3 Ways to Prepare for the ‘Future Of Work’
“One day offices will be a thing of the past.” Sir Richard Branson. The workforce, jobs, and the way we do business are changing and will continue to change at a rapid pace. Labelled the ‘Future of Work’, what does it mean for us, and how can we prepare?
The reference to the Future of Work is about the rise of the digital economy, artificial intelligence and robotics, and the impact the growth, expansion and increasing reliance on this technology and automation will have on workplaces and jobs.
The fast pace growth of the digital economy, technology and automation will continue to impact how we work, the type of work we do, and even where we work. There are already shifts that we have seen such as flexible and more collaborative workplaces, agile processes, and more fluid structures and strategies. Disruption that will soon enough pick up pace. Here are three ways to prepare.
Change acceptance
While more and new types of change mean more potential uncertainty, it also means more opportunity and wider career choices. Rather than fight the change or pretend to ignore it, consider the opportunities for your career or business. It is anticipated there will be different ways of working via improved connectivity and collaboration. There will be different types of jobs with different skill requirements that will bring excitement in how they embrace technology, provide an employee and customer experience, and are fun to perform. Hence more opportunity to change career or try something you may not have considered before.
Skill enrichment
Research what the Future of Work means for your role, your area of expertise, and your industry. No matter where you are in your career or business, consider the proposed skills gaps and determine what you need to fill those gaps. In a Future Of Jobs Report issued at the World Economic Forum in 2016, skills such as ‘Creativity’, ‘Emotional Intelligence’ and ‘Cognitive Flexibility’ featured more prominently in the Top 10 skills needed at work in 2020. (Note 1)
Brand development
As workplaces, jobs and businesses change, the one thing that is going to make you stand out, be noticed, and get ahead is your personal brand. Your brand is what you stand for, what you want to be known for, and defines an identity that makes you different to everyone else. Your personal brand is a reflection of your behaviours, characteristics and value add qualities. Brand building ensures you are personally equipped for the Future of Work in your career or business.
To embrace the Future of Work, you need to determine your options, brush up on critical skills, and build your brand. I’m interested to hear your thoughts on your preparation.
Note 1 – Gray, A 2016, 11 experts at Davos on the future of work, World Economic Forum, viewed 23 September 2018, https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/01/11-experts-at-davos-on-the-future-of-work/
