The key dimensions of work — the who, what, when and where — are changing rapidly because of advances in technology, flexible work models and alternative sources of talent. Our Dynamics of Work Survey reveals that organizations that prepare for and manage people, business and operational risks are better positioned to capture the upside potential of work transformation.
Disruptive forces
The increasing frequency and magnitude of economic, social, political and environmental disruptions along with rapid advances in artificial intelligence are affecting how and where work gets done. Furthermore, employees’ expectations of work are changing as labor supply growth declines in most geographies, technology offers more choice and social media amplifies grievances. Additionally, greater transparency in areas such as pay helps workers make informed employment choices. To sustain new ways of working, leaders need to anticipate the downstream consequences of their decisions and proactively manage the risks while capturing the opportunities.
How is work changing?
Organizations expect to make changes in three key areas to improve productivity and better manage the cost of work while meeting the changing expectations of the labor force: 1) offering greater flexibility in when and where people do their work, 2) increasing the use of technology and automation, and 3) tapping alternative sources of talent.
Increased flexibility in working conditions. In three years, organizations expect that over half of their employees (55%) will be working hybrid or fully remote, up from 14% three years ago.
Our 2022 Global Benefits Attitudes Survey — which explores the sentiments of workers regarding benefits and work/leave policies — shows that flexible work ranked among the top three benefits that employees globally want employers to focus on. Offering more flexibility around where and when work gets done will also help support employees with caregiving responsibilities, disabilities and, chronic health conditions and, in general, further the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) agenda.
