The workplace has undergone significant transformation in recent years, and this evolution is set to continue. As we move forward, it’s clear that flexibility, digital collaboration, and employee well-being will play an increasingly central role in shaping the future of work.
There’s plenty to be excited about, and this evolution may be why younger generations are feeling broadly positive about the future of work, according to the latest PwC Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey.
Embracing these changes can lead to countless benefits such as attracting employees, improving retention, and boosting productivity and creativity. Here are some top tips for companies keen to future-proof their work environments.
Prioritise diversity and inclusion
Not only is it the right thing to do, but pushing for greater diversity and inclusion is also good for business. There’s growing social awareness regarding discrimination and representation, so actively working to create an inclusive and diverse workforce can help companies appeal to customers who want to support businesses that share their values.
There’s also plenty of research to suggest that diverse and inclusive companies are more creative, make better strategic decisions, and are more profitable.
Training can raise awareness of unconscious biases and inclusive practices within an organization, helping to retain diverse talent through inclusion and belonging. For example, inclusive leadership training and cultural awareness training can aid understanding of different cultures, beliefs and values, and help ensure that all viewpoints are valued and heard.
Unconscious bias training is also important. As the EW Group explains, unconscious biases are assumptions that are implicit rather than explicit and are often displayed subtly and without premeditation or intention”. This makes them harder to detect and manage, so professional training could support companies in this area.
Shedding light on these biases equips hiring teams with tools to mitigate their impact. By raising awareness and implementing practices like standardized interview questions and anonymous CV reviews, unconscious bias training helps ensure the best person for the job gets hired, regardless of background, leading to a more diverse and successful team.
These initiatives could be further supported with new company policies, such as an anti-discrimination policy, equal pay and promotion opportunities, and clear grievance procedures.
Embrace flexible work policies
Allowing employees to exercise some control over when and where they work will continue to be hugely important for the future of work. This can also help create a more inclusive working culture. For example, parents might prefer to work around their children’s needs and some people with disabilities may feel more comfortable and productive working from home.
What’s more, many jobseekers are now expecting to see flexible work options from prospective employers, and as Covid-19 showed, flexible work can help companies stay adaptable.
Technology is very important for companies who want to offer flexible work policies. Employees may need equipment such as laptops and smartphones if they don’t have their own, or if there are security concerns regarding them using their personal devices. Online collaboration tools, like video conferencing and project management software, are also essential to allow employees to work together from different locations, and adequate training will be needed to ensure everyone can use this technology as needed.
Good communication must be a priority too, with regular check-ins and updates helping everyone stay connected and feel part of the team, and remember that flexible work can only be a success if companies trust their staff to manage their own time and work.
Provide continuous learning and development
Many people want to work for a company that helps them grow. PwC’s Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey found that Gen Zs are likely to believe that their employer will help them acquire the skills they need for the future, and more likely than older generations to say that employers are allowing them to exercise new skills. And with rapid technological and market change, a commitment to continuous learning and development is vital to future-proof the workforce.
Working with employees to create personalized plans can set them up to achieve their career goals while meeting the company’s needs. This plan should be integrated into performance reviews so managers can monitor their development and provide additional support where needed.
In addition to training programs and other learning resources like books and forums, companies could offer mentoring and coaching schemes that allow employees to learn from their colleagues.
Finally, creating a culture where knowledge sharing is encouraged will help build a culture where people can grow. This could be through regular team meetings, presentations, or informal chat groups where employees can share what they’ve learned.
