Project Description
Our workforce demographics are changing rapidly. While baby boomers have dominated the workplace for the last two decades, it’s been estimated that more than half of the global workforce are now millennials.
This background of generational change, coupled with developments in technology that are revolutionising society, means that the future of work will likely be very different. To understand where your organisation is heading, these are some of the biggest trends we’re seeing.
A completely mobile workforce
Even prior to the events of 2020 with the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses were embracing a more mobile workforce who work remotely from home periodically or with devices while on the move. This style of work will only increase, as millennials use this mobility to prioritise their work-life balance, while focusing on their productivity and work quality in a way that suits them best.
As people increasingly forego the traditional office and commute, communication and virtual collaboration tools will become more important than ever, and companies will spend more on quality tech solutions – enabling their workforce to chat and work together as if they were right next to each other.
Dependency on the cloud
Based on trends so far, it’s clear that mobility and cloud computing will continue as the technologies that define the future of work. Companies that are not already investing in cloud services must realise these will be essential in the future and should work quickly to incorporate cloud computing into their business strategy.
The cloud is essential for communication tools such as instant messaging and video-conferencing applications, as well as the collaboration tools such as file sharing and document-editing applications. We’ll almost definitely see more major tech companies start to provide single-application, cloud-based solutions that provide all of these functions to businesses in a uniform package.
Cyber security in the mobile workspace
As the landscape of the workplace transforms, companies will have to change their approach to cyber security. Traditionally, an employer has had the advantage of the controlled office environment where they provide the devices for their employees. Increasingly, employees will choose to use their own devices when working remotely, presenting new challenges for employers concerned with cyber security and access to data.
Ensuring all company and personal devices have anti-virus software installed is a basic first step, but the dangers presented by public Wi-Fi networks – essential for mobile working – also have to be countered. This can be achieved by training employees in security awareness, and ensuring any devices used for work are encrypted to protect valuable company and personal data.