The Future Of The Workplace: What’s Real And What’s Hype

by Mike Miadich on Oct 24, 2016 in Job Market

There is possibly no word in the English language better suited to inducing daydreams than the word “future.” Some see the word and immediately think of robots and flying cars, while others envision paperwork being completely replaced by digital programs. Whatever the case, we all can agree that the world changes rapidly, and the future of the workplace is one that will not be the same as it is today. There have been many predictions in the media about the future of the workplace; let’s take a look at what’s real and what’s just hype.

PREDICTION #1: HR OUTSOURCING WILL THRIVE

It’s no secret that current companies are using staffing firms to lower costs in hiring tech talent, but will they outsource other HR duties as well? It is predicted that new technology will assist non-HR employees to perform current low-level HR tasks. At the same time, companies will be looking to outside HR experts to help understand changing laws and unique personnel situations.

The verdict? Real. While the HR department won’t go completely extinct, constantly improving technology is already helping employees to better fill out time sheets, check their remaining vacation time, review records of pay stubs, and accomplish many more tasks that once required input from an HR representative. Likewise, laws affecting and protecting employees are regularly updated. A smaller business trying to keep up with complicated changes will find it easier to rely on outsourced experts.

PREDICTION #2: COMPANIES FINALLY GO GREEN

Some organizations treat environmental stewardship like a marketing gimmick while others lead the charge in reducing waste and lowering their ecological footprint. By 2022, typical organizations will have drastically reduced waste, using more efficient means of production, and aligning their views to ones of more sustainable living.

Real. Not only are environmental laws getting tighter, forcing organizations to commit to conservation and sustainability, but job seekers prefer working for sustainable companies. When given two offers from competing companies, if all else is similar a candidate will likely choose to work for the more green organization. This, along with the fact that major companies such as Coke and Levi’s are already touting their sustainability in order to win over environmentally conscious millennials, means more companies will be going green.

PREDICTION #3: WORK-LIFE BALANCE IS LOST

With people increasingly connected to digital devices, the internet, and cloud computing, work-life balance will shift to work-life integration. Lines will blur, with employees becoming accessible at all times causing them to create a new mixture of working hours. They will increasingly and routinely be working while off the clock and out of the office, and this will become the norm.

This one? Hype. While it’s undeniable that people are connected like never before, businesses will not foster this environment if they want to attract top talent and keep their employees from burning out. Many are accustomed to working off the clock and answering emails on the weekends, but a full-blown loss of work-life balance is one that employees as a whole will not stand for, and will ultimately drain productivity. In an effort to win and retain the best candidates, organizations will tout their unparalleled work-life balance as a selling point of their company culture.

PREDICTION #4: GOODBYE TO THE OFFICE, HELLO TO GLOBAL TALENT WARFARE

The increasing usage of the internet has birthed businesses that are completely remote, only operating over cell towers and fiber optic cables. More and more organizations will save on physical costs by employing remote workers. Likewise, by 2020 there will be 18 million less high-skilled workers than there are openings for those workers, creating a fierce global search and competition for talent.

Real, and job-seekers in certain IT industries have already found themselves to be extremely in-demand. With information being the driving force behind business, companies will seek out candidates that meet their need no matter where they might live, allowing them to use their tech skills remotely from home. While certain industries may be immune and require a physical presence to tackle their trade, more and more are employing roles that can be done mostly through a fast internet connection.

THE FUTURE OF THE WORKPLACE

Daydreaming about the future is an interesting exercise, but nobody will really know what the future will hold until it arrives. What is sure is that the workplace has changed over the years, and it is sure to continue to change for many more. The advent of the internet has created an entire new way of working and living, and as it continues to alter more work processes and ways of living, so too will the workplace change.

EdgeLink stays on the forefront of evolving technology to locate and deliver the most knowledgeable tech talent in a rapidly changing industry. If you need assistance navigating the present workplace landscape to find the best tech talent, contact us today.