help with data, analytics, and design thinking

• Working on seamless and integrated systems, processes, and policies

• Supporting a unique and personalised workplace experience

Ready for the 2024 workplace? Contact Communicate Recruitment for more information.