Technological progress and automation have not yet delivered John Maynard Keynes’ 15-hour working week, but there is no doubt the landscape of the world of work is changing. Globalisation, technological advances, shifting demographics and changing societal values are redefining work as we traditionally know it, creating new opportunities and challenges for businesses.
In such a period of rapid and dramatic change, it is more important than ever to keep a weather eye on the longer-term perspective, to ensure that business models and strategies are developed to survive and thrive in the future. This report looks at some of the current megatrends affecting the world of work and identifies practical steps that employment functions can take now to address key issues facing them. The first section of the report looks at three megatrends – globalisation, technology and changing demographics – and charts their impact on the world of work. In the second section, we look at the impact of these megatrends in the following areas and the key implications for businesses.
- How to deal with an ageing workforce
- Harnessing flexibility
- Social media: benefits and dangers
- Embracing religious diversity
- Facilitating remote working
- Handling the stress epidemic
- Managing technology, personal data and privacy
- Working across borders.